Look at this big girl!  I still can’t believe that this baby is two years old.  And that we’ve made it through another year of parenthood!  Fist bumps all around!  Obviously, we celebrated with a party.  It was a pretty small affair – just Peanut’s grandparents and one of her friends from Stroller Strides – everyone else was traveling or hosting their own gatherings; such is the plight of a summer baby.  But we had a good time nonetheless!

We went back and forth over what to do for Peanut’s party – the zoo? aquarium? children’s museum? pool party at the new house? playground near the old house? – and eventually settled on Chestnut Ridge Park, one of our favorite outdoor spaces.  Hubby took charge of booking a shelter and found one right next to a playground.  We knew Peanut would be thrilled with that, so we jumped on the idea.  Peanut had a blast playing on the playground while she waited for her friend to arrive.

After Peanut’s little buddy arrived and had a chance to do some playing himself, we headed back to the shelter for a picnic and some birthday cake.  Peanut even blew out her own candle!  (Or the wind did it – but we’re giving Peanut the credit.)  We also opened some of her presents gradually throughout the day – she’s incredibly slow about it, I think because she’s still confused about being allowed to rip paper for once.  And because she always gets plenty of books, and whenever she opens a new book she demands that we read it immediately:

(Having to read every book as soon as it’s opened does gum up the gift-opening works considerably.  But whatever, it’s fun.)

(Yes, Peanut is wearing two different outfits at her party.  She started out the party in the sweet coral dress and immediately got it soaking wet rolling around in dewy grass.  She’s definitely two!)

Happy birthday again, little lovely!  I hope you had a fantastic time at your party… if the squeals of delight were any indication, I’d say you did.