Chelsea's Birthday BBQ 2014

May 4, 2014
Yesterday was Chelsea's big birthday BBQ that I've been planning for the last couple of weeks. Even though she's only turned two and won't remember any of it, I'm glad we did it because, let's be honest, it's fun for the adults, too!

We didn't invite a whole lot of people, but the people we did invite are very close, very dear friends of ours here in Layton, and we were lucky enough to have Andrew's sister, Aunt Lauren, come too. I feel so blessed to have such good friends so nearby that I can spend my time with and Chelsea can make friends with, too.

The best part was that we got to celebrate Chelsea's second year of life, and it has been an exciting year, indeed! In the past year, she's learned to count to 12 (sometimes 14), learned the ABC song, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," "I Am a Child of God," and most of the songs from "Frozen," but I think she likes "Tangled" better. She's also learned a few of her colors and gotten to be quite a fast runner! She's getting better at sharing and playing nicely with other children, and she loves babies. She loves to copy what I say when I'm holding babies and cooing at them, as she caresses their cheeks and heads softly with her hand. I'll be interested to see how she feels about little sister when she comes in July!

She's quite the talker and can communicate what she wants really well. Recently, she's learned the "why" game, where she asks "why" to everything. I remember when my nephew, Ethan went through this phase and how after a while, I just didn't have a good answer for him anymore (if you continue with the whys, you get to the basest of base questions and that's when you really have to become a philosopher). With Chelsea, I've learned to say, "Why do you think?" and that either stops it, or she says, "What are you doing, Mama?" "Why?" and it starts all over again. I'm looking forward to when she's able to make up her own answers and see what she says.

Chelsea loves to be outside, especially when water is involved, so I was so pleased when the weather was nice-enough yesterday (it was a little windy) to use the pool and water blob. All the kids loved it and because they were so distracted by it, we adults were able to have some carefree conversation without having to worry about them too much. Plus, because we were outside, I didn't have to worry about any messes! Of course some pineapple, watermelon, and punch somehow got into the pool, but that's the beauty of hoses, right?

I'll post more information on the details of the whole party-planning process later this week, but for now, here are a few a lot of photos from the big day! So grateful for the friends that came to celebrate with us! We absolutely love and adore our energetic, sun-shiny Chelsea, and are so grateful to have her in our lives.

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These adorable little gals are the BEST of friends! Again, we are so blessed!

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 Whoops! Mid-chew and mid-face rub!

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This kiddo LOVED the watermelon! He went back for seconds... and thirds... and fourths... 

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Here's my Layton Crew! Meet Ashely, Amy, and Emily.

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And now, time for cake and ice cream! We sang Happy Birthday to her, but I didn't get her attention with the cake until after she finished her watermelon.

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Thank you hugs! 

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Chelsea wasn't as thrilled with the cape I made her, so I let Maddi try it out instead.

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She did like the tulle fairy wings I made her! She put them on and ran around and around saying, "Look Daddy! Look Daddy," and that made it all worth it!

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Did I mention that Hercules from "The Sand Lot" is my backyard neighbor? But her name is Tinkerbell and she is a sweetheart.

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Happy Birthday, Chelsea! We love you so so much!

P.S. I've gotta give a BIG shout-out to everyone who came through for us with ice, a grill, presents (even though we specifically said they weren't needed!), water toys, etc. You all are the best, and I have to give a HUGE shout-out to the hubs. He has been a total champ throughout this whole process and was the biggest help that morning cutting the fruit, watching Chelsea, mowing the lawn, and being so calm and patient with everything. I COULD NOT have done this without you. Thanks for making today one of the funnest, stress-free days of my life, babe! Love you!

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2 comments

  1. It looks like a good time was had by all...especially the little ones!

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  2. How cute! Happy birthday Chelsea! random fact: my best friend Chelse has the SAME birthday! I guess it is a day meant for the Chelsea's/Chelse's of the world :)

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