Let's Celebrate

This past weekend we had some real celebrations! First was Clara's second Birthday. When Clara was an infant Reed and I watched her a few times while her parents played soccer with Jon. Since I was pregnant and couldn't imagine how I was going to juggle two kids it was nice to have an easy baby to practice with for an hour or two and also so Reed could get used to what exactly a "baby" meant. It's amazing what a difference two years can make. Now Reed and Clara are best buds and their 18 month age difference seems pretty small. Reed wouldn't talk to any of the other kids at the party until he saw Clara and when he did, he ran up to the picnic table she had sat down at and they had a full on conversation. Shannon did a circus theme for her party which was so cute and they had a bounce house for the kids. It was a huge hit with Reed who loved bouncing with the other toddlers and then he had a good 10-15 minutes of jumping with just Sophia who he still adores as much as he did last 4th of July. She is four or five years older but so good with the smaller kids. Reed stuck his head out of the bounce house and even told me not to let any other kids in while they were jumping together! For his part Kieran was interested in the bounce house but as soon as we would get him partially in he would start shaking his head saying "nah, nah, nah." He also thought watching Connor (2 years) play with the different balls was awesome and enjoyed his first taste of cow's milk. Shannon was a sweetheart and told me what all of the food was going to be ahead of time and which things Reed would and wouldn't be able to eat and even borrowed my cupcake recipe so Reed could have the same cupcakes as everyone else. I brought similar items to those he couldn't have so he wouldn't feel left out, but he decided eating 3 hot dogs was way better than the chicken nuggets and corn chips I had packed.

Sunday was C's Birthday so we had an Italian dinner at Nonna and Pepe's and were joined by not only Gran and Papa but also Alli which is always a special treat!  Gran was able to get play time in with both boys and Jon even put on an impromptu concert for the three kids. Aside from the great gifts she received, we tortured poor Kieran by putting him in a dress, so that C could realize her ultimate Birthday wish - having Kieran and Lyla recreate her 1st Birthday look so we could finally put an end to the debate of who looks more like her. I think Lyla won, but I'll let you be the judge. Before I post pictures I must mention  a few other things. Dessert - C's request was eclairs so Nonna and Pepe got some from her favorite bakery but then made one special for Reed that he devoured and is still talking about. Behavior - Kieran and Reed outdid themselves by screaming at the dinner table, Reed having a meltdown over a broken glass, Kieran climbing up onto the coffee table and throwing game pegs all over the pool house, and Reed encroaching on C's present opening and candle blowing. At one point Jon and I just looked at each other and smiled, we have two crazy boys and I'm sure it is only going to get crazier!!!