Titus's 2nd Birthday Celebration

Last weekend we celebrated Titus’ 2^nd birthday! It was so exciting as a parent to see how much fun he was having on his big day (as opposed to being oblivious like he was on his first birthday)! Every time he was asked how old he was, he actually answered, “I two!!!” SO cute! And he has this adorable way of holding his fingers up to indicate his age- two index fingers! We had a little party with family the night of his birthday and he had an absolute blast!

I've loved reflecting back on his first birthday and on this past year, as I see how much he's grown, changed, and developed more into the person he was created to be! I love him more every day! It was such an honor to celebrate his life and remember what a blessing from the Lord he is! Here are some pictures of the celebration!

                                                     Good Morning, Birthday Boy!

All ready for the day! First we went to MOPS and played with friends! He's in the big boy class now, so he got to make a craft, color and hear a story!

After his nap, we headed to Grandma's house, who was hosting the big party that night! With the baby coming, I wanted to make the party as simple as possible, which included involving others' help! I chose to do a Cars theme, which seemed to revolve around Disney Cars. Like Laura, I'm not a big fan of character themed parties, but I knew Titus would love it, and I was went pretty basic with it! I decorated mostly with Reds and Blues, and threw in a little of the Cars theme here and there. The cupcake tower was my main tie to the theme. I made the little toppers out of Cars stickers, cardstock and toothpicks. The main topper was designed and printed by Tim. I loved that when I finished it, it looked like a billboard. I had a table of desserts and drinks (cupcakes, mint brownies and plate of cookies a grandma brought) and then the island was filled with lots of yummy appetizers my mother in law made or had others bring.

 

Ready to party! :) 

I also had Laura make Titus a shirt to fit theme! I loved that he matched his party! Thanks, Laura!

 

The birthday boys! (Tim's was the day before!)

 

 He knew just what to do with the presents this year! He didn't need an coaxing from Mama! :) I loved to see his excitement!

And of course, he got the Cars 2 movie from Grandma! :) (Along with LOTS of other Cars gifts!!!)

Little boys + balloons + grandpas = GREAT FUN!

We practiced blowing out matches, so that he would successfully blow out his candles! And he did amazing! :) So proud!

Yay for using forks now! :)

A not-so-great picture of our family! :) Happy Birthday, Titus!

Elissa's 2nd Birthday Celebration!

I can't believe my baby girl is 2 years old now.  We celebrated her birthday over the weekend, with a house full of family.  It was a wonderful and special day.  I spend alot of time reflecting in the days before my children's birthday, about all the ways they've grown and changed in the past year.  I tend to look through old baby photos and blubber and cry about how tiny and sweet they were.  And I repeat over and over to my husband, "I can't believe she's turning 2!" 

I caught a photo of her first thing in the morning.  She was waiting patiently  in her room for the rest of the household to wake up, with an armload of blankies and stuffed animals.  We dressed her in her favorite Cinderella shirt and headed to a local craft fair that morning, where she happened to throw the worst temper tantrum I've seen from her yet (Welcome to 2!).

I typically prefer to not do a character themed birthday party, but it just seems that children at this age, have suddenly become attached to some iconic character.  Elissa loves Cinderella, she adoringly refers to her as "Lella".  She requests to watch her movie daily.  So I knew nothing would bring a bigger smile to her face, than to throw her a birthday party with Cinderella's image plastered everywhere.  

I did a buffet style dinner, since I didn't have enough room at the table for a more formal sit down dinner.  I served Chicken Salad croissants and Egg Salad croissants.

Veggies and my mom's delicious veggie dip.   I served up the veggie dip in a pumpkin, hoping it would remind them of Cinderella's stage coach from a pumpkin, in the movie.  If I hadn't been so short on time I would have added wheels and carved a window.

A fruit platter with the tastiest (and easiest) fruit dip, was also on the menu, as well as Cheesy Potatoes. Yum!

The girl had quite the stash of presents!  

The very first gift she opened was her Pottery Barn chair!  I love these chairs! But I was even more excited that I didn't buy it at Pottery Barn and found it for about half the price!  Score!  She loved it and sat in it while she opened all the rest of her gifts.

It was great fun to see her really ripping into the gifts with excitement this year.  And even more fun to watch her girly reaction to all the girly gifts she received.  Growing up with an older brother, she can certainly hold her own and be pretty rough and tumble.  So when I see that "girliness" in her, it's extra fun.  I forget some days how much she loves her jewelry and purses, and shoes and tutus. 

Her favorite gift was by far the Cinderella doll my mother and father bought her. She immediately grabbed her blanky and wrapped her up in it.  

I also purchased this sweet little jewelry box for her from this Etsy shop.  It's personalized with her name on the lid and all hand painted.  A special place to store her treasures.  She's so fascinated with the twirling ballerina.

And ofcourse, we finished up the evening by singing Happy Birthday to her and eating some yummy Cinderella cake.  Elissa had the time of her life and I enjoyed every minute, watching my 2 year old.

Happy Birthday to my sweet, funny, happy, beautiful and sassy little girl!