What we Did on Dylan's bday

We'd been talking up Dylan's birthday for weeks. His party wouldn't be until the weekend, a few days after his birthday, but we definitely had to make him feel like king of the day on the actual date. He chose his favorite skeleton pj's to wear for his very last night as a 2 year old and chose pancakes for his very first breakfast as a 3 year old. Even before breakfast, he got to open his very first present.

Star Wars Wompa and TonTon

Mickey Mouse Birthday Pancakes
We all sang to him and he practiced blowing out a candle.

As you can see, I only have numbered candles and we had to save the "3" for the actual birthday cake.

Cade was having a bit of a rough morning and just wouldn't nap unless on me. I tried to put him down a couple of times after he fell asleep only for him to wake up immediately and have a very fussy time going back down. That meant we didn't get ready and out of the house until about 11. We decided to explore a nearby attraction that the library offered passes to - the Garden in the Woods. With 4 passes for the adults, the birthday boy was the only one we had to pay full price for thanks to him now officially being 3 and his Dad having a big mouth and telling that age to the front desk. I hadn't really considered that aspect of this big birthday but it looks like we'll actually have to start paying for Dylan's entrance everywhere since just about all places are free only for 2 and under.

The Garden in the Woods was just that - a wooded area with a wild flower layout of plants. It was really lovely. the paths were stroller friendly and Dylan enjoyed walking around and looking at the plants with his parents and grandparents. Mike enjoyed taking pictures of the flowers.

A highlight of the trip was the pond. Dylan and I were looking for frogs but instead we found turtles and lots of them!

Turtle on the Lily Pad

A Little Closer

After exploring for a while, we headed back to the house so Dylan could take a late nap. We woke him up around 4 so that we could have another adventure. But first, presents from Mimaw and Pipaw to open:

Fun Giraffe Hat and More Star Wars Toys!

Then we were off to the Discovery Museum. We found out about it while perusing the library passes and found out it's free on Fridays from 4:30 to 8:30.

Dinosaur in Front of the Museum

Brothers!

The museum is in a beautiful old victorian home and each room has a different theme. It was pretty cool. Dylan wanted to pop into and through each room pretty quickly. After seeing all of them, he went back to a couple and spent some good quality time in them. The room set up like a diner and the rainbow rooms were favorites. Of course, I somehow didn't get pictures in those.

Cade and Dylan both loved this contraption.
You moved the stack of washers up the pole and watch and hear them fall down.

Cade and I made our exit so I could feed him and Dylan played in the safari room with Dad and Pipaw.

With growling tummies, we made our way back to our neighborhood and went to a local Italian food place. The last time we went, Dylan ate a meatball the size of his head. Anywhere he'll eat we'll go back to. Of course, what's a birthday dinner without presents? While his presents did the job of keeping him somewhat occupied, Cade was back to being a fussy mess so Mike and my Dad took turns walking with him outside. He finally fell asleep just in time for us to leave.

It had been quite the adventurous day for this new 3 year old, so it was off to bed for Dylan as soon as we got back. He enjoyed his day and was glad to do some special things. But, the fun would continue the next day....