And then he was three...

We had a marathon birthday weekend with parties and activities spanning two full days. Gavin's "Spiderman Birthday" has been on his mind for months and months.

We had family over for a BBQ yesterday. Brian got the yard all spiffed up the entire Robinson family came.

Gavin specifically asked for a Spiderman cake. I wasn't sure how I was going to pull this off until I found this cake pan. It was a little time consuming, but I think it turned out pretty well. I kindof felt like a star-tip-caking rock star.
Gavin's cousin Madi has a birthday next week. They love celebrating their birthdays together. When Gavin goes to heaven, he's certain that mom, dad, McKay, and Madi will be there. He also wants to marry her.

Grandma Robinson pulled out all the stops and completed the Spiderman theme. A shirt, hat, swim shorts, and personalized scooter were favorite gifts.
He was a little less excited about the baseball hat and preschool books we gave him.
But we won with the Black and Decker Junior tool kit. Willingness to share comes and goes.
My little worker boy. Sometime earlier this day Brian said, "You can cut his hair if you want to..." Yes, I want to. We've been growing it out for six months so Brian could have his dreams of a surfer boy. I don't see surfer. I see raggamuffin.
In the morning, on his REAL birthday, we put batteries in his tools and he played and played. After a swim lesson, he got a haircut and sported his new baseball hat. How old does he look??

After naps we went golfing and 4D rollercoastering at Trafalga. "This is so much fun, mom!"

And, as per new tradition (free coupons!!), a Baskin Robbins birthday scoop. "I want green."
Ran to Walmart to pick up some toys using Grandma and Grandpa Woolf's birthday money. He scored a Spiderman action figure and helmet. He's all set.
A letter to my three-year-old Gavin:

I remember specifically the thoughts I had one year ago today. I knew you were changing. And it seriously happened in an instant. It was literally the day you turned two that we started conversing. I mean really talking about things - and you understood. Two was cute. Really, really cute. I've said it before, but I could have just bottled you up. Minus a few episodes, of course.

I've seen signs of your three-ness for awhile now. More independent, more stubborn, more I can do it by myself, thank you very much attitude. Even today, I see a shift. I've been warned by others, but I've fully been expecting a revolt from you. I have a feeling it's coming. You are strong and have your own mind. You negotiate and question. I think we both want to win and I'm wondering how that will turn out. I'm guessing we'll take turns. I'm guessing I'll get tired some days, and other days I'll be the boss mama. I told your dad today that I need to be so patient and so emotionless when we get into those things, but that's hard to do when I'm in the moment. I want to be kind and fair and I want to teach you well. I'm nervous. I'm guessing I'll always be nervous because I don't totally know what I'm doing. And you're the first. I'm making this up as I go. I'll do my best, but hope that you'll forgive me later.

At the same time, your growing up has shown me how much compassion and empathy you have for everyone around you. It is not uncommon for you to worry about people's feelings. I love that about you. I love that you still say, "I love you, mom" all the time. You tell us we're your heroes. And that I'm gorgeous. And that the food I make is delicious. And thank you for doing this fun thing with me. And that you need a snuggle friend. And call me Gavvy Bear. Or Monster Gav. Or Super Gav. And will you protect me? You say such funny, smart things.

At age three, you:

*still will take a nap most days

*recognize all of your letters and can usually come up with a word that starts with each one

*can count past twenty

*love to build forts

*love to be outside - you love your bike and love playing tag with your friends in the front yard

*watch How to Train Your Dragon and have it pretty much memorized

*have an incredible memory - I can't believe the things we talk about that you connect and remember

*love to sing and repeat songs you hear after just a few times (I knew I had to be careful when you started singing some Lady Gaga song I had on a random CD in the car. Then there was the time you busted out How do I get you alone?? from my Glee soundtrack. Yikes. Likewise, you know most of the primary songs I've taught the kids at church this year. Now that's cute.)

*have a hard time with your brother. Well, you can't stand him, really. You rarely want him by you, touching you or any toy that you may or may not want to play with, or making any noise that you can hear

*are doing more focused and imaginative play by yourself and with friends

*think Sacrament meeting is torture - right when we sit down you say, "Are we done yet?"

You are a special, special boy. You are loved. Thank you for teaching me and loving me despite my weaknesses. I guess that's what you do when you're in a family. And I'm so glad you're in mine.

Love,

Mommy Bear