Will's 2nd Birthday

April 27, 2015

Will turned 2! We celebrated over the weekend with an afternoon at Chuck E Cheese on Saturday and then a trip to the park and family night on his birthday, Monday. As it worked out, my parents were in town - my Dad had an appointment down here earlier in the week, so they stayed a couple extra days to be able to celebrate with us. 

Pictures are worth a thousand words...so here's Will's birthday! 

Will finally moved up to a new table chair - just like his big sister's. He wanted white, not black - although that may have been because that's all that was in stock at IKEA. :) He chose Cocoa Pebbles for his birthday breakfast...and "oncs" (oranges).

This kid loves balloons and balls.

He loves to pick up 3 at a time like this and spin them around. It takes him a bit to get them just right, and he gets frustrated if one drops. And of course - he chose his favorite color - "onc".

To lead him to his birthday present from us, we set out an MnM trail for him to follow. 

Of course you have to eat some as you go.

His first bike!

Hopped right on - ready to go! 

Lala and Papa brought a gift for him to open first thing too - but he wanted us to "wait" until he was ready.

Isn't this a perfect advertising photo for Fisher Price? 

He even used his feet to open this one.

I love this expression. It's as if to say, "I opened it. Now what?"

He was obsessed with this little orange slide. He kept wanting his Dad to put it together. Little did he know it would be almost the last piece to be assembled.

Yeah....I think there 44 steps or something.

Some of my favorite faces of Will...

Notice the orange slide...

Patiently waiting...

And not so patiently waiting..."SLIDE!!!"

"Mad."

We even arranged for the garbage truck to come on his birthday. (Thank goodness they come every Monday)

These big brown eyes.

Daddy's little helper.

I love this girl. She was so intent on helping her Dad, watching ever so closely.

He finally got to see a car go partially down the slides! 

This is what the entire morning consisted of. Daddy and his helpers. 

Aaron's face: "Shoot me now."

But moments like this really do make it worth it. Will was so happy to be building with his Dad.

"Bubbos!" (Bubbles)

After lunch and naps, we went to the park so Will could try out his new bike and play ball.

After the park, we met Daddy at home for a hot dog bbq! Will wanted to try everything on the table, including the onions...which he very quickly determined he did NOT like. He did however devour the avocado, dips, and his dog (bun free of course).

Will had the whole opening gift thing down this year. He was so excited when he caught a glimpse of his first one. That's Papa Pop on the phone that Aaron's holding. (Grammy was visiting with Rachel)

A BYU hat! 

I adore this photo. Will loves his Papa Pop - or Pop Pop as he's started calling him. He was so excited to see and hear that it was him on the phone. They have such a sweet relationship, and one that I hope Will will always remember.

His face says it all, he LOVES garbage and recycling trucks! 

Will's favorite animal is a cat - or a kitty as he calls each one fondly. He loves to play with Olivia's Purple Kitty and Puddin', but she's not always so willing to share - so she wanted to get him his own for his birthday! She chose one in his favorite color - orange! 

"ONC!" This little kitty is known as "Onc Kitty" (Orange Kitty). Original, I know.

Time to call Nana, Papa and all his aunts and uncles in Provo! It was so fun to see them all and finally get to hear them sing Happy Birthday. We had been playing phone tag all day. 

Nana and Papa sent him a baseball bat and ball! 

He knew just what to do. In fact, he even wanted to sleep with them that night...and many nights since. He takes them everywhere and is very unwilling to share such prized possessions. A future baseball player? Yes.

After opening all his gifts (I loved when he opened some clothes from Lala and Papa - he said, "More jammies!" and threw them aside. Lol.), he took each one and put them away - in their place. Books on the shelf, ball and bat in the bin, etc. This kid is organized and a lot like his Uncle Jordan was at this age.

In case you don't know, Will LOVES Bubble Guppies. It's his favorite show. It's an obsession actually. So determining a theme for his birthday party was simple. And his little cake was quick and easy too. Olivia helped place the guppies and the candles.

After blowing out the candles, it was dark (the light you see here is the flash from the camera). Will didn't know what to do next.

"Bright."

Even with ice cream and cake to eat, this little guy only wanted "Chokut mulk". He was so kind and shared his cake and ice cream with Daddy.

Needless to say, Will had a "fintastic" birthday. Phone calls, Skype calls, video messages, gifts, cards, and all the attention he could hope for.