Birthday celebrations

It's so hard to believe that Nathan is 3. Three just sounds so much older than 2. We celebrated the day in a nontraditional style but I suppose that has a lot to do with him being the 4th. Today, Philip was required to begin Annual Conference. We wanted to join him in the morning session as it was a big part of his ordination process. So we began the day at McDonald's for a birthday breakfast Needless to say he made a good impression with all the ladies at McDonald's with his fancy outfit. He even scored himself a birthday hat. After breakfast we headed to downtown Raleigh for the start of Annual conference.  Being from a small town, the kids love seeing skyscrapers and riding escalators!

. This Annual Conference session was where Philip and his peers were asked by the Bishop several questions about their life and commitment to the church and then voted on and approved for ordination. Thankfully, we sat next to a good friend of ours who happens to be pregnant and had in her purse a stash of candy and poptarts! Although I'm quite sure my kids weren't hungry, I was ill-prepared for the length and scope of this session!

After an amazing about of patience, self control and a perfectly timed cat nap for Nathan, the kids and I headed to the Museum of Natural Science. I do enjoy being with my kids at museums. It makes me smile and forget about previous frustrations. My heart was warmed today when Emma calmly said, "Mommy you keep walking too fast. I can't read everything that quick".

Since I didn't know my way around downtown that well and I didn't know there was a new parking deck on the opposite side of the museum, we had a few blocks to walk to get to our car. After a long day, I also needed this little break that Ryan requested.

To my sweet baby Nathan, you are now three. I pray that your smile always continues. I hope your hugs and kisses never wax or wane. I hope your love for the outdoors and enjoyment of a good book continues to grow. I hope one day you can get a horse. I pray that you will always look to God for your source of hope, strength and salvation.  I hope you always carry a song in your heart.

You are as your name says "a gift from God".  We love you!