Ned turns 3 and Redstone

Ned is 3 now!  His birthday happens to fall right around Martin Luther King Jr. Day so we've kind-of developed the tradition of going to Redstone with cupcakes for his birthday.  We invite anyone who wants to come and for the last several years, the weather has been beautiful!  

Nyle couldn't wait to climb--my little monkey!

For cautious Gwen and Ned, climbing up this high on the rocks was rather daring.  Since my kids are so cautious (minus Nyle), I'll generally encourage a little risk-taking. 

 I just realized I don't have any pictures of Lincoln at Redstone.  There's a good reason for that:  He was constantly off on the rocks and with his cousins.  I hardly saw him the whole time. 

Later, at home, we celebrated Ned's birthday with hot dogs and a blue cake.  

Some fun facts about 3-year-old Ned:

• Ned still has a fun quirky personality.  He likes to have his hands clean, and gets dressed about 2-5 times a day, depending on how often we go outside.  When we go out, he changes into pants, socks, shoes, and a jacket.  When we come home, he always has to change into shorts, t-shirt, and bare feet. 
• He loves action figures, like his Power Ranger man. 
• He still likes to be held and will often ask me just to hold him.
• He's slowly transitioning out of taking naps, but not completely yet. 
• He's a pretty good eater, and likes to take his time at it.  He's usually the last one eating.  And, he seems to be my only child, so far, that will eat left-overs.  
• He plays very well with Gwen, while Lincoln is at school and will often go along with whatever she wants to play.  
• Since Lincoln and Gwen both read, he seems to think he can too and will often "read" a book, while occasionally asking me: "What's this word, Mom?" while pointing at a whole page.  
• He's such a cutie and while he's still going through his "terrible twos-three's", he's a sweetie and we adore him!