Happy 2nd Birthday, My Sweet, Handsome Boy

You had quite the celebratory few days for your 2nd birthday. First, we had a duel party for you and Dad on Monday night, since he turned 40 on July 12th. Mama was preoccupied with keeping everyone fed and forgot to take pictures at the party, but we do have video footage. This was your birthday party cake. Of course, it is Mickey Mouse, your very favorite at this time of your little life. "Mow," you call him. There were many people there who love you and Dad. It was a stormy night with a lot of rain. Because of the rain, we didn't get to swim for the second year in a row. Maybe next year we will have your party earlier before the monsoon season hits.

On your actual birthday on Wednesday, you slept in because being two is just hard. When you awoke, you followed your routine and handed me your pillow, blanket, Nemo, and Scout to take to the "share," where you got comfortable to watch a little "Mow."

Later, we went outside where you played on your new toys. Grandma, Aunt Kirsti, and Aunt Sarah got you this cool slide castle. You love playing on it. You also played outside with your t-ball set from Gramma and your cool four-wheeler from Uncle Dave. Spoiled much? Hope and Cassidy came over to babysit you for awhile and gave you much love on your special day.

Mama and Dad got you these cool foam numbers and letters. You ran eagerly to play with them, and you began counting with the numbers you found. I love when you count to ten - un,to,free,pour,pive,seex,en,aye,eye,en. Yeah!

This is your special individual Cael cake, since nobody likes to eat cake that has been spit upon by a two-year-old. When we lit the candles and sang to you, you ran to the other side of the room, hopped on your tricycle, and hid out until Mama blew out the fire.

Here you are taking refuge from the fiery cake.

After all this, we went to the middle school to help Uncle Ray and Auntie with the basketball tournament for the Pioneer Days' Celebration. You turned on the charm and discarded your previously-shy ways. I'm two, and I am Mr. Social, you said. You played basketball with one participant, visited with many people there, fed and hugged the peer you used to push down, and sat on Mr. Waite's lap for awhile. You were so cute and funny as you just decided to stop being shy last night. I don't know if it will continue, but it was sure great to watch.

You also received a Cars' bowling set from Uncle Brad and Aunt Amber; a cute outfit from Nicoke and Uncle Shane; a book, ball and glove, and Nilla Wafers from Grandma and Grandpa; sports' balls from Quinn and Michelle Ashton; and a shark pool from James Chang and family. What a lucky boy you are!

We love you, Cael, our little joy. How blessed we are that you came into our lives two years ago!