It's Party Time!

Yesterday, June 25, 2011, we had Taylor's 2nd birthday party.  Our closest friends and family all came to Mom and Dad's house to help us celebrate.  They have an incredible backyard that is full of shade, so we decided to have the party over there.  We set up a little bounce house and some games and toys out there for the kids to play with.  Dad set up a big white tent and we put tables and chairs under the shade of their big trees.  It turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day and the kids had fun "just being kids."

Nana came over to help set everything up and my sweet friend Lisa came over early to help me get the finishing touches on the cake.  Once the party got started, Brent manned the grill.  We had hot dogs, brats, and some deer burgers, along with some other sides and "fixins" like "Mack's Munchies," "Chick's Chinese Coleslaw," and "The Kings's Cowboy Caviar."  Mama mixed up some "Lightning McQueen strawberry lemonade slushies," so everyone could stay cool. 

When everyone had stuffed their bellies, it was time for cake.  We all sang "Happy Birthday" to Tay and he just looked at all of us with his little smirk and stuck his tongue out of the front of his mouth.  He was more concerned with sticking his finger in the icing and blowing out his candles.

We finished the afternoon opening up presents.  When Taylor was done, there was tissue paper, wrapping paper, and presents everywhere.  It looked like Christmas morning!  He got tons of toys, a new train, some cute clothes and lots of new characters from the Cars 2 movie.  One of his favorite things he got was an electronic racetrack.  He and Brent were up late last night racing Lightning McQueen against Francesco Bernoulli.

When it was time for Tay's friends to leave, he gave them a "Tow Mater Treat Bag" and some bubbles to say "thank you" for coming to his party.

When the party was over, Taylor found his way back outside and in front of a "sand box."  There were a couple of holes in the backyard that they made sure were filled with sand before the party, so no one would trip or fall and get hurt.  Tay thought it was his own miniature play area.  He had to get a total hose down before stepping foot back in Mimi and G-Daddy's house!

We feel so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and an amazing family.  It means so much to us to have them in our lives.  It was one very special day for one very special two year old!