Happy Third Birthday Dylan Oswald Vitale

We had birthday month extraveganza! Gavin kicked it off on his birthday. This was followed by a trip to Splash Lagoon. This was our family weekend get-away for bithdays. Much more fun that kids' party options.

Dylan's birthday was Friday and Grandma, Grandpa, Gammie and Papa came to town for a visit. The guys and boys-night-out. They all went to Monster Jam. Good time...male bonding..you get it, right? Hmm

We celebrated with a pizza dinner and cupcakes (blue cake (vanilla) with chocolate icing). Dinner choice per Dylan's request of course.

"I'm three ('fe-we')!" Dylan says. "Look at me Gammie."

So, Dylan can't hold up the first three fingers in a row - like Gammie. His picky pops up so he holds down his finger instead. He can even count on his fingers this way. Index - 1, Index+Middle -2, Index+Middle+Pinky - 3, and then all four fingers - 4. We are working on 5 and 6...

Cool - Monster Truck Mater - One, Two, Three - The Winner!

Don't ask Dylan to smile for you...this is what you get.

Condensed

I have completed the nearly impossible task, for the third time, of condensing an entire year of life into 12 precious photographs. Nevermind that it is a first year of life, when every day offers some new development, a change, growth over night or just the latest best picture ever taken. I could not have completed this task without the help of my very good friend, Christine. Thank you my friend! She took these 12 photographs and provided the final condensation, the final mixing and organizing to create something precious.

This experience was not any easier or harder than the first time or the second. It just took me longer as we juggle through life, work, kids, activities, more work, commuting, etc. Irregardless, this collage is just as breath taking, wonderful and special to us as the other two on the wall. Dylan's first year was fast, but despite the pace, these pictures hold distinct and precious memories.

Splash Lagoon

A Vitale 5 family weekend at Splash Lagoon in Erie, PA. Good times and as the sign says, "Get Set to Get Wet." Pools, family friendly hot tubs, water slides. Awesome.

Slide and repeat - approximately 300 times. Follow with water logged 'hot tub' to wrinkle extremities beyond recongition and float until you need to sleep. Take breaks for potty, snacks and sort-of-food from the Island grill. Follow with arcade time and a snack in the car.

Beware of oreo cookie vampires on the way home (I regret not taking Dylan's picture in car, snoozing away, drooling oreo cookie drool).

Did I mention the Kid's Suite? Aka room with alcove with a bunkbed, TV and table. Apparently all I had to do was give Gavin the opportunity to sleep in a bunkbed to be happy.

Happy 7th Birthday Gavin Tucker Vitale

Seven G! Sounds good? Seven! 7! Seven!

Lucky number 7 maybe? Even more luck if you loose a tooth on your birthday? Maybe - or just bonus? Either way, chocolate frosting all over the vanilla cake will do. Keep the cake comin' and when that is over, keep the presents flowin'. Beyblades, Nijago Legos and a new Wii remote. Good times.

Happy Birthday Gavin! Love from a little sister and a little brother.

(Side note, Nora dressed herself today despite a lovely outfit hanging on her closet door. This is lovely too! :D)

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It wouldn't be complete without a memory lane stroll for all those that wish to take it.

Gavin-6

Gavin-5

Gavin-4 (former email, end of post)

Gavin-3

Gavin-2

Gavin-1