On August 11th, Chloe turned 3 years old! Holy cow! Where does the time go?! She is changing and growing up so fast, it seems! We celebrated her birthday by throwing a fun party with family and friends at a little park in Hudsonville. Aunt Sammy made the coolest cake ever - a Bruce the Shark cake (he's the big shark in Finding Nemo). Chloe has been fascinated by sharks for months now! The day after her party - it was like Christmas morning with all the toys and gifts to 'discover'! Oh my goodness was she ever spoiled rotten!!

And, then on August 21st, Chloe decided that she was ready to get her ears pierced. She had been curious several times in the past, and we had explained to her that she too could have earrings someday, but that there was a certain amount of pain involved in the process. She usually was content to leave it at that. But for some reason, yesterday she was ready and feeling brave. She brought it up, and then was determined to do it! So - I packed the kids in the car along with the double stroller, and on my way - thought to myself, "Gee, I wonder how I am going to do all this? Get a double stroller inside Claires - then keep Peyton happy, keep Chloe still and comforted if she gets scared, and take pics of this momentous event.." - When I thought maybe I should see how busy Nana (my mom) was at work. As it turned out - she was bored at the office, and the Boss (my dad) told her to go ahead and tag along with us on this outing! That was a very good thing! I couldn't have done it without her there!! Too much to do and not enough hands otherwise!! Here are some pics of the whole thing...Chloe did really well - she was very brave, and only cried a bit after the initial sensation set in. She didn't have a melt-down or anything, and as soon as I gave her a sucker and then let her see her new earrings (blue because that is her favorite color) - she was subdued but fine. Today - she is very proud of them, and says that they don't hurt at all!!! What a trooper!