Kate's 2nd Birthday!

Last weekend we celebrated Kate's 2nd birthday! Friday, I took off from work and spent the day with Kate (my big work deadline was Thursday night so I was ready for a day off).  I cleaned the house (it's sad when you take off of work to clean the house), did some birthday errands, and took Kate to get her first "real" haircut.  Friday night we did our (now) traditional family dinner at Old Town Cafe to celebrate both Gigi and Kate's birthday. Mimi and Papa surprised Kate with balloons and Nanny brought cake and candles for dessert.

The birthday girls.

These were all the pictures Kate was willing to pose for - so she grabbed her balloons and walked off.

 Saturday morning was Kate's FSU themed birthday party!  It was nothing fancy, but we had a great time celebrating with our friends and family. 

 The decorations.

The Chick-fil-a nugget platter was a hit.  Although it's a little pricey, I saved some serious money on the cupcakes.  A couple bakeries wanted at least $20 for a dozen cupcakes and I ended up getting the football cupcakes at Sam's.  Their price?  $13 for 30 cupcakes and they tasted great.

My 2 year old! 

To keep the kids entertained, we rented a bounce house from a small Christian company (who I highly recommend if anyone needs a party rental).  Kate would have nothing to do with the bounce house at first, but Justin took her in halfway though the party and she eventually got the hang of jumping in it (or lounging). 

Although the bounce house was a hit, it turned out there was one toy that was the "must have" at the party.  A beach ball.  My parents had blown up two, but we have learned to have one beach ball for every child next year.  I have to admit, it was a fun addition to jumping in the bounce house.  

I'm so glad Ashleigh Anne and Kyndall were able to make it (they live in South Carolina).  The weekend before Kate's party, we attended Kyndall's first birthday party (an adorable watermelon theme).

We quickly opened birthday presents (where Kate received some wonderful gifts) and then it time to attempt the group shot.  Mom had a good idea to hand out M&Ms as a bribe to keep the kids sitting. 

From left to right:  Peyton, Audrey, Kate, Emeline, Kyndall and Nolan.  Brock was also at the party, but they had left before I realized we hadn't taken a picture of all the kids.

After the party, we spent the rest of the day at my parent's house to watch the football game that night (which we didn't win).

Sunday, Nanny cooked a wonderful meal and invited us over for lunch after church.  Kate opened a couple gifts from Nanny (including a beautiful sweater and a new baby doll) and a couple from Mommy and Daddy and Gigi and Grandaddy.  Now Kate has a nice little collection of toys at Nanny's house since she had outgrown some of the baby toys.

After opening some of her gifts, Kate put on her purple high heels, grabbed her matching purse and started walking her musical turtle all around the house. 

It was big birthday weekend for Kate.  Thanks again to everyone!