Our temporary pet turtle

The other day Mommy found a turtle in our driveway heading towards the street and "saved" it from the demise of passing cars. We brought it inside and kept it in a large box (thankfully I had such a "successful" birthday that there were many empty boxes from which to choose) until Daddy came home. He actually considered keeping the turtle as a pet, but Mommy immediately put an end to that thought and sternly declared that she cannot take care of one more being in our house. So after dinner, we put our friend in my wagon and went to the creek in our neighborhood to set him free. Daddy put him on a large, flat rock by the water, and it eventually came out of his shell to walk away. Once he made it into the creek, he swam off with a huge smile on his face. Ok, so I made that last part up.

My big 3rd birthday

I had another big birthday bonanza this year since I'm the big T-H-R-E-E. Since we're both May birthdays, Peyton and I had a joint party during playgroup last Wednesday. It was at the same park where I had my first birthday but just not the huge blowout as previously (Mommy is trying to keep the parties low-key from now on- she learned her lesson). This time at least the water was turned on for the "globe" fountain and everyone got to play in it. Some friends (i.e., the boys) even stripped down to their diapers/underwear since we didn't have bathing suits. Daddy wasn't going to allow me to take any part of that public nudity so I just got completely drenched and went home sans clothes.

The Hoges then celebrated a late Mother's Day and my birthday together at Nona and Papa's on Sunday. I got even more toys so now we have to move into a bigger house. With six grandkids, my poor grandparents probably get so worn out and thankful for us to leave afterwards because it is just chaos when we all get together (Termulo gatherings tend to be a lot quieter for Lola and Papo).

For my actual birthday, I went to school and was showered with love by my teachers and friends then enjoyed some cookies in my honor during lunch. When Daddy got home from work, we went to my absolute favorite place- Peter Piper Pizza (where I had my second birthday party)! I had such a great (and profitable) week! Too bad none of my gifts included a moratorium on time outs.

Love

Aren't we cute (despite the fact that we don't at all look related)?

Mother's Day 2009

Each year we celebrate Muffins with Mom at school so Mommy came with Mya and had breakfast with our class. My teachers had helped me create some special gifts that made Mommy smile. I also ate some of her treats just to make sure they were good enough for her. Nothing but the best for my mom! The night before Mother's Day, my folks went to a party and stayed out too late (relative to recent years) so she was quite tired. In any case, we kept her busy and Daddy gave her some sparkly earrings which really made her smile!

Daddy's Little Girl

Awwwww . . .

She's almost as precious as her big brother. I'm sure my folks feel the same way.

The Termulo Granddaughters

Lola and Papo have five grandchildren (so far) with two girls. Here is a picture of them together. Aren't they cute? It seems that my sister needs a bit of a tan.

Silly Boys

Mya's not the only one that enjoys the play gym.

Sweet baby girl

Mya is getting so big and her cuteness factor definitely correlates with her growth.

Check out her post-bath mohawk.

Easter

This Easter, I had a lot to do. First there was a party at school; Mommy couldn't attend so there are no pictures, but I promise that I had a good time because cookies were involved. The day before Easter, we had an egg hunt at Zander, Zoi, and Zada's house; I wasn't as fast as all the other kids because I kept asking my parent's permission to pick up each egg (they're hoping that aspect of compliance continues through my high school years). Sunday morning I woke up to my basket filled with new Cars toys and DVDs (not sure if they were from Jesus or the Easter bunny . . . this holiday is confusing for a two-year old). It was cold and rainy so my folks put eggs around the house inside for me to find. It was not much of a challenge, but it was still fun. Later we went to Kyleigh and Mikinley's house for dinner. Unfortunately, the Nechamkins weren't able to make it because Natalie was sick, but the rest of the family kept me entertained. That's why we get together, isn't it? To keep me happy, right?

Evidence

Although I am always quiet during naptime, Mommy found proof that I don't always stay in bed.