James' 2nd Birthday!

So this year we didn't do a big birthday party or anything for James since we were still getting settled in GA, and still wrapping our minds around the fact that our family's size was in the process of expanding (ha).... So we decided to have a family day of just us, celebrating James. Since James' birthday fell on a Sunday, we celebrated on Saturday... As soon as we all woke up we went to the aquarium, then went and enjoyed some pizza (James' favorite), headed home for naps (all of us, ha!), and then that night went to our friend's - the Gibb's -- house to grill out and let James play with friends Mary Elizabeth and Andrew. The next morning when James woke up he opened presents, enjoyed some breakfast cake and we just enjoyed each other all day. For an uneventful birthday - it was a great one. So hard to believe our little man is already two years old...

Although it is true what they say about the terrible two's (whoa temper tantrums!), it is ALSO true that they are the absolute SWEETEST at this age too. It is so much fun interacting with James, playing games, teasing him, tickling him, watching him learn new things every single day. I am eating this little boy up and I am completely overjoyed that God is blessing us with another little boy (any day now!). 

Enjoy pics from our day:

Although I typically try to stay behind the camera, we did snag one "mommy and me" pics!

James and Dada enjoying all the cool fish!

We also got to watch the Dolphin Show -- when James found out we were going to the aquarium for his birthday he constantly asked to "see dolphins" -- so this was a big highlight of the day!

Watching the dolphins warming up for the show...

We couldn't take pics during the show, so this is about as good as the "show pics" get:

After the Dolphin Show we checked out the penguins. Since mamacita was preggo, I let daddy do the climbing to check out the penguins up close and personally.

I hate how the flash bounced off the glass, but you can see James and Jimmy in this one. These are little peep holes where you can look IN the penguin exhibit. James was mesmerized! 

I really wish this pic came out :(

Checking out the penguins...

Family photo:

Meme and Papa sent James a bunch of $2 bills in honor of his 2nd birthday.... So we HAD to pick something out from the gift shop! We found a penguin, which James loves to sleep with now.

One of James' gifts from mommy and daddy was this basketball hoop... 

So after naps we got some b-ball time in:

James, aka Mr. Independent, had to do it all "by hissssself":

... which he is pretty good!

.... but he also discovered how fun it could be when you let dada get ya up a little higher...

That night we grilled out at the Gibb's and enjoyed some cake!

Of course we made more birthday wishes!

On April 21, 2013 James woke up to a few more gifts to open from mommy and daddy:

Who doesn't love waking up to gifts all wrapped up?

James never wastes any time tearing into wrapped gifts!

Nor did he waste any time playing with them!

We also enjoyed some breakfast cake (of course with a candle!)...

That afternoon we broke in his gift from Aunt Fefe and Uncle David - BUBBLESSSSSSS

Dada is so good at bubbles :)

So randomly - I was "buzzing" Jimmy's neck and James was very adament about having his neck buzzed, as well... Haha, okay dokay son!

Cutting hair makes me VERY nervous, so I let dada finish the job up!

It was a great weekend. Jimmy and I loved celebrating you, James. You are such a sweet, sweet, fun, hilarious little boy who loves being outside, playing with your doggy and being quite adventurous. Although you are always a little cautious before trying new things -- WHICH MOMMY IS VERY APPRECIATIVE OF -- you always give everything a shot. You keep us all on our toes, but you make life so much more enjoyable. I don't know what I ever did without you in my life. I am so thankful for you and I absolutely LOVE watching you grow and learn every single day. Thank you for being you, James. :)