Mari's Third Birthday Party

We celebrated Mari's birthday today a little early because her birthday is during the first week back to school.  I would rather really be able to enjoy the day and make it as special as possible, so I wanted to avoid the back to school craziness.

We decided to have it at Sweet Frog.  A frozen yogurt shop that Mari LOVES.  She is always asking for "Froggy Ice Cream" and we frequent the froyo shop.  We also love it because it's a Christian owned chain, they have Christian music playing, and Bible verses on the wall.  Just a great atmosphere.  The people at Sweet Frog's were amazing.  They brought out the Froggy for us, face painted for us, and were just super nice with the kids.  Mari was in heaven.  At first, she was a little apprehensive of the Frog.  She wanted it to sit by her, but kind of watched her out of the corner of her eye.  However, she warmed up to her, and then didn't stop talking about the Froggy after that.  We walked by the door to the backroom and saw the costume on the shelf.  We told her Froggy was sleeping on the shelf... she just kept repeating, "Shh... Froggy sleeping on the shelf.  Froggy go home.  Froggy sleeping on the shelf" and wanted to see the Froggy sleeping on the shelf.  It was so fun to see her with all of her little friends.  She was so good, and smiled the whole time (although there aren't many smiles in the pictures--- every time I point the camera at her she refuses to smile!!)  What a great time.  Today was another reminder that the years are going by way too fast, and that we are blessed with awesome friends.