2 Years Old

Wow, has it already been two years since Hannah Claire joined our family and forever changed us. That would be a resounding yes! The past two years have been absolutely amazing. From the sleepless nights to the "woove you" it just doesn't get much better than being a parent. And being a parent to the sweetest kid ever. We really do have lots of fun together and enjoy spending time together. I pray she will always want to hang out with Mommy & Daddy.

Hannah Claire's actual birthday was on Mother's Day this year so we decided to celebrate on Saturday. For some reason I thought it was be a great idea to decorate cupcakes myself for the big day. Keep in mind I have absolutely no experience at this at all. I asked for advice from my super mom friend Rachel. She did a Curious George cake for her son Noah's first birthday and Elmo for his second birthday. She gave me excellent advice and I gave the cupcakes a trial run the weekend before so I would know if I needed to purchase any. They turned out pretty well (if I do say so myself). HC was fascinated by what I was doing. I look forward to the days we will do stuff like this together.

I did realize that cake decorating will probably never be my career 1) I'm not that good and 2) I have carpal tunnel in my right hand since pregnancy. That really is not great when you are doing the same thing for a couple of hours. It was all worth it for this precious angel!

We had lots of family coming from out of town for the big party. Most of the out of towners showed up early so they could spend some time with the birthday girl. Nana brought a gift that was going to part of the festivities so HC got to open it early.

We also did our Mother's Day celebration for our two moms before the party got started. We are so blessed to have two very loving mothers. We love you both very much!

Along the way HC opened another gift and loves to play with her My Little Pony. (Sidebar: It is so funny to me that all of the things that were so popular when I was little are popular again; Care Bares, Strawberry Shortcake, Cabbage Patch Kids, My Little Pony. I love it!) HC has found a very special home for her My Little Pony. He now lives in our pantry. I'm not sure why but she will play with him and then put him back in the pantry. Hey, whatever works.

We got everything ready and HC wanted to play with one of the balloons. Sadly she lost it outside. She kept a close eye on it though first with Pawpaw John (her great-grandfather).

Then with her Pawpaw. I think this left a mark because this weekend we were at a party and HC held on tightly to her balloon so it wouldn't go anywhere. Our girl learns fast!

The party table.

Has anyone ever told you how hard it is to get a 2 year old to stand still for a picture while there is a whole house full of people there for a party.

We attempted the Birthday Girl Hat again this year. The strings were too short so we just tried to get a picture. It went much better than last year. You can see that here.

HC was focused on the candles.

Nana brought punching balloons. The party goers loved them.

Hannah Claire gets the opening gifts thing but the sweet thing wants to stop and play with each gift. She did proceed to stop, sit and look through the entire book Mawmaw & Pawpaw gave her. Who cares that all these people are here, I want to look at my book.

HC even took time open her cards.

Some Miller loving before the Scottsboro group had to head back north. (Aunt Janet, HC, Mawmaw & Pawpaw)

After the gifts were opened a few of the kids played in the splash pad Nana had gotten HC. It was a huge hit!

Head first and still fun! Aunt Lorie was worried but HC was not worried at all.

Hannah Claire and her good buddy Addie having fun in the sun!

She would dive in or jump in and splash.

It was not super warm that day and the water was cold. HC got out and did her shiver dance.

I just love this picture. How often do you get a 2,3 & 4 year old stop and smile for a picture.

The Florence group was getting ready to head out so we got a quick group shot. (Aunt Lorie, Pawpaw John, Granny Sue, HC, Nana & Mommy)

Thank you to everyone who made Hannah Claire's second birthday so very special.