Celebrating Brody's 2nd Birthday

Monday was Brody's official birthday, and we were determined to make it special for him.  We still aren't really sure that he understood that the big outing to the animal ranch a couple of weeks ago was actually for him, and we aren't sure he really understood that Monday was his birthday and what that meant.  I think this is the downside of his being less vocal than his brother was at this age.  Evan could tell us it was his birthday and tell us how excited he was to eat cake, open presents, and enjoy his party.  Brody definitely shows excitement, and we think he enjoyed his special day with lots of Mommy and Daddy time.  We took him to school in the morning and then joined him in a couple of hours for lunch and a birthday treat for his class.  The teachers requested that we choose something besides cupcakes as that can become quite messy in a room full of barely two year old's where they have very limited time for clean up.  We decided on a big cookie cake so we picked that up before heading to the school.  Of course, it still had a little icing on it, but it wasn't nearly as messy as cupcakes.  The kids all seemed to like it.  Then, Brody joined Mommy and Daddy while they ate lunch before we headed home for an afternoon nap.  While Brody napped, Mommy got some studying done for one of her final exams.  After Evan came home from school, he and Daddy took Brody to Toys R Us to pick out a present.  I had already been online and scoured for a little something extra for Brody's gift.  He had received his water table at his party, but with the less than Spring like weather we've had the past couple of weeks, he hasn't had a chance to even get it out of the box yet.  Mommy decided he would like either a little toy push lawn mower because he loves pushing anything with wheels and likes to copy daddy in the yard or a little toy t-ball set so he could start getting ready to be a ball player like big brother.  Big brother chose the t-ball set which was a good thing since his Aunt Jessica had already gotten him a cute little mower.  While at the store, Brody was treated extra special for his birthday and received a balloon and a crown.  When he got home, we enjoyed showing him how to play ball.  We met Uncle Paul and Aunt Jessica and the cousins for a little dinner at a local deli that Brody loves.  We picked up some cupcakes for the kids to celebrate, and daddy picked out cute dragon cupcakes.  Then, it was just time to head home, get baths, and snuggle in the bed.  It was a good day for everyone!

The birthday "cake" - Yes, we almost forgot to take a picture until after we had started cutting it.  

Yes, he thought this meant the whole cookie was his.  

Checking out his big cookie while being sung to. 

Brody's teachers and classmates singing to him.  

Don't let this photo fool you...Mommy ate some too! 

This is an icing boy.  He ate mostly icing and left a lot of cookie on his plate. 

Licking the icing off. 

Brody's class was making a big piece of art when we arrived.  They've been talking a lot about weather and rain in April.  

Brody helps sprinkle rain on the picture. 

Evan and his buddy sitting on the carpet waiting for lunch.  This is the same friend he hunted Easter eggs with in the neighborhood. 

After lunch, the kids get to pick books to "read" while the teachers clean up.  Mommy enjoyed sitting with them and reading.  

Reading time! 

Mommy and Daddy with their birthday boy. 

Trying to capture a picture of him wearing his birthday crown from Toys R Us, but he didn't want to keep it on. 

Wearing his birthday crown and holding his balloon.  

Learning to play t-ball.  Yes, he was in the house! 

Future ball player!

Definitely having a good time with Daddy. 

Um, yes, that ball was aimed right at the camera woman. 

Getting ready to try to swing all by himself. 

A little birthday dinner and cupcake to celebrate.

Making a wish! 

And blowing out his candle.  He did a good job!

Brody digs into the icing while Cate just wants the cake.  Yes, we did take off his shirt in a restaurant.  Luckily, it wasn't very busy.  Ha!

Sweet little man enjoying his cupcake. 

The big boys loved the dragon cupcakes. 

And he got to try out his new mower before bedtime.