Happy Birthday Hank!

Well the big day has finally arrived! Our little man is now two years old. Ella might be the most excited as it means her birthday is getting closer! Despite the excitement, Ella composed herself brilliantly throughout the day, with few if any instances of jealousy.

The morning began with breakfast and presents....there is no need to wait all day for the fun! Balloons, streamers, and other birthday decorations greeted Hank at sunrise. Both Hank and Ella boiled with excitement as presents were working their way over.

The first present is torn open!

Reinforcements were called in with the big present! After a bit of assembly, this turned out to be a Cars themed garage.

2 Hanks!

After nap-time, it was off to a birthday party with one of Hank's friends who also turned 2. It was at the Little Gym in neighboring Lone Tree. Unfortunately Hank managed to find the only unprotected section of the equipment shortly after arrival, right on the parallel bars. After a little spill and a bonk with a bolt he was a little out of sorts, however he rebounded rather quickly. Here he is back on the same bars!

Part of the fun is a series of activities led by a couple of teachers (high school girls) who lead a circle time, bubble extravaganza, and inflate a giant walkway among other things. Here Hank gets some run time with Mom.

So, after the kids "ride" the ramp as it inflates, it becomes a runway of sorts. Hank was a bit put off by the whole thing, but Ella took right to it.

A swing on the rings was more to Hank's liking as the other kids worked the bouncy ramp.

Before long it was time for a pizza party and some cake! In the days of all things choo choo, Hank's candle holders consisted of an engine and a passenger car. This led to a giant piece of cake and there was a bit of trepidation as it was laid out before him. He rose to the occasion and blew out the candles with only a bit of assistance.

The frosting was a hit, everyone knows that frosting is vastly superior to the underlying cake (at least in our kid's eyes). The candle holders turned out to be quite a hit.

Throughout it all, Jack was quite cooperative. He spent a few stints sitting in the stroller and was of interest to some of the bigger kids.

Another of those rare moments when we get to have a picture snapped of the whole family together. One of these times we'll get everyone to smile simultaneously.

After the party it was back to the house to open the presents from the party. A handful of firetrucks and other cars added to the assortment growing in our dining room! A tuckered out little 2-year old went to bed without incident.