Svea's 3rd Birthday: A happy ending

We thought while we were in Lancaster we'd go over to Shady Maple for dinner. So we drove over there after Hands-On. Viggo and I hopped into the Shady Maple market to look around before going over to the smorgasbord for dinner. As we were finding some yummy things to bring home, Nate watched two huge coach buses come and drop off about 3,000 people at Shady Maple. Huh.

We stood in line there for about five minutes and then left. Saturday afternoons are NOT the time to go to Shady Maple.

Cracker Barrel to the rescue!

Svea was amazed when we pulled in! Because you know her and Cracker Barrel. They're like *this*.

Everyone was happy there. Elin had mashed potatoes and (meat alert!!! Vegetarians, please scroll down!!) roast beef. Such a good eater.

Viggo and Svea ordered pancakes. Pancakes for breakfast, pancakes for dinner . . . the perfect day.

Mmmmm. I highly suspect they order pancakes because each plate comes with a cute little bottle of syrup.

Then we came home for some cake!

And presents.

Svea got so many sweet and generous presents from some very special people!

Nate and I gave Svea a little kitchen. I'm glad she's going to take over meal preparation because I seriously need a break.

We had a special day with our big girl. Svea is such a fun part of our family! We can't believe she is already three years old! We love you so much, Svea! You are God's blessing to us!

Hands-On House

We surprised Svea by taking her to Hands-On House in Lancaster!

We discovered this place thanks to watching Jon & Kate + 8. Haha! We don't watch that anymore . . . but I'm glad we heard about Hands-On House because it is a great place.

There was a lot to learn about and do there.

Ramps and pulleys.

Dump trucks to load.

Birds were made . . .

And then flown.

Viggo and Svea went angling.

It looks like Svea's got a keeper!

Then we picked corn at the farm.

We spent a lot of time picking corn.

And then distributing it to the grocer, the restaurant and . . . whoever else gets corn.

Elin was loving all the fun stuff to look at.

Eggs were laid by chickens. Viggo named them Rosie and Molly.

There was even a bad egg bin.

Here Svea takes the wheel driving the tractor.

Viggo milks a cow.

Then we went to the grocery store.

Svea enjoyed shopping for fresh produce.

All my shoppers got a discount.

Svea was a knowledgeable and helpful cashier.

The giant Lite-Brite was Nate's favorite thing.

Now we went into the mechanic shop to make Whatcha-ma-Giggles. The kids had to punch in on a time card before they could start work!

Viggo loved the assembly line.

Svea loved the foot-pedal controlled vacuum.

Of course Svea made a pink and purple Whatca-ma-Giggle.

Then the pieces were recycled and repurposed.

Even Elin had fun.

She loved the mirrors!

Eventually Elin gave herself kisses.

We had SO much fun at the Hands-On House! Viggo has already put in a birthday order to go there!