Patrick's 2nd Birthday

January 15th, 2011 was Patrick's 2nd birthday.  We didn't know how he would react to his birthday but he really enjoyed "his day".  Matt and I sang Happy Birthday to him before getting him out of his crib, and he smiled from ear to ear...and then reminded us that he was ready to go to his party!! :)  He woke up with  a cold that morning, but didn't let that stop him.  

The night before his birthday he told us that he only wanted "green" presents.  (the color, not environmentally friendly :) ).  Good thing I had green wrapping paper on hand :)!  We gave him a few presents from us at home prior to leaving to go to his party.  He is so funny when he gets an idea of what a present may be...today he thought this wrapped puzzle could be a guitar.   At Christmas time he was sure that every present (no matter the size or shape) was going to be a basketball.  

We had a small family party at a pizza place in Altoona, IA (a common location for traveling family).  It had a great party room for the kids to run and enjoy the day.  Patrick was adamant about playing pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey at his party (though he didn't tell me this until we were driving to the party).  We had recently attended his friend's birthday party where he played it and had fun so I think he assumes that is what you do at birthday parties.  He also wanted to wear a party hat, though he didn't mention this in time either...luckily he was so busy at the party he didn't notice the things that we didn't do :)!  

 It really was a great day!  He was very spoiled with so many fabulous presents and he have found room for them all!  He is so lucky to be surrounded by such a loving and generous family!  Thanks for making his day so special.

Patrick opening his "green" presents

Patrick and Jaden

Cousins: Avery, Emma, Patrick, Finley and Kaleb

Patrick 14 months

Patrick loves to play in our pantry, and this photo demonstrates just how much he's grown over the last year.  This is Patrick at 24 months, he is standing on the floor and can see over the shelf, but a year ago he could easily stand inside the pantry and under the shelf! :)