3 years old!

Not really sure how this could have happened. But Jonas and Jember turned 3 years old on January 20th. So much has happened in a year. Their personalities have rocketed right off the charts. They are such incredibly funny, creative, interesting and curious little people.

Jember is so incredibly imaginative. She sings, dances, and loves playing make-believe. Her memory for music and language continues to astound us. She is very visual and drawn to colorful things. She loves playing in her kitchen and playing "house" with her large furry litters of "friends" (stuffed animals and dolls.) She is constantly hosting tea parties, playing dress up, and spending time creating water color and play dough art.

Jonas is one of the fastest learners I have ever known. His eye-hand coordination is tops. He has mastered online checkers, working with his tools, and his current love is putting together floor puzzles. He is up to 50-piece puzzles now and takes them apart and puts them together for sheer fun. He loves sports, whether he is kicking a soccer ball around the yard, playing basketball with his nerf ball and hoop inside the house, or inventing his own style of game which involves badminton racquets, an "elmo" ball, and a special dance every time he scores. He loves to learn how things work: how they are put together. One of his favorite pastimes is helping daddy cook in the kitchen!

Both kids continue to love "Mama Mia" and "Annie" as their favorite movies. Though when they are riding their tricycles down the street they can be heard singing "Do Rei Mi" from the sound of music at the top of their lungs. They also love building forts and playing hide -n-seek every chance they get.

Favorite bedtime stories vary: though currently they are in love with the "5 Little Monkey" books, The Knuffle Bunny trilogy, Winnie-the-Pooh, and "Bravo, Zan Angelo!" (the story about the little boy in Italy who wants to be a Commedia del'Arte performer.)

They keep us so busy!

Jember and Charlie. Catching a quiet moment of sunshine...(and a brief rest between activities)

Dancing with daddy in the living room. Upside down flips.

Lovin music...future recording star?

Donald Duck is his new favorite "friend"

They used to both fit in here SO much easier!

The night before our big birthday party! Rachel comes over to help us make our birthday cake and cupcakes!

Dressing up in her finest play clothes. Where's the party?

The Birthday Party (with our cherished friends!)

Jonas thanking Roma for her gift.

Nathan helps the birthday royalty with their crowns

Too much cake and punch. The birthday sillies take over...

Little Eyouel enjoying the party

To all of our wonderful, generous friends and family who helped us celebrate our 3rd birthday...your presence in our life, is truly the greatest gift of all! We love you!!