mere-bear turns 3.

First of all, a very huge and happy belated birthday to Miss Meredith Hope.  Yesterday marked the anniversary of her third year on this earth and time completely got away from me so I am posting a day late (but hopefully not a dollar short).  I cannot believe it has been three years since I first laid eyes on our little senorita.  One look at her head full of dark hair and I thought they brought the wrong baby into the room, but after careful observation of her stellar dance skills, I know she is in the right family.

This past Saturday, we celebrated Mere's birth with a "My Little Pony" pool party extravaganza.  (okay, maybe not so much an extravaganza, but I liked the way it sounded).  Anyway, Michelle commissioned my baking skills to whip up something special for the occasion and I was happy to oblige...but more on that later.

The birthday girl was in rare form when she greeted me pre-party, so I took advantage of her present temperament and went paparazzi on her.  I absolutely die at how old she looks in these pics.  I know I am her aunt (and therefore totally and unabashedly biased), but I think she is one of the prettiest little girls I have ever seen.  Would you take a look at those big brown eyes and sweet curls?

Once the party guests started to arrive, it was a flurry of splashes, ruffles, water wings and polka dots.  I so remember swimming as a kid and never wanting to get out of the pool.  Watching these kids on Saturday really took me back and I felt like I was watching my sister and me.  It was very surreal...

We took a quick pool break and refueled with pizza -- one of the birthday girls favorite foods. 

Once we got that out of the way, it was time to blow out the candles on the aforementioned cake.  Michelle requested a simple butter recipe yellow cake with chocolate buttercream filling and a traditional buttercream icing.  And of course, there were individual cups of Blue Bell ice cream to go with the cake.  It just wouldn't be a pool party without some Blue Bell.

We hung outside and swam for nearly 5 hours and the girls were none too pleased to finally be forced out of the water.  I tried my darnedest to get a pic with the birthday girl, but only Haylee would comply...c'est la vie.

So here's to a new year in your little life, Meredith Hope.  Despite your stubborness and the fact that you can be a little toot, I am so very grateful to be your aunt and wouldn't trade you for anything in the world.  You are a ball full of energy and as someone who is rather independent herself, I have to appreciate your desire to "make your own path."  I love you so much, Mere-bear, and pray God's richest blessings on you as you journey from 3 to 4.

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY!!!