Max's Impromptu 2nd Birthday Party

Yes, we were home two days and hosting a birthday party. No, this wasn't planned (at least not by me.) But, it was alot of fun. Max turned two while we were in China. We had originally planned to celebrate there, but the day of his birthday was a bit rough. I was sick, he was grumpy, and we were packing up in one city and flying to another. Ellie thought that not celebrating his birthday was unacceptable so we decided that we would celebrate it "when we got home." I was really thinking further down the road. She was so excited about it though, and her excitement rubbed of on me, Aunt Leigh, and Grandme Ne who graciously agreed to expand our Tuesday family dinner into a birthday party for Max. She picked Ellie up after lunch on Tuesday and they went party shopping, decorated, and baked the cake. They also picked out presents and wrapped them. All that you see is of Ellie's design (with guidance from Grandma Ne). Ellie's original party theme was pink, but she was redirected. I got off easy. I took a nap while Max napped, got him up and dressed, swung by the hardware store on the way over, and picked up the wagon I'd been wanting to get him as a gift. Max really enjoyed meeting the rest of the family. He had a great time with his cousins, although he still hasn't joined in the chaos 100%. He also loved being entertained by his grandpas (as do all of the grandkids). He wasn't sure what to think about having Happy Birthday sung to him, but he loved when everyone clapped for him. He loved his birthday dinner (especially corn on the cob - he ate three pieces), but was then too full for cake and ice cream. He didn't really understand the opening of gifts, but his cousins and sister were happy to help him out. He did really enjoy the toys that came out of the packages though. It's going to be interesting to have a boy. It's all movement and noise already. We have used the wagon several times already and we're loving it (mom too). It's great to cart the kids to the park or local stores and we'll definitely be taking it to the pumpkin patch this fall.