Happy 2nd Birthday Beanie!

Amara's birthday started off more with a whimper, than a bang.  Still in the midst of her cold, we opted to cancel her 2 yr. photos with Susie, to stay home and rest.  We stayed around the house and kept things low key--Eric and I piddled in the yard, moved the grill and replaced it with the popcorn machine, decorated, etc. 

At last, Beanie woke up just after 8:30--a relatively normal time for her...but we had no idea how the rest of the day would play out :)  We PLANNED that she'd take her nap at her usual 1 o'clock, and we'd have 2 hours to decorate, clean, etc.  HOWEVER, she missed that memo, and decided to lay in her bed and talk, or say "daaaaaaaaaaady" endlessly.  Finally, around 2 o'clock when MeMaw Jackie got here with the cake (the party started at 4), we made a game-day decision to cancel the nap--this mind you, is a HUGE deal, as she takes a 2-3 hour nap every day, when she's NOT sick, let alone how...

ANYWAY...as Grandma brought her downstairs, we quickly realized we'd already set up her gift table, tricycle, etc. so there was no turning back.  She'd spotted it.  She was on the bike in a flash, figuring out the bell Eric had installed the night before, and thoroughly enjoying it.  Seconds later, it was the doorbell--we have a guy we love to deliver our balloons--and he was here.  http://greateventz.com/home_columbus.htm  In he came with (I think) 5 dozen BEAUTIFUL balloons, in every color of the rainbow.  I always joke that you could get Amara balloons, ice, and your attention, and she's happy.

We arranged the balloons and MeMaw took Amara on a quick car-ride for lunch, to give us at least a few moments to shower, before guests arrived--what a change of plans!   The clock was ticking and then Papaw and Eric had to get started on the assembly for the extreme coaster--another surprise, they needed to get done before she got back!

Guests started arriving just after 4, and believe it or not--we were mostly ready!  Kristin helped me with the punch...papaw brought the strawberries from yesterday, MeMaw Young brought Amara's favorite mints, and everyone started celebrating and having fun!  Eric fired up the popcorn machine and the kids played in the back yard--until the Extreme coaster unveiling...at that point, we all moved to the front yard, while the kids had a blast and the adults melted in the near 90 degree sun.


Some of the kids were apprehensive at first, but after their siblings or the older kids did it, they were hooked!   A line quickly formed and they couldn't wait until it was "their turn!" a HIT!  Also a hit, was Eric's sucker tree--(flashback to the sucker tree obsession from the Easter Eggstravaganza) he was so proud of it, and KNEW Amara would love it, and she did--so did the other kids, and we had fun letting them pick suckers and get prizes too.  I am pretty sure they were all walking around with suckers in-mouth, or in-hand most of the party.

We had a cake-break, opened presents, handed out goodie bags, and the kids all played.  Amara LOVES all her presents, and I mean ALL.  We've spent the last two days playing with every single present she received, and we are so thankful that all her family and friends could share the day with her, and for the wonderful gifts! 

At the end of the day, Amara (crashed) was in bed shortly after 6--poor thing just couldn't make it.  We stayed and caught up with some of her guests for a little while, while the Grandmas' helped us start the clean up/ tear down (sorry Grandma's, it's trashed again already). 

The cheese cubes are in baggies for lunches this week, popcorn machine is back in the house, most of the balloons are on the floor.  Eric is finally about done with the punch leftovers--and the rainbow cupcakes are starting to dry out, but we can't wait till next year and the next party, and being able to share our special little girl with even more family and friends.