Tayden Birthday

Another birthday at the Packard house. Tayden turned the big THREE. I can't believe even it. I remember bringing him from the hospital and not having a clue what to do with a baby and now he is a preschooler. It just blows my mind. He day started at 6:30 (way too early for us) yelling, "It's my birthday! Sing Happy  Birthday to me!" His birthday was fun this year because he knew exactly what was going on and what he wanted as far the party went. We had to do his day a little backwards because of Scotts scouts. We opened presents right after breakfast while we were still in our PJ's. It was seriously just like Christmas again for this little boy. He loved it.

 Not the best picture but would you look at that face? He was so excited about his helicopter.

Tayden got BSU pillow-pet and Beckett loved giving it kisses!

Tayden got to play with all his new toys for a little while and then it was off to the birthday party. We were originally going to do it in our backyard, but the wind has been a little chilly lately (I know we have nothing to complain about. If we still lived in Idaho, and outdoor party would be out of question.), so we opted for the church house instead. We had a pizza party and brought balls for all the kids. They just ran around, kicked balls and chased each other. They had a blast! Tayden had fun giving all his friends a ball to take home when the party was over. As we were cleaning he told me, "Mom. Birthday parties are fun!"

This was the only picture I could get of Tayden and two of his best (boy) friends. Sheppard, Caleb and Tayden are in the same nursery and see each other a couple times a week. The little three amigos.

Beckett and his buddy Jackson. Don't mind B's shirt, he had  little too much to drink!

We couldn't get Shep over to take pictures, but Tayden and Caleb were all about the camera. Silly boys.

I wish I had a picture of his cake. I snapped one with my phone, but it decided to stop working-so I stole one from the internet (sorry dev!) It looked just like this, but with green frosting. Tayden picked it out all by himself, so he loved it. 

And I have to say a little something about my LV friends. They are the greatest. Seriously, they are all so amazing. I could not ask for a better support system as I am away from my family. They all pitched in and helped with the party. They are always more than willing to take my kids or help when we need them. They were so welcoming to me and have taken me in as one of their own. I feel part of something great among these moms. I seriously can not say enough good things about this group of ladies. I appreciate and love them so much.

Taydens friends spoiled him rotten. He is so lucky to have so many great friends his age. He loves all of them and talks about them individually on a daily basis.

After the party, we all went home and crashed. Scott had a Pine Wood Derby for scouts tonight, so we went and hung out with him during that. Tayden even got to race his car. He loved it. 

Tayden made me a mommy 3 years ago and I am so grateful for him. I learn from him daily and am amazed by his selfless giving, ingenuity, and free love. He makes me laugh and melts my heart. At 3 years old Tayden:

-Is becoming his own person. He has always had an opinion about things, but now is exercising his independence on a daily basis. Little things like, getting in the car by himself, pulling out his chair, turning on the TV, throwing away his garbage-all remind me how big he is getting.

-Loves Beckett. He is an amazing big brother. He always tries to sooth Beckett with toys or food- and it usually works.

-Is so quick to say thank you. He says thank you over the funniest little things, like when we get his milk, buy him more crackers at the store or help put his shoes on. I love it.

-Is getting better at pronunciation. He is speaking more clearly, but is still hard to understand over the phone. We have to remind him to slow down when he gets excited. Sometimes he mumbles when he's nervous, but overall he's getting much better.

-Thinks things through and problem solves. Its not unusual to see him standing on something with a wooden spoon trying to knock a treat or whatever down.

-Loves all things Toy Story.

-Knows all the words to, "I Love To See The Temple", "I am a Child of God", "Twinkle Twinkle", and "Happy Birthday".

-Loves to read his scriptures.

-Says prayers mostly independently. Tonight, I caught him praying for his candy before he ate it.

-Is still very athletic. He is constantly running, jumping, catching, etc. He has great coordination for his age.

I LOVE this little boy! He is so amazing. He is a handful at times and we have our fair share of time-out days. He can be a challenge with his stubborn little attitude, but we love him all the same. I am so grateful he is my son. 

Happy Birthday, Cowboy!