3 Years Old Birthday Pictures

My friend from church, Lisa, took Elianna's birthday pictures this year. It was the first year we didn't get "studio" pictures. While I think studio pictures have their place, I definitely like having Elianna's pictures taken "naturally". She is an expressive child and her personality comes out in so many ways out in "the open." Lisa, of course, did an awesome job!

The Denver Botanic Gardens had a free day so what better place to get pictures taken than with a beautiful backdrop of the gardens. Lisa brought her son, Jack, and friend Meneske, along with a bag full of props to help make it a bit more fun!

It was a hot day and we saw some strange people (i.e. fairy people) but we got some pretty cool pictures!

Creepy "Fairy" #1

She had all black on with horns coming out of her head

Creepy "Fairy" #2 & #3

The "fairy" on the left simply had wings on while the "fairy" on the right had leggings with crocs and a nightshirt with wings and a mushroom deal on her head

Creepy "Fairy" #4

She had on a tree / bush type outfit and was passing out "magic acorns" which were simply acorns she had spray painted gold

She was the least creepiest out of the creepy "fairies" but was still pretty creepy

And now, in no particular order, are the pictures Lisa took of Elianna

Grammy

Mac, the new name for our computer since I just realized we had never properly given him a name, could not have spazzed at a worse time. Grammy visiting, birthday pictures, birthday preparations, birthday party, and a day of fun. Needless to say, there is so much to catch up on starting with Grammy's visit.

Grammy has been here since August 23. Yay!!! Elianna has been loving the 24/7 attention playing and entertaining Grammy. "Grammy, want to play in my room?" That's the most famous sentence in our house right now. It has been decided that after Grammy leaves, I'm going to have to take the next week to wean Elianna off all the attention. Seriously, I am so thankful that Grammy enjoys playing and doting on Elianna. It is sweet to watch them and to see Elianna love on her. I'm also super thankful that she was here to help with party preparations. Had she not been here there would not have been so many little details for the party that got done and/or I would have been up late so many nights.

We have been busy since she's been here not only with party preparations but also other fun stuff. We also have fun stuff scheduled for the few remaining days we have here with us. Hiking, shopping, and a few festivals that are going on. It will be sad to see her go!

 Looking good to go out to dinner

She ditched the hat before we got to the restaurant though

Genius Bar Tony Saves the Day

Yay for Tony at the Genius Bar in the Apple store! He fixed our crazy computer! Soooo we are back ... tomorrow. Today we are off to Colorado Springs to see the Rocky Mountain Balloon Festival (hot air balloons), Garden of the gods, Focus on the Family Wit's End, and the Air Force Academy. I also have a special 3 year old party to blog about and our time while Grammy has been here. It's exciting! Hopefully I can get something done tonight. For now, we are off to have fun!