Wednesday, July 7, 2010

TWO years old!!

I am still in shock that my little boy has just turned two years old! The time really has flown by. He has developed into such a little person...absolutely no longer a baby. At two years he can count to ten, tell you all of the shapes and colors, has a quirky version of the ABCs, loves all sports (basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, etc...), loves to climb and jump and already knows how to operate an iPod. His favorite shows are Mickey Mouse Club, Sesame Street and Calliou. He also really really loves watching video clips on YouTube (such as other kids playing basketball or kids going down waterslides). He talks up a storm, saying new things every single day that make me laugh. In fact today he said something, I laughed and then he looked at me and said with a smile, "I made Mommy laugh!". He has a very sweet side...he will hug anything he can get his hands on. (Lola has been the recipient of 100s of hugs) He is now sleeping in his big boy bed in his new room and did very well with the transition. He has also officially had his first deposits in the potty...we are on our way to potty training. He also has his 'two year old' moments and is becoming more strong-willed and independent. If he has his mind set on something, watch out!

We had a wonderful party for his second birthday. We had almost 30 people at our house and spent the day eating, swimming, playing, and enjoying lots of cake and presents. We had beautiful weather and I think everyone had a great time. I know Jack did, and I guess that is what really counts. Here are some pictures. I'll add some commentary along the way.

From birthday weekend 2010

Immediately enjoying one of his gifts...The Craft family gave him this adorable tricycle right as they arrived and he spent quite awhile riding around the party on his new bike.
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Changed into the swimsuit, but still riding along.
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Time for the pool. Jack was making baskets and everyone was cheering...he was smiling ear to ear at all of the attention.
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Eating and socializing.
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Makayla and the twins Hannah and Hayley all quickly became friends and had fun floating in the big raft.
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Playing in the tub (not so hot)...all the girls.
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Some hiding game....Jack supervising from the side.
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The Mom Table.
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BUBBLEtastic.
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Mia very excitedly chasing bubbles.
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Family shot.
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Jack stole a cookie.
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The old foggies hiding inside from the heat. :)
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Cake and cupcakes. I went with a sports theme due to Jack's pure love of all sports. I made baseball and soccer ball cupcakes, a basketball cake and football cookies.
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Time to sing and blow out candles. Jack LOVES the happy birthday song and was just in awe as everyone sang to him.
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Right on cue he blew out his candles (with a little help from mom and dad).
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The kids were ready for cake and wasted no time digging in.
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Now presents. He got a ton of stuff (thanks everyone)! He has been so busy the last few days playing with everything...sprinting from one to the next. Mom, lets play baseball. Mom, lets play soccer. I want to ride my bike. Lets play with playdoh. Lets shoot baskets. Where's my truck?
From birthday weekend 2010

Luckily, Charlie was his assistant in helping to sort toys and rip off paper.
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By the end he was dazed and confused....a birthday boy getting sleepy.
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It was a great party and I am so happy to be the proud mom of a two year old!
From birthday weekend 2010

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

I love my Cousins!

We had a wonderful visit with Nana, Poppa, Uncle Chris, Aunt LeighAnne, Makayla, Hunter and Remy (their black lab). They all drove down from Canada to spend four days and Jack's birthday with us. We had great weather and spent the majority of our time outside in the backyard by the pool. Jack really enjoyed playing with Makayla (or Kayla as he called her) and Makayla was so sweet to him! They were best pals by the end of the weekend. We got to celebrate Hunter's first birthday which was actually June 26th. He made my day by digging into the cake I made him (Jack wouldn't touch his first birthday cake!). And, despite some aches and pains of teething, he also managed to enjoy some time playing in the pool.
Makayla said her favorite part of the weekend was going to the Fourth of July parade...where she was able to collect lots of candy. Jack also loved seeing all of the firetrucks, police cars and marching bands. I don't have pictures because our hands were full of kids and I forgot the camera, but I do have lots of other photos to share...
Thanks to you all for making the drive down, we hope you come back soon for another visit!!
(separate blog post to come of Jack's party)

Chris and Hunter
From birthday weekend 2010

Makayla and Jack. Jack discovered pool floats and was very happy to kick around the pool on his own (close supervision obviously).
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Nana and Makayla having fun!
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Hunter and LeighAnne
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Jack and Hunter playing in the kiddie pool.
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Happy Birthday Hunter!!
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You can see Jack's little hand...he stole and ate about 10 of the balls around the outside of the cake. SUGAR buzz!!
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Hunter starting to get to the actual cake part.. Jack in the background still supervising...notice more balls are gone!
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Jack and Makayla in the 'hot tub'..which was kept around 90 degrees for the weekend and served as more of a little pool for the younger kids. Jack can touch the bottom and loves jumping around in there.
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Lola and Remy patiently waiting for their turn to swim.
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Lunch date for Jack and Makayla
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Water table fun!
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Jack in his jammies telling everyone goodnight.
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Hugging his buddy Makalya.
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Jack helping Makayla try out her blow up kid sized bed. We actually gave them the chance to sleep in Jack's room together, but Jack was too excited to have company and wouldn't let Makayla sleep. These pics of them being 'nice and cozy' are pretty cute..
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Poppa made us all yummy pancakes for breakfast the next morning. Remy is standing by hoping he might get a bite.
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More fun in the big tub.
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Nana and Hunter
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Jack wearing Poppa's shoes.
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Nana and Poppa and three of their favorite grandkids!
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Nana brought a mega raft.
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Hanging out with Poppa.
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