Are you two?

We kept on with the birthday parties this week so we could officially celebrate Anderson turning two! If you ask him though it might be questionable.

"Anderson, are you two?"

"No. Two."

He is a chatterbox and everything he says ends in a high note like he is asking a question. He loves counting to ten and his favorite joke right now is to say "Golf?" at the end of everything. He tells Lucas there is a tree and an owl on his wall and then follows with "Golf?" When Lucas tells him No, there isn't golf on the wall!" he laughs and says "Funny?"

For his birthday I thought we should try something new that takes advantage of summer fun. Eagle Island State Park is close, has water, picnic tables and doesn't involve cleaning my house.

We started off with the letter of the day "A". Pancakes must be the way I express my love for my children.

 

Heading to find the perfect spot at the park. The grandparent troops part 1.



Part 2

We scored a lovely shaded area and settled down to party.

Sister was just as excited to help us celebrate.

Lucas had to work late and met us there. When he comes home from work the kids yell "Daddy, daddy, daddy!" Same thing goes at the park too.

After a swim a boy gets tired and needs a beverage break.

Still at it with his buddy.

Sweet yummy little boy.

So you want me to blow on these hot things you always want me to stay away from?

Mmmm. Cake.

Plate licking is always acceptable at your own party.

He reminded me of a person dressed up like a hobo with a fake beard.

Thank goodness Eliza was there to help Anderson open his presents. In case you forgot, she is 5 now. Don't worry. She will remind you in about 10 minutes. 



Much like his father, he felt the need to mow the lawn. Immediately.



Oh golf!

Best looking hat I have ever seen.

Grandma Pam helping him set his tee.

He moves the club so quickly you can hardly see it.

Once we got home it was time to give Anderson our family gifts. Lucas brought in his new balance bike and he immediately said "bike, bike!" The seat was up too high so Lucas went into the garage to get a tool to lower it. Anderson thought that would take too long and decided to get his trusty stool to help himself up to the bike!

Very curious to watch the tools work.

He loves it!

Happy 2nd birthday to our little guy who always makes us laugh and brings such joy to our family.

"We have a little dude!"

 

This is how our journey started with Anderson one year ago today:

The second after he was born all I could say over and over again was:

"We have a little dude now!"

I was in love with him the instant we met.

Everyday I think of what we went through to bring him here safely.

 He represents the choices in life that are almost taken away from us, the things we have to work hard for to keep and all the happiness that is possible.

Today we celebrate all of the anticipation...

Joy... 

Delight...

Fun... 

Satisfaction...

Wild times... 

and completeness

Anderson has brought to our family.

It's a lot of work but life is soooo worth it buddy.

 Cheers to many more happy and healthy years to come!

Happy 2nd Birthday Eliza!

Our baby is officially 2 years old! We had a fun Hawaiian themed birthday celebration at our house for sweet Eliza. All of our family came to eat yummy food, light fireworks, eat cake and open presents. Not only was it to celebrate Eliza's birthday, but to give a huge thank you to our family for giving us so much love and support these last 2 years.

Thank you Ashley for the adorable outfit from Hawaii!

This girl can eat some cake! If you ask her about her birthday, "Cake" is her response.

Our tradition of lighting sparklers while we sing happy birthday

Eliza, Elisa what's the difference. Thank goodness Coldstone makes a yummy ice cream cake.

She at least gave one try to blow out the candles before Mom stepped in to help.

Molly and her family are heading to Maui in the morning to celebrate the end of Molly's battle with cancer. I can't think of a better way to relax and regroup.

What is a party without a dog eating ice out of the drink cooler

My dear sweet Eliza! It was not an easy journey to bring you into our lives and this last year has proven to be quite a challenge as a parent with my own health issues. Your kind and easy going personality has been sprinkled with more toddler demands and possessivness in the last several months for sure.

I have never been more grateful to be blessed with a child as you though. You are my buddy, my endless entertainer, helper and comedy relief. My heart melts when you look me in the eyes, kiss me right on the lips, pat my back and say "Oh, mommy." I like you kid. I love you with all my heart and then some.

Here is a tribute to Eliza's own unique personality. She has never sat down to watch a movie and hardly watches any cartoons. No interest at all. Since she was a small baby she has loved one thing....

This kid loves to cheer for people on the Family Feud. I think she was meant to support and love everyone in this world:)