Birthday Boy.

This past Saturday was our little Bennett's 2nd birthday. Having children of my own brings new meaning to birthdays. They are a celebration of one year ending and a new one beginning - sure to be complete with many more first discoveries, triumphs and trials - but also a celebration of the birth day. I love thinking about the day Bennett's little soul entered this world. I want to hold on to that day - the emotions we experienced - like it was yesterday.

Zach and I are trying to balance this new adventure of two little ones. We wanted to do something special with just Bennett, so Friday during lunch we arranged for Bennett to visit the Nora Fire Station. It was so much fun to see him checking out the big trucks and ladders.

The driver seat was his favorite spot. So many buttons and switches...the firemen were so incredibly kind - allowing him full access to all parts of the trucks.

We attempted to have him wear an actual hat, but they were so heavy on his little head...he wasn't having it. After being there 10 minutes, he warmed right up and was leading us around to where he wanted to sit or climb.

Right before we were leaving the firehouse received a call to check on an alarm. Bennett watched very seriously as the firemen climbed into the truck and turned on the lights and sirens as they pulled away from the station.


Afterwards we stopped for a cheeseburger and milkshake at Steak & Shake. Bennett's second time to have a milkshake was a complete success...he LOVES them! Once the straw no longer did the trick, he asked to take the lid off and began using a spoon, then resorted to just drinking the very last of it.



Saturday morning we invited 5 two-year-old friends over to play with Bennett and celebrate his birthday cookie-monster-style. Bennett enjoyed playing with friends - it was a great way to spend his birthday morning!

Cookie monster cookies and cupcake treats. The littles made cookie monster puppets to take home as treat bags. I love this stage of growing creativity and imagination. Bennett pretends to cook many things in his "kitchen" and mimics the sound of a vacuum and leaf blower with various toys, sticks and articles throughout our home.

C is for COOKIE!

Blowing candles out was not the priority, tasting the cupcake; however...this was a must. Thank you to Jake and Cooper who helped us blow out the candles!

Little friends to Bennett...Zach and I loved having the mommies and daddies here, as well. So nice to catch up with friends - sometimes difficult to do in our daily routines.

Celebrating TWO twice in one day is not easy. We had our parents and families over that evening for dinner and more Cookie Monster celebrating. This time around, Bennett did blow out his candles!!

Our little Cookie Monsterette, Elly Rose, was a trooper throughout the entire day. We ended the weekend on a perfect note of staying home all day on Sunday and playing with new toys and our friends spontaneously stopping by for a visit and staying for wine and dinner. I love unexpected time spent with those you love spending time with but don't always make the time to do so!