this birthday brought to you by the letter e & number 2

Well it has come and gone - Elliott's second birthday celebration.  This afternoon we hosted a little party for Elliott, some family and good friends with an appearance or two made by the Sesame Street gang. It was fun. No real tears or upsets - which to me is pretty much as good as it gets. The gift opening did get a little strained but Elliott caught his second wind as the big boys toys started to make an appearance. Our playroom is fast taking on a new shape and smell with the arrival of trucks, tractors, trailers, motorcycles and an old-school robot.

Thanks to Aunty Rhonda, Aidan, Grammie, the Champions and the Grants. Elliott was thrilled with all the special attention. One question though, Lydia, where did you go? Elliott has been looking for you all evening.

Decor.

More decor.

More, more decor.

Talk about team spirit. Looking good Papa.

Lydia and a mystery guest.

Carter (trying hard to give Aunty a smile) and Kate heading out on the town.

Ruby!

Aidan!

Digging in to the red velvet cakes with piles of blue icing. My teeth are still aching.

Wow, this is a proud family shot.

Two favourites: "Papa truck" and "Robot".

Grammie with her captive audience.

Introducing Leo (in green) the newest member of the Grant clan.

On a more serious note, Elliott, here is a thought from your Mama. I love you buddy. You take a little flak these days about being a Mama's boy, but rest assured, it isn't from me. I'm trying to treasure every moment because I know they are finite. You officially turn two, in two days but we've been feeling the terrible twos for some time. You're tough as nails one moment and then in hysterics the next. You tease, you torture then moments later you are so sweet, kind and generous. You love robots, doing laundry, watching shows, You tube, swings and slides, your sister, trucks, water guns, Finnegan, tractors, yoghurt, naps, tooth floss and the word no. You don't care much for diapers, pants, shoes, tooth brushings, vegetables, Max and Ruby or your parents saying the word no.  You can spit like a teenager, you have aim of a seasoned hunter and the physical awareness of a future Olympian (did I go too far on that one?). We love you to bits and look forward to the many adventures that you will help guide us on in the next 367 days.

Oh and look what the cat dragged in...

How many more times are we going to see this look sneaking in through the back door? Hopefully in the future she'll have fewer guys in tow.

One last go - happy birthday Elliott! xoxo