Jamie Turns 3!
It seems like we’ve started a tradition to make Jamie’s birthday more of a weekend event than just a “day”. This birthday post will be quite long, if it is anything like the 2nd birthday post.
Jamie’s birthday was on Friday. Daddy took him to the Donut Shop to buy donuts to share with his friends at breakfast. After nap time, mom and dad came to daycare with red cars cupcakes (he requested red cake) and goody bags for all of his classmates (thanks, Grandma Susan). After eating cupcakes and candy and making a huge mess out of the classroom, we headed to pick up Alex and get on the road to Rapid City for the Memorial Day weekend. When we got to Rapid City, we went and unpacked our luggage and stuff at the hotel and checked out WaTiki waterpark, which is connected to the hotel we stayed in. Jamie loved watching the kids going down the waterslides, etc and it was hard to convince him to leave. After that we headed to Chili’s to have a big birthday supper with Grandma Susan, Grandpa Neil, Grandma Kathy, Grandpa Denny and Aunt Misty. Jamie had a good time and he even got a special birthday surprise from the waiters. A guy named Joe came and got Jamie and put him on his shoulders and asked everyone in the whole restaurant to tell Jamie happy birthday. Mom was afraid Jamie would freak out and cry – but he absolutely LOVED it and the looks on his face were priceless. Unfortunately no one had a camera. 
After a fancy dessert for Jamie, we headed back to the hotel to show all of the grandparents the cool waterpark. THEN, we headed to Target to do a little birthday shopping. Jamie had $20 from Aunt Patty and Uncle Mike to spend on a new toy for his birthday and Grandma Kathy and Misty also wanted to take him shopping for his birthday (spoiled?). Jamie really loved picking out what he wanted and had a good time shopping. He got the movie Madagascar from Grandma, some new dinosaurs from Misty and a big car that does funny stuff from Mike and Patty. Before bed Jamie got to open his gifts from Grandma Kathy, Grandpa Denny and Aunt Misty. He got a bunch of new summer clothes, a book and a slinky (in addition to the four-wheeler mom, dad, grandma and grandpa gave him a couple of weekends ago). FUN!
On Saturday we were supposed to go to Mount Rushmore to meet up with my (Nicole) cousins Shiloh and Jamie and their son Tyler. After Mount Rushmore we were going to spend some time at Storybook Island. Unfortunately it was rainy and cold in the hills so we stayed at the hotel and started our fun at the waterpark. Grandma and Grandpa watched Alex while mom and dad and Misty played with Jamie and had some fun of their own on the big slides. We went to Red Lobster for lunch and then back to the room for some much needed naps! After nap time Shi, Jamie and Tyler arrived at the hotel and we went back to the waterpark for a few hours. I think everyone had a great time, especially Tyler. We had a late supper at Friday’s and headed to bed.
Jamie and Daddy going down the slide (this is the only time Jamie went down).
Floating the Lazy River
Daddy and Jamie in Koko’s Kingdom
Grandpa Denny watching Alex
Tyler and Jamie at Fridays – they were such good boys!
Sunday, we had breakfast with the group and spent some more time in the water. Jamie finally decided that he actually Liked the water by the time we were ready to leave. He was pretty scared all day Saturday, but was super sad that we had to leave in the end. Figures. We said goodbye to Jamie, Shi and Tyler (it was SO great to see them!) and headed to Sam’s club to buy groceries, diapers, etc. A quick trip to Sears and the cafe court at the mall for lunch and we were on the road home! It was exhausting but fun. We would definitely recommend Watiki… fun, fun, fun - even though Ryan did break his toe on the bottom of the pool! OUCH!
My cousin Shiloh and sister Misty
Sunday after we got home we hung out with Andy and Jamie played with his new toys, which he loves.
Monday the kids actually let us sleep in! It was so nice. Ryan and I decided to attempt a birthday cake for Jamie, as we were having ice cream with Grandma Susan, Grandpa Neil, Grandma Betty and Uncle Andy after nap-time so that Jamie could open his birthday gifts from them. It actually turned out pretty nice, considering I was helping decorate it and I have no talent. (good thing for dad).
The Cake
At 3 we went over to Neil and Susan’s. Jamie opened his gifts and then played with his presents. We had cake and ice cream and he played some more. Susan surprised us with a big pot of scalloped potatoes and ham for supper so Ryan and I didn’t even have to cook supper! After supper we headed home and got the kids in bed. I was actually in bed and asleep by 9:30 last night and Ryan stayed up and played games with Derek and was up to feed Alex at 12 so I only had to get up once last night ~ it was wonderful and I slept so good (on our new bed)!!
Jamie sees his Cars cake for the first time
Opening gifts
First XBOX game!!
Baseball from Andy…
The stoplight Grandpa made for Jamie (if you know Jamie, you know he LOVES stoplights!)
Daddy showing Jamie how to hit the ball
Rzr from grandma and grandpa
He seems to be a natural driver – we’re in trouble!!!
It was a great – but exhausting birthday weekend! Today mom and dad are saying “It’s diet time!” I will post more pictures of the waterpark and of Jamie playing with his new toys when I get them. 
Alex Updates: He was 2 months old yesterday!
Mother’s Day Weekend
We had an interesting weekend… Mother’s Day Banquet on Friday at Daycare… My sister’s graduation in Mitchell that night… Company for the weekend… Everyone got sick Saturday with the stomach flu… VERY low key mother’s day Sunday!
Jamie and his classmates performing in the Mother’s Day program at Daycare.
Pictured: Jamie, Gracie, Nolan, Tayshaun, Barrett and Jordan
The Beautiful flowers my husband arranged for me for Mother’s Day (isn’t he a great guy?)
Alex playing
Jamie and Daddy relaxing
This is the “are you ever going to stop shining that bright light in my face?” face.
Jamie got one of his birthday presents early, since my parents picked it up on their way to Pierre. He LOVES it!
Outside… finally!
It was a beautiful night last night so we headed outside to try Jamie’s new airplane out. He LOVED it!
And, some updates on Alex…
