~ Happy Birthday, my sweet baby girl ~

2 years ago today was the biggest day of my life. I brought a little 7.9 pound little girl with spikey-dark hair into the world. Our lives were FOREVER changed and I wouldn't have it ANY other way.

She is so big, but still so little. I took a brief walk down memory lane today...remembering the changes...I didn't realize it at the time, but she use to sleep so much...more changes...funny moments...1st time mom in the parking lot... wearing underwear as jewelry... then we hit 1 year and that was a big deal...got some professional pics... TOO many messes to count... Ok, I must stop. I could be here all day...no, make that all night. (Just click on the "older posts" link down below and catch up for yourself.) :)

The words I use to describe Rea this year....funny, spunky, busy, observant, and determined.

I'm ok if it stops right here...no more growing up...but since I know that won't happen, I say BRING IT...bring every new moment, new memories, new laughs, new trials, new HAPPY days!

Rea Bay, you are so so loved! You make my heart oh so happy! Words cannot explain it!

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Concluding the party.

Present time...

I had her sit on a table so she could be seen and so people could keep swimming while she opened. Kinda like a drive-in movie, but this was a swim-in viewing...

She wore these shades around the house the next day and even took them to Cracker Barrel for dinner. It's pretty cute when she wears them on the top of her head.

An amazing gift from my amazingly crafty friend (also the cake lady)

She made embroidered dolls and clothes...kinda like paper dolls...complete with a carrying case. Well done!

It was a fantastic evening!

We are so blessed!

Happy (early) 2nd birthday, sweet baby girl!!!

Still partying...

There is NOTHING like cold Florida watermelon in the summer!

Great peeps! Crazy fun times!

Enjoying her some strawberry cake!

~Sharing with cousin Kaci Sue~

The big kids!

Preparing for pinata fun...which was anti climatic.

The pinata was a bust...in a few ways.

1. The loop which was suppose to hold it up ripped out before the pinata was opened up...reason why JMA had to hold it.

2. Small pinata + a lot of kids + ungrateful children = a flop

To be continued...

Happy (early) 2nd Birthday, Rea!!!

This past weekend we celebrated Rea's second birthday. (Already?!?) Due to our schedule the rest of the month, this was the last free weekend until mid July, sooooo we partied early!!! It was a great evening...lots of fun, lots of water, lots of heat, and lots of GREAT people!

(Our fantastic friend/cousin, Cole, took over 200 pics of the day. Once again, I am so grateful for all her help...my camera didn't even make it out of the bag. Boo on me!)

I will present them gradually so you do not get overwhelmed. Check back in often to see the next batch. :)

The spunky birthday girl! Toes ready!

Details in place!

Gorgeous cake made by friends!!!

Centerpiece/party favor bucket #1...the coolest bubble wands EVER! Centerpiece/party favor bucket #2...granola bars and swirly straws.

Centerpiece/favor bucket #3...water balls for the pool.

I'm pretty pleased with the overall outcome. It was challenging to get everything exactly as imagined with 60 guests and being outdoors. We planned a real meal this year, so that added some logistical issues. It was hot as the sun was setting, but we didn't have category 4 hurricane winds like last year. I had so many selfless people lending a hand when it was showtime. (i.e. Dad stood by the grill for over an hour cooking chicken because our grill has stage fright and doesn't perform well under pressure. Grrr. Britt came up from Naples and spent the afternoon helping me do some last minute things.)

To be continued.....

Birthday Wish List

I have been compiling RCA's 2nd birthday wish list over the past few months. Toys she LOVES when we visit friends and family or things she can't get enough of. It will be interesting to see how her list changes from year to year and to see what ends up being her favorite.

Radio flyer scooter (RED)
Radio flyer tricycle (RED – with push bar – I think)
Anything with a wheel or wheels
Bubble machine or anything bubble related
Outdoor toys
Hair accessories...i.e. bows!
Leap Frog DVDs
Boz DVDs
Play vacuum cleaner
Play tools
Shoes size 6 (no characters please)
Flow ‘n’ Fill Spout
Anything Color Wonder