Birthday Fun!

I long debated about what to do for Jadyn's 2nd birthday. Josh has been trying to convince me for four years now that it's pointless to throw the kids big birthday bashes when they're too little to appreciate or even enjoy them. But - let's face it, Mama likes to throw a party! Kaylee's 2nd bday was a scaled-down version of her first birthday (okay, I DO go a bit overboard with the 1sts... but that is one bday I refuse to downsize on) with our extended families and a couple friends. It was a ton of fun, but still Kaylee was a bit overwhelmed. In the end, I decided to do something low-key for Jadyn this year and see how it went.

We started off celebrating on Sunday. Kaylee was still camping with Grandma and Grandpa, so we thought it was a good opportunity to give Jadyn some exclusive Mommy and Daddy time (let's face it, that's a rarity for second borns!)

The day began with brunch at El Gallo Giro...

And then it was off to the toy store to spend her birthday money from Grandma and Grandpa McCulloch. After letting her play with just about every toy in the store, we would ask her what she wanted and she would put her little finger to her chin and say "Umm, this one!" and point to something, but as soon as we would go to grab it she would shake her head and point to something else and again "Ummm, this one!" Two stores and a 2 1/2 hours later, we finally laid a bunch of toys in the middle of the aisle and had her choose. She decided on a Tinkerbell doll and a Beauty and the Beast play set (the girls are obsessed with all the mini princesses!)

It was a fun day and we were so glad to have that time with her. Jadyn seemed to love being the center of our attention, but was definitely happy to have her Big Sissy back... she was missing her playmate! (And we were missing our little Kaylee too!)

Jaydn's birthday morning began with a trip to Rafiki (Mommy might just like this place as much a the girls!) I'd like to say the burned up some energy, but we all know they have an un-ending supply!



After that, it was on to the grocery store for her birthday dinner and cake. Kaylee insisted that we make her a "Strawberry Shortcake" cake (the one and only thing they seem to want to watch these days...) Jadyn was VERY excited when she saw the cake and possibly even more excited to lick the beaters.

Grandma and Grandpa Beck and Aunt Mandi came over for the yummy BBQ dinner, cake, and presents. She was spoiled as usual! The dinner was great and the girls had lots of fun playing and driving their Barbie jeep around the backyard. They love having family over to visit! Jadyn was hilarious during the cake - before anyone started singing she decided to sing Happy Birthday to herself!

So I hate to admit this, but I guess Josh was right. Her birthday turned out to be a fun, enjoyable, and perfect day. It was so great to spend so much time with her and not be stressing over party details. Jadyn could not have been happier and it was so wonderful to see her with a huge smile on her face all day. Plus, I guess we should just be savouring the fact that she is most content just being with her family! I make no promises for next year though, I don't always let these lessons last...