Dear Paxton,



You turned 3. And I'm sorry your party was pretty mild. I'm known for my over-the-top birthday parties, and here yours was, basic and hot air balloon themed. Which is really more of a baby shower theme. But that's the thing...you'll always be my baby. Always. {Dun dun duuuun!} *Wilhelm scream*

So we threw up some hot air balloons. {And if I'd known that as soon as the invites went out that you'd suddenly turn into a Ghostbusters fanatic, then I'd have planned a Ghostbusters party instead. Because the first thing you do in the morning these days is wake me up up and ask for help putting your proton pack on. Next year...over the top Ghostbusters.}


The hot air balloons weren't quite enough for me, so we had a bounce house too.



There. That's better.



Of course we did some awesome favors. Everyone got their own hot air balloon TY stuffie.



You kids are obsessed with these things these days!



And I threw together a quick, easy two-tiered hot air balloon cake.

ALL the hot air balloons, by the way, had fake tea lights in the baskets. Details matter.



The spread was simple, Paxton, and your father made a pork butt.



And I adore your current set of Chiclets toothers, buddy. Your smile is amazing.
{Take good care of it. It won't last.}



You aren't likely to remember this party, buddy. {Sorry.} My first party that I remember was my 5th, and it was at McDonald's, because that used to be a thing. I have pictures. And when I told your sisters this, "When I was a child, my birthday parties were at McDonald's!" your sister, Violet, replied, "That's disgusting!!!! I feel so bad for you, mom!!!!"



And it's a good thing the first gift you opened, after the guests left, was this Stormtrooper. Because you refused to care about any other gift after that. Which means you should enjoy this Star Wars party I'm throwing for your sister this weekend.



Eisley is turning 8. And she was born on 08/08/08 so it's like a SUPER GOLDEN birthday party. And that's why yours was a bit blasé this year.



But buddy...

You are precious.


And I've loved every moment of being your mother.



Except maybe last week when you took a blue ball point pen to our BRAND NEW white leather couch. I wanted to throttle you. But I didn't. Because you are precious. And rubbing alcohol is a thing. And I love you. And your three years--since completing our family--have been amazing to me.

Love,
Mommy