I got to photograph Tommy's cousin, Martha's beautiful wedding in Lake Tahoe, and Sydney was asked to be the flower girl! She was so excited. Until it was time to walk down the aisle, and she realized fifty people were staring at her in anticipation. But it all worked out perfectly, and it was the sweetest thing to see her in action.

Sydney and Aunt Vicky preparing for the big entrance!

In the cabin getting ready for the ceremony to begin. It was much different shooting a wedding while juggling my kids with Tommy...especially when Max suddenly had a huge poopy blowout up his back right before the ceremony began! We changed him lightening fast before running down to the beach just in time.

Look at her sweet happy face before the fear and terror overcame her. ;)

When Sydney realized what will actually be happening, she froze and cried, so we grabbed her cousins, Olivia and Izzy, and they walked with her and the ring bearer (Wyatt) down the aisle, and everyone was happy. :)

My heart completely melted

Sydney loved being dressed in a matching gown with the beautiful bride

Sydney's birthday was such a blast from start to finish. I loved having my special time with her throughout the day doing little things she loves. I can't believe how lucky I am to have her in my life. 

She woke me up in the morning so happy and excited, knowing it was her special day (we've only been talking about it non-stop for the past 6 months). :)

She chose "Yucky Charms"

then we got ready for the day :)

Tommy surprised her during his lunch break and took her on a special date to McDonald's Play Place, and afterwards gave her a present of a whole set of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Pez.

We later met up with Kathleen, who spoiled her with a big girl purse, notebook, and pen. The rest of the day she scribbled down notes and pictures very seriously.

Sydney and I (sorry, Max was along for the day, but is a little ignored in the photos) spent the afternoon in the mall getting soft pretzels, milkshakes, and then Mommy's surprise....

a trip to Build-A-Bear. She was in awe at all the stuffed animals (she's a fan...you should see her mountain of fluffy friends on her bed). She chose this little horse.

She was a little shy and quiet with the workers through all the steps, but she kept turning to me and Max and giving us big, tight hugs.

She helped stuff, sew, and clean up her new animal. I think Max wants to come here on his birthday in a couple months.

As I was taking her to the register to finish and pay, she passed by dozens of outfits and accessories for the animals, and when I heard her little voice say "Horsey need dress?" I couldn't say no. Yeah, they know how to sucker you in....but I just about cried, the whole experience was so sweet!

She picked out a ballerina dress and gave her horsey the name: "Ballerina"

Max watched his cool big sister on the rides. Perhaps next year he'll join her on the ladybug.

There were a couple rides that didn't go over too well. She doesn't have much tolerance for loud noises. When she went on the caterpillar ride she screamed like I've never heard her scream. But I think I ended up crying even more than she did, especially when the worker wouldn't stop the ride (those darn carnies!).

We came home and opened up a present from Grandma and ate birthday cake that Sydney picked out that morning. 

You guessed it...Rapunzel.

And to end the night, another tradition of reading Dr. Seuss' classic, Happy Birthday To You.

After all the sugar, we were having a hard time sitting still for the whole story. :)

We went to bed with sugar in our bellies, a smile on our faces, and Sydney as a THREE year old! 

Yesterday this little girl turned 3! It was the best birthday from start to finish. I'll post more soon....but for now, I'm planning her first real birthday party for tomorrow. I think I'm even more excited than she is!