Terrific Two

Turning two was pretty terrific.

Begun by Maizey leading Dad in a rousing round of Happy Birthday.

  Then, books before breakfast. 

Waffles and a crown.

Followed by more gifts.

Ponies!

From loved ones from afar.

After exhibiting tremendous patience while we prepped,
and a good 2 hour nap, the Birthday Babe was ready to rock.

Uncle Paul helped her open her present from Will and I.

(A stand-in until next summer's larger model is Bob-built.)

Sadly, our plan to caravan down to the Milford Crit bike races was thwarted by thunderstorms. Cramming all of our guests inside caused some grey hairs to sprout (thank goodness they blend with the blonde) but eventually, the weather cleared and we were able to take the party outdoors for some bouncing... 

 Our entertainment specialist, Jack, is available for parties. Contact me for his rates...

Why do it the normal way when you can do it the Jack way? 

When it got a little too wild for the two year olds,

Aunt Jane stepped in and offered some assistance.

Maizey missed her partner from last year, but was still quite a rager.

Then, cake. Though Uncle Waddy and Uncle Paul's
orchestration left something to be desired.

"Hey Dudes, the cake is b.e.h.i.n.d. me..."

Got it...

With some help from the peanut gallery...

Then on to gifts on the deck...

"What's the hold-up?"

 "No, seriously, Mom."

"Can I get a pull of that while I wait?"

Annnnd, finally.

Though the joy was short-lived.

 When Buddy Jack wanted to see the card...

"Noooooo..."

So, Kip, Jack and I had our own present party.

He was much less vocal about it all. 

She did, however, get better at sharing. 

And let others, including Willa, open some presents.

 Loving every minute...

And more evidence of sharing...

After that, there was a lull...

 And some wheelbarrow rides.

Not to mention, a lot of hugs.

Like I said, it was a pretty terrific way to turn two...

As an aside, I need to share an emotional observation Will and I made... This was the first time, in a social situation, that Maizey didn't stop to check in with us. Within 30 minutes of her guests arriving, she was off and running. There were no tears. No tugs on pant legs or requests for "up." In fact, there were times we lost track of her. She was fully aware that the party was for her and she was confident enough to soak it all in. On her own. Everybody says it, but wow is it true. They.grow.so.fast.