PAYSON — Four (leap) years ago, Louise Estes of Payson gave birth to her oldest son, Xavier who is now 16 years old. As luck (and a little planning) would have it, Estes would give birth to two more children on the two following Leap Days: Remington, 12, and Jade, 8.

Having three children born on Leap Day ties the family for a world record that is held with another family from Norway.

Because they’ve only celebrated this momentous day four times, including the day Xavier was born, Estes says that it is a special day that they all look forward to.

"On non Leap Day years, we have a party to celebrate all three leaplings on Feb. 28," she said in an email. "Each kid also gets a friend party of their own, starting when they are 5 years old. We try to keep them small and the cost reasonable. Then in a Leap Year, we still do a combined family party with the individual cupcakes. But each child gets a more significant friend party. When they turn 4, they usually pick a fun place with nickel- or token-operated games and prizes for tickets. At 8, the first two leaplings did jumping places so the third one wants that too."

The family has two other children — Xander, 13, and Seeley, 10 — who were not born on Leap Day, and Estes says that they do their best to make sure that nobody feels left out.

"So the non-leaplings aren't left out, we have milestone birthdays every four years, and every child gets an extra special celebration for those years, no matter what year they were born," she explained.

With the youngest "leapling" turning 8 years old this year, Estes says that it makes this year a little more momentous.

"This year, with Feb. 29 on a Saturday, we have big plans," she said. "Extended family is coming to celebrate all three together plus our youngest is being baptized into our church. We have a piñata and lots of games and food."

Related:

3 kids share leap day birthday in Payson family

For the first time since she was married, a Payson mother won't be going into labor on leap day.

Estes said that it has been fun to connect with other Leap Day families through social media, and hopes one day to join many of them for a birthday celebration one day.

"I have joined a Facebook group for leaplings and their families, and have found out about a big celebration in Anthony, Texas, for Leap Day," she said. "We hope to attend as a family, but when the kids are a bit older and can appreciate it."

With each Leap Day that comes, Estes says she has to thank her husband for envisioning this day for their family.

"I want to thank my husband, David, for envisioning this fun detail for our family," she said. "I have had to be induced for all five of my children's births. Our first child's Feb. 29 birthday was completely by chance, but when it was a realistic option for our third and fifth babies, David expressed his desire to choose that special day for their births, as well. I honestly thought it was a bit silly and crazy but went along with it as long as my health and the babies' well-being were not negatively affected. So, while it wasn't my dream in the beginning, I am glad I listened to him and that we have made this fun birthday alignment our own."

Related topics