Last week our little Ellie turned three years old. As with most parents, we are amazed at how quickly her third birthday has come and how much our little baby is growing up. Three years of giving us something to laugh about, to wonder about as she learns more each day, to be amazed as she puts ideas together, to take joy in this little gift from God.

Unfortunately our family was still recovering from the flu on Ellie’s birthday, so the party was a rather quiet event. That doesn’t mean that Ellie wasn’t spoiled by many toys however.. She fully understands what birthdays are about. For days we were asking her about the special day coming up. She would answer that it was going to be her birthday. When asked about what happens on birthdays she would respond with an enthusiastic “Presents!”

We let Ellie open one present earlier in the day to keep her occupied as she was still feeling a bit sick. She got to open a Thomas the Train set, which has been her constant companion ever since.. Yes, my daughter still loves trains and tractors. Thomas is currently the favorite show to watch and now the favorite toy. Thankfully she received two trains, so when I get her up in the morning or come home from work she tells me I can come play with Duck the train while she plays with Thomas. If it wasn’t for Duck, I would have to sit idly by and watch her play.

After supper we had some birthday cupcakes and opened the rest of the presents.

Despite some of us still feeling the ill effects of the flu, we had a good day with Ellie. We are so thankful to God for the past three years with her and look forward to getting to know this little girl more in the years to come.

We have a few more photos of the big day up at: www.flickr.com/photos/johnstonekids/