Alex's 3rd Bday (also known as "ARGHH like a Pirate Day")

Today marked my cuddle buddy's third birthday.  We spent the day as a family and decided to forgo the party.  As much as I think that he would've loved spending time with other kids, Blake has been working so much that I thought some quality family time would be a better use of the precious day.  Blake actually scored the day of off, so that was way nice-considering he missed the birthday party last year.
We started the day with breakfast at IHOP which is Alex's favorite restaurant.  He LOVES pancakes (Blake says he's just like great-grandma) and so we got him the kids platter with 5 flapjacks.  He also scored a couple glasses of chocolate milk.  I usually don't let him load up to much on the sugar, but it was his birthday so we splurged.
Then we went to Target and got him a toy helicopter cause he has had a sudden fascination with them.  Helicopters and firetrucks are his new favorites loves.  Well, that and anything to do with dramatic play...so, action figures, superheros, and pirates and dress up are also some new favorite pastimes of my busy three year old.  Following the toy venture, we made our way to the party store and got him some happy birthday balloons.  Then we went next store to the pet store and got him a goldfish which was part of his presents.  He had been asking for a pet since December and we thought it might be good for him to project some of his energy on another living thing.  Just because he's an only child still and he's kinda stuck between still being the baby of the family and wanting to a responsible big boy.  It's a tough adjustment, so we thought a small pet might make for a practical and fun solution.
We picked up a pizza for dinner, watched his favorite pirate movie, and opened presents.  Then we proceeded to play with said presents.  Then we had his cake and my precious little big boy played until he crashed late that night.  Overall, it was a wonderful and memorable family day and he had sooo much fun.  Happy Birthday my sweet and perfect little man. 
Goals for three-being completely potty-trained, learning to try more foods, being less obstinate, and starting to help mommy out more around the house.  ;0) Among other things...

Staring at his new fish, Pirate. TEEHEE.  Blake and I got the castle at cast connections.  We thought it would a perfect tank ornament.

By far his favorite gift of the night.  A Jake and the Never land Pirates dress up set with talking telescope.

Opening up more presents with Daddy.

Trying to spy for Captain Hook.

The Blues Clues Bday cake I made him.  Three giant sugar cookies make the three 'clues'.

Testing out his doodle pad.

So excited to blow out the candles.  He just loves being the center of attention.

Digging into the cake.  YUM.

Loving the sugar cookie.

Two happy sugar rushed boys. ;0) Love my life.

His B day balloon bouquet.  And behind is his castle play set, that required a lot of assembly by the way.