Jude is Two: Birthday Party #1

 

 

It is so bittersweet to think that we have celebrated Jude’s 2nd Birthday the last two Saturdays!

It has been an amazing two years that God has richly blessed our lives by allowing us to have Jude. He has brought so much life, energy, and joy into our family!

Last Saturday, August 4th, was his actual birthday. We were in North Carolina and planned party to celebrate his and Michael’s birthday (Michael’s is July 30th). Michael’s mom, sister, and grandma worked so hard to make everything come together perfect. We had a huge salad, baked spaghetti, garlic bread, cupcakes, and an apple cake.

Kim and I stayed up late the night before putting the finishing touches on the fish cupcakes!

And Michael’s apple cake looked like a disaster, but is was delicious!

I tried to get a picture of the birthday boys, but Jude was too busy stealing m&m’s off the cupcakes to stop and smile for me!

We had been practicing singing “happy birthday” and blowing out the candles all week. And when the actual time came Jude was so excited.

When we went to sing happy birthday to Michael, Jude insisted that his cupcake was lite again as well!

Even though Jude’s face is not in focus, you can still make out his proud little grin!

Jude was so happy to finally get to eat one of the cupcakes!

And sweet little Mia was happy to sit right in front of him and wait for him to get finished.

These two had so much fun playing together again!

Kylie will always give the best smile on demand! (below)

Aunt Kim and Chris were happy to entertain some of the kids outside.

Jude got a Hot Wheel’s 4-wheeler from Nana. By the end of the week he was Evil Kievil Jr doing all sorts of crazy things while riding!

I have found that it is a group effort at kids parties to open presents. Jude wants to play with whatever he opens first, so we just keep opening toys and passing them around!

It was also fun to see how many guys it takes to put together the toys!

Above is Jenna’s Dad and Everette; and Amy with her daughter Mia. Amy is also due to have her third girl in a few weeks!

Below is Jenna and her mom. Aren’t they beautiful?

One toy we broke out was the bubble maker! It was a huge hit and produced tons of bubbles! Everyone enjoyed chasing them around.

These two handsome fellas are the children of Michael’s college roommate. Andrew or as we call him “Leon” was able to come with his wife Ana and their two boys Justin and Ethan. We have not seen them in over three years! I hoped to surprise Michael by inviting them, but once they got lost, I had to tell so he could help with directions! I guess he was just surprised a little earlier than I hoped, but he was surprised nonetheless.I know Michael was so excited to get to spend time with his old roomie!

Jenna’s mom and dad were in town for the weekend, so they were able to come to the party as well. I love every chance I get to spend with them because I am able to see how Jenna was able to learn to be so sweet. Her parents are some of the nicest people I know! Since Jenna and I met in college, I never knew her family. But I was able to go home with her a few times and her parents treated me like I had known them my entire life. And each time I see them, it is like seeing my long lost parents again! I am looking forward to seeing them again soon when they come to Florida in a few weeks!

And here’s the final picture of some of the gang taking off for a golf cart ride!

I feel like my pictures do not do justice to the actual party. I guess somehow I got lost with taking care of two kids instead of taking more pictures. We really had a great time with all of Michael’s family present and our closest friends!

Thank you so much Kim, Susan and Memom for all your hard work to make sure our boys had a fabulous day!