A very Olympic 3rd birthday

Ava James turned three on Friday, January 22.
She started it off with her favorite breakfast, hot dogs (also known as pigs-in-a-blanket). Josh's schedule is wonderful this semester and he was actually able to enjoy the birthday breakfast with us.

Opening her presents from Mommy and Daddy

With a little help

from both of us.

The perfect birthday outfit

My family came in on Friday evening to kick off the birthday weekend. Ava picked Hideaway Pizza for dinner.

Choosing her frozen yogurt dessert with Uncle Brandon

Loving our Orange Tree treats

Chocolate face

Uncle Brandon and Ava worked on a puzzle while we prepared for the party.

Not sure how we fit all of the cooks in our tiny kitchen, but it worked out fine.

Ava has been taking gymnastics at Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy since August. Most of our friends take gymnastics there too, so it was an ideal location for the party. I kept asking Ava what theme she'd like for her party, Pooh? Wonderpets? Fancy Nancy? All she would ever reply was "Orange". We requested for our guests to wear orange to the party in her honor in lieu of gifts.

A little shy at first

Ready to party

Sliding with Nadia

Introductions

Gabby loving on her mommy

Aunt Sarah and Uncle Brandon took their orange to a whole new level, decorating their shirts just for Ava.

Sliding with Noah

Hugs for Mimi

Chatting with Gabby

Silly with Mommy

Loving her Baba

Snuggles with Aunt Jaryn

All of the party guests used the parachute to wrap Ava like a present.

Then we pulled and she twirled around and around.

The kiddos played inside the enormous air bubble.

Everybody in

Fun with Geoff and Pops

Going over the rules.
The most important rule: Have Fun!

Trampoline fun

Ava landed funny on the trampoline. Luckily, our resident chiropractor was there for a quick adjustment.

Gabby on the beam

Playing in the foam pit

Julia Kate and Ava jumping in the pit

Relaxing

Ava wanted me to do a cartwheel. Instead I walked on the tape line. I have never in my life done a cartwheel. Didn't want to break a bone before cake.

The 3 Locketts at the 3rd birthday party

Swinging

The kiddos at the party
(the ones we could round up anyway)

The whole crew

For months we have driven by the cutest cake spot in downtown Norman. Sugar did such a great job making her cake orange and girly, my two requests.

Happy with her cake

Is it time to eat it?

Cake time

Blowing out her candles

Mimi helps her take a few bites.

No one followed our 'no present' request. Have they seen the crackerjack box we live in? We are so thankful for the thoughtful gifts. Too bad Daddy may have to move out so we can fit everything. Here are the kids showing '3'....well, sort of.

Hugs from Gus

We were all thrilled to have an unexpected visit from BART CONNER during presents! Yes, those of you who are slightly older than this blogger, that Bart Conner. The gold medal-winner in the 1984 Olympics.

Ava wasn't so sure about him, gold medal or not.

After sweetly wishing her a happy birthday, Bart left our crazy orange group.

Jack and Julia Kate help Ava sort through their gift.

Daddy helps read some cards from the great-grandparents.

Smiles

The two best aunts ever! We can only hope Ava grows up to look like a mix of these two beautiful ladies.

With sweet Susie and Geoff

The birthday fairy

Even the Oklahoma sunset dressed in orange for Ava James

Ready for some Ted's Mexican food

The princess and Coach

We are so thankful to our friends and family for helping us celebrate Ava's 3rd birthday! After a year of so many changes, the love we've felt from friends, old and new, and our amazing family has been a welcome constant. We love you all dearly.