Niko turns 3

We had a tough time figuring out what to do for Niko's birthday this year. Niko didn't have any major ideas, and we contemplated heading out to see family. But finally we decided to just invite our awesome neighbors and a few other family friends and throw Niko a nice party right here in our home. 

Niko politely hand-delivered the home-made invitations to the neighbors with much pride and purpose. Meg pulled out all the stops in designing and making some gifts and preparations. She started with a pennant banner in a cars theme, then a snazzy dual car track made of PVC pipe and gutters. Next it was a bean-bag (actually rice-bag) toss game, and finally her fanciest cake to date: An all-vegan chocolate cake with coconut cream inner layer, covered in marshmallow fondant and decorated in a Cars theme prominently featuring a road in the shape of a 3, on which drove Lightning McQueen, Mr. The King, and Chick Hicks on the track with Mater looking on from the infield! She did a fantastic job with all these projects and really made the event personal, memorable, and fun.

When the party time came we had quite a full house, but all went well and everyone seemed to have fun, especially the birthday boy, who was very gracious and happy even though he was too excited for his usual nap before the event. He was definitely very appreciative, giving big heartfelt thank-you's for lots of things from little details like the Cars-themed cake plates to the cool gifts he received. He really seemed to grow up a big step over the weekend and through his party.

The traditional elephant shot,
above and below.

Looking older these days! What a good-looking boy!

Meg's pennant banner. On the left, "Start your engines!"
and on the right "Happy Birthday!"

The dual race track. The kids really like it.
High-speed fun can be adjusted to two different inclines.

The amazing cake, Meg's first experience with fondant, turned out fantastic!
The checkers on the board were as edible as the rest!

Niko really seemed to appreciate all his friends,
and all the cool things about his party, especially during the song. 

He got those candles out in one shot.

Just some of the friends that helped make it
a happy full house for the party.