Happy 2nd Birthday Garytt!

"Elmo loves to party!
We hope you do too!
Come and help us celebrate!
Garytt's turning two!"

The invitations set the tone for Garytt's 2nd birthday party, which was held Saturday, March 24. (His actual birthday is March 25.) It was Elmo themed since that is by far his favorite character right now.

I made Elmo cupcakes and a small Elmo smash cake for Garytt. I also made sugar cookies because the party was "brought to you by the letter G and the number 2."


Dessert table


Cupcakes


Cake and Cupcakes


Cookies


Elmo balloons!


Party favor bags

I have to say that I was very happy with how the cupcakes turned out! However, the mouth on the Elmo smash cake didn't go as well as planned. I had some trouble with the royal icing due to humidity levels and maybe because I added an incorrect ingredient...oops! Oh well, I think you can definitely tell it is supposed to be Elmo!

We had party hats for the kids. Most of them didn't keep them on for very long. I think the elastic strap bothered them. Even Garytt, who LOVES to wear hats only wore the party hat for a short time. (And check out that eye!)





Garytt had a few little friends come to his party. Hannah and Garytt even gave each other a hug!





Garytt's cousin Addison also wore an Elmo t-shirt to the party. Too fun!



It was such nice weather outside, we ate our lunch on my parents' deck.


Justin, Nanny, Mimi, and Garytt enjoying the pizza

After lunch, it was time to open the gifts!









Here come the other kids to "help."





Nanny even made a new friend.



I was a proud Mama during the gift opening. Garytt did a great job of saying "thank you" to most everyone. Of course we had to prompt him, he is only 2 after all, but it was super adorable!

After opening the gifts, it was time to sing Happy Birthday and eat the cake! We brought Garytt over to the cake table to show him Elmo...he looks pretty excited.



I think my mom was super excited that it was beautiful weather outside because all that red frosting could be sent outside! We set Garytt up in the high chair and tried to light candles but it was too windy. So, we just had to sing "Happy Birthday" without candles burning.







It looks like Garytt enjoyed it!



We all just hung out after the cake was done and let the kids play.









Soon, we broke out the bubbles...and Justin became super popular with the kids!







Garytt's birthday party was the first time many people got to meet Westyn as well.













After most everyone left, Garytt enjoyed playing with a few toys before taking a nap.


Chugginton train set!






Coloring

It was definitely time for Garytt to take a nap after all that excitement! Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us!

Bend It Like Beckham

We had a busy morning on Friday. I went to my MOPS meeting, which means that Garytt got to play with the kiddos there. He loves going to MOPS because he loves to play and he really wears himself out! The MOPPETS volunteers that watch the kids in his room always comment that he doesn't stop moving for the whole two hours.

We had to sneak out a few minutes early from MOPS in order to make it home for just about 30 minutes, which was just long enough to feed both the boys. Then we headed out to the hair salon. Garytt was in desperate need of a haircut and I haven't gotten the nerve back up to try to cut it again, especially since next week is his birthday.

Garytt did a great job at the salon. The stylist was super impressed with how well behaved and cooperative he was. (Proud mama moment! And a far cry from the terrible twos toddler from a few days earlier!) And, of course, Westyn was a hit at the salon as well.

When we got back from the salon, I saw there was a package waiting for Garytt! We waited until Justin got home from work before we opened it (plus Garytt really needed a nap). Garytt received a birthday gift from Mimi! We decided that it was ok for him to open it and play before his birthday since we will be out of town.

Mimi sent him a toddler soccer set and he loves it! Thanks Mimi! (And yes I know his pants don't really match his top but the jeans he was wearing earlier were a mess after dinner.)

Justin showed Garytt how to kick the ball into the net.







Westyn watched from the sideline.



Not sure if the sidelines are all that safe...



(Although it looks like Garytt is throwing the ball directly at Westyn, he is actually throwing the ball to Justin...the ball passes right by Westyn. Whew!)

Here are all my guys!


Brief pause for a picture...


Off he goes again!

My little soccer player in the making...













Westyn is impressed with his big brother's skills!



Here is a video of him scoring a goal...yes, he is like two inches from the goal but he is so proud of himself!



Ok, so Garytt might not be able to "bend it like Beckham" just yet...but with a little practice, who knows what the future may hold?