Powells Visit Florida

My cousin Courtney Casey Powell came to visit us last week with her husband, Steve, and two amazing boys, Alex and Gabe. Courtney and I are related by blood, but are also great friends, and we are loving the fact that we're having kids at the same time. It's been so fun! The four kids had a great time playing with each other, and amazingly we didn't have any fights that were horrible. There WERE disagreements on who could play with which cars, but after a few naught spot visits and apologies, all was well.
We stayed at the condo over the weekend, and the Powells sure had fun at the beach. It was so fun to have them around for James' third birthday, Alex and Gabe sure wanted to help James open his presents. :)

James' 3rd Birthday Party!

On Tuesday, the 24th, we had James' party. What fun! Thank goodness naps were had by all kids in the Wilcke household, which included the Powell kids. We had such a good time, and if you haven't watched the video of James laughing when we sang to him, you MUST watch it. It's so funny! He was absolutely thrilled to have everyone there and to get a cake with CARS on it! Cameron Miller, my niece, made this cake. What a genius. Did I mention she's 10? Great job, Cam! You're hired for my next party! :)
The party was a great success, and we kept things moving rather quickly. Pizza, cake, presents, done. :) Two hours went by so fast though, and I'm so glad that everyone could come that made it. We missed some people, especially our Wilcke family members!
If you'll notice from the photos, James is dressed in a gladiator costume for one of the shots. That was the hit present of the night, voted best by adults and kids! Thanks to Kelly, Bennett and Anna for bringing that one! :)
Now if you ask James how old he is, he says, "free!" and holds up three fingers! What a cutie.
Thanks to the Powells for your help with the party!

Video of James' Birthday