On Friday we went to Thanksgiving Point with friends, to Cory's work to trick or treat, and to our ward Fall Festival (in costume :)). Saturday, in lieu of a friends party (I don't think she is quite ready for one) we let Carter pick some fun things to do together. With her big brother's help she chose to go to Cornbellys (a really fun fall festival here--even beating out Cox Farms in VA I think) and then to Boondocks to ride bumper boats and play some video games. It was a long fun tiring day (on the way home in the car, Cory and I couldn't help but laugh as all three kids were screaming about something ridiculous...they were so tired!) On Sunday the party continued and we had Emmaline and Hazel and O'ma and O'Pa over for dinner and birthday cake.
In celebration of my little princess here are ten great things about Carter at three years old I want to remember.
1. She is a GIRL. She loves pink, hello kitty, and playing with her toy kitchen. She also mixes it up though and loves to play with mud, rocks, and dirt. I could give her a soup spoon and spatula and let her loose in the backyard for an hour no problem.
2. She is super independent. She has been putting on/taking off her clothes and shoes for about her year. She wants to go in public restrooms by herself because she's a big girl. Right now she is just fine scootering in front our our house on her own as I listen through the open front door.
3. Such an imagination. It's hard to say what her favorite toy is because she mostly loves to play pretend. School, campout, party, etc. etc. While she wants me to be involved in her story, she can also keep it up on her own and I often find her quietly holding a conversation with herself about her current scenario.
4. She is shy around strangers but will talk your ear off if she knows her. We're in that awkward phase of wanting friends but not being super comfortable around lots of other kids. The kids she knows and loves she is thrilled to play with but new friends take a bit of time. We are constantly impressed with her vocabulary and understanding. Seriously, what barely three year old talks about how people are going to be really "impressed" with whatever...even if she doesn't totally understand. She pulls it off.
5. She has attitude. If she doesn't want to do something she says no and punishments and positive reinforcement doesn't really work with her. Sweet as can be if she wants to, but hand on hip I'm gonna have it my way if that's the mood she's in. We're hoping age three will be easier than two (fingers crossed!!!)
6. She loves to color (she learned to write an H and will tell anyone and show them), cut up paper, play with tape all over the floor, do playdough, draw on the chalk wall, and paint.
7. Her favorite TV show right now is "no noggin" or the curious george halloween movie. Before that it was the Croods. She tends to pick something and stick with it FOREVER.
8. She loves to dance like a crazy person--we're doing a tumbling class in December and starting soccer for her in November. Dance is pretty hard core out here so we may try that next if she takes to the other stuff. Officially in the "i can take classes" phase so we'll see how it goes.
9. She is a super picky eater. She will be happy to tell you the ten foods she will eat. Milk, mac and cheese, bread, cheese, strawberries, plain noodles, meatballs, sweets, muffins, the occasional apple slice...honestly that's about it. It drives us crazy. And milk must be heat up in the microwave and in a sippy cup. Here's hoping she breaks that habit by age 10.
10. And then there is her 'nuggly blanket' man she is obsessed with that thing. We harbor deep regret if we forget it going anywhere. it is smelly, dingy, and has holes in it, but nothing else compares.
Happy Birthday sweet Carter Loa!!!!! You are the perfect crazy dose of spunk for our family!!! If we never have another girl I'm sure you will be more than enough female for all of us!
