Where has two years gone?

It is hard to believe our precious Avery Blake is two already.  She is growing so fast and her vocabulary just amazes us.  In some ways, she is still acts like a baby so we try to enjoy all of the stages.  We broke her of her pacifier over a month ago, and that was an easy transition except for night-time.  It takes her forever to fall asleep, but we are glad that paci is gone.  I have learned that I will break Amelia around one instead of two if she takes to it as much as Avery did. 

We celebrated her 2nd birthday with close family and friends at one of our neighborhood parks.  For those that know me, I love to party plan.  I was so excited when I started thinking of Avery's theme and then we decided our home is just too small after having her first birthday here.  We are so blessed to have so much family in the area, but we knew we would all be crammed in our house.  The day was just beautiful, however, it was the windiest day.  You would have thought we were in Chicago.  It was quite hysterical.  So all of my decorations pretty much went with the wind.  Avery had a great time with her cousins and friends.  Here are some pictures of her birthday weekend. 

Her cake looked just like her invitation.  If you need a delicious cake lady in the SL area, let me know.

The park pavilion...not much decorating could be done.  The wind was blowing all of the tablecloths off.  You could barely see the banner.  Oh well. :)

The birthday girl!

She had the best time and even though I told myself while decorating I would never do another park party....I realized the kids had a blast.  That is all that matters. 

Us minus Amelia.  She stayed pretty much covered since it was so windy. 

Avery and her friend, Hope.  Hope's parents were in our wedding.

Uncle Drew pushing Avery and Carson.  Avery's good friend, Paige (our neighbor) is also swinging.

2nd cousin, Karissa, pushing Avery. 

2nd Cousins, Karissa and Addison.  So happy that we have girls so close in age.  Can't wait for summer play-dates. 

 Could barely get her off the swing. 

Sweet cousin, Carson, just swinging like a big boy. 

Josh grilling hot dogs.  It was so easy and fun!  Well, maybe not so much fun for Josh but easy nonetheless. 

My mom and sis with Amelia.  I have to say I made her bow...one of my girlfriends from church taught us how to make bows.  I have a new addiction now.  :)

Avery and Carson getting ready for lunch 

Amelia with Aunt Sissy all bundled up. 

Josh and his brother, Jason. 

The minimal decorations..haha!  I put the kids' names on the water bottles and filled with tootsie pops. 

Happy Birthday time...see the Sunkist is the paper plate holder. :)

Isn't she a doll?  I love her smile.  She is definitely our smilely child.  When Avery was this age, we would have to basically stand on our head to get her to smile. 

 After the party and nap, Avery woke up to her new present from PaPa and GiGi.  She loves her slide. 

 She also woke up to her sand and water table from her MaZ and Pops.  Hagen likes it too. 

 She could spend hours outside. 

 The next morning was her actual birthday.

 We got her the art easel.  She loves it. 

 Birthday cinnamon roll. 

 Blowing out her candle. 

After church that morning, we let her play in the Playscape at church.  What a great way to celebrate her birthday!