Last Monday was Cai's birthday. I was able to take him out on a special date in the morning. We got to the mall before the stores opened, so he played on all the little ride toys. Funny thing - Ryan used to ride them all the time and I don't think Cai ever has. We don't go to the mall nearly as much , now that we live so far away from a mall. Unfortunately, I didn't have any cash. Even so, he had a great time pretending to drive the different vehicles and I'm not even sure he realized they could move! (The other unfortunate thing is that I forgot my camera!) We went to the Disney store and Cai picked out a new swim suit, shirt and towel from Papa and Dee Dee. Then we went to the Croc store to pick out new crocs, from Gramma and Grampa. This year he chose a Buzz Lightyear for his croc. After that we rode the train around the mall and since it was his birthday the driver let Cai wear his hat! On our way out I let Cai pick out a cookie - he chose a double doozie which is two chocolate chip cookies with frosting in between. I told him he could eat it on our ride home, thinking he would eat maybe half of it. But, he ate the entire thing!! I couldn't believe it.
Here he is with his new Crocs.
We had a very simple party: pizza and cake by the pool with his cousins.
Caius, we love you to the moon and back. You are such a joy to our family. You make us laugh all the time with the crazy things you say and do.
It is hard to believe that our baby is three. No more two year olds at the Johns household. It has been a long time since our lives haven't revolved around nap schedules. A new season is beginning.
We had a very simple party: pizza and cake by the pool with his cousins.
Caius, we love you to the moon and back. You are such a joy to our family. You make us laugh all the time with the crazy things you say and do. 
Opening his new skim board slip n slide from Papa and Dee Dee.
After two rounds of Volleyball they headed for the water and stayed there. It was a beautiful, hot day. So much for the other games we had planned - but I might say that this was the easiest party I have ever done!
Ryan was born 5 days early, on his Uncle Ryan's birthday. We had planned on naming him Jaiden, but decided that perhaps the Lord had other plans. He did choose our son's birthday to be on the same exact day as Ryan's, who would never have children of his own. We believe that the Lord wanted to bless Ryan with a special gift that year and our son with a wonderful, godly namesake. Ryan lived much of his life in pain, but there were not many moments without a smile. He knew what it meant to suffer, and yet he knew true joy through peace with His Savior. One of our son's favorite memories from birthdays past is singing, Happy Birthday, Ryan and Ryan" Even though Uncle Ryan is no longer with us we still have the joy of celebrating his birthday each year and we look forward to be reunited with him one day in heaven. Perhaps he and Ryan will have a wrestling match that day:)