Second Birthday Party

As you've seen on previous posts, Natalie is really into trains. So, for her party this year, we chartered (sounds fancy, huh?) the KC Northern Railroad train at Line Creek. We had the train all to ourselves. Natalie and all her closest friends on the train she loves. It was so much fun. Then we headed back to our house (3 minutes away) for a toddler-sized pool party. It was a smidge chilly, but the kids didn't seem to mind and I think it's safe to say, a good time was had by all.

In her party dress, provided by Nana.

On the train.

Honorary Conductor. If she were a boy, I bet she would already know what this means. Even though she had no idea what "honorary" or "conductor" meant, she still liked the little red ribbon.

Speeding by. The waving is half the fun.

Taking another ride with Daddy and Grandad.

All our friends on the train.

Baby brother looking handsome, and tired.

Back at our house, blowing bubble in one of the pools.

Time out for a birthday blessing on the food.

Aerial view of the b-day before everyone arrived.

Slip-n-slide.

Chillin. Literally.

Everyone all cozied up to Granny.

Mom's masterpiece. (I hate to admit how easy it really was. I'll just let you all be impressed.)

The little engine that did....get eaten.

Making a wish. (I think Clint (far left) was trying a Jedi mind trick to get her to use her wish for something he wanted)

Now THIS is a party. (So thankful for our church FAMILY.)

Natalie's Chappell siblings.

Swipin candy from the cake.

A favorite gift.

Eating with Izzy.

I can't believe she's TWO. It was a great day.

Party Day Prep

Natalie started her big party day off by going to the airport to get Granny and Grandaddy Kling. Of course, they went straight to McDonald's for breakfast and to play in the playland.

Somehow Granny was the lucky playmate who go to venture into the tunnels and Grandad was on camera duty.

Most of Mommy's prep time was spent making a cake for the birthday girl. Something in me just wants to actually make the cakes instead of buying them. I guess it makes up for all those times I buy lunches instead of making them. :) I'm sure my children will really appreciate the cake-baking effort one of these days. Not to mention, it was fun.

This is how Sutton prepared.

Comic Relief

As many Mommies can attest to, parenting a toddler day in and day out can become a little (a lot) exhausting at times. The surprises our days are filled with are sometimes frustrating and sometimes refreshing. For instance, all in the span of about 10 minutes I happened upon the following 2 scenarios.

It really was just a matter of time before this happened. A classic toddler moment.

And while moments like those, when they happen multiple times in one day could get a momma down, the other hilarious moments keep us going. Try walking towards your fridge and having this little flower appear in your path. You WILL laugh, and pick up the flower and kiss it and kiss it and kiss it. I promise.

See that kleenex in the little flower's hand? It wasn't the only one she "needed" before I could get to her. Back and forth and back and forth, all day long it goes....

Faux Sleepover

Bithabel (Isabel) was supposed to stay at our house so her parents could take baby Gabe to the doctor out of town. Well, the girls are still a little young apparently. They took turns crying and switching sleeping spots until Izzy's Daddy decided enough was enough. We'll try it again in a couple of months, I'm sure. We just can't seem to stop ourselves...

I mean, look at these two together. You'd never know how crazy they can get when they both decide they want the same toy. It's good entertainment for parents.

The Many Willing Baby Holders

We went to OK in August so Sutton could meet his family. There was no shortage of arms to cuddle and love him.

Uncle Chris

Great Aunt Sally

No hugs better than Nonnie hugs.

We also took an evening to celebrate Natalie's 2nd birthday a little early.

Apparently the 400 times we've asked her not to take lids off or straws out, she must have misunderstood. I'm thinking she looks pretty guilty, but even more adorable.

Air Natalie

Cousins

Neither Nonnie nor Sutton could get enough of each other.

Eating a yummy Sopapilla at Ted's in Norman. Gotta raise 'em right.

A Perfect Fit

I just love it when Natalie does something I think is so wonderful. It's in these moments I realize how crazy I am about her, right down to her ever-growing brain cells. She's really been liking puzzles lately. We were working on this "Daddy/Baby" animal one and the Daddy pig was m.i.a. So I asked Natalie if she could find it. She ran over to the puzzle box, then quickly returned and placed this little round pig perfectly into it's spot. I thought it was just genius and a perfect fit for sure. I do love that clever little toddler.

Happy Guy

Sutton is growing up way too fast. It seems like every little phase gets here sooner and sooner. He's been laughing for a couple weeks now, so I decided to get creative and try to catch it on video. You can enjoy a little bit of Nemo while you wait for his appearance...

Almost Two

I've been wanting to take some professional type 2 year pics of Natalie, but it's hard to find time when someone else can come and help. I guess this 5 minute session in Mimi and Pops old backyard will have to do.