Zoe's Second Birthday!

Despite all the noise and the chaos, we had a great time celebrating our little girl's second birthday. I think the kids had the most fun, and that's all that really matters.

We met up for lunch at my parents' house on Sunday afternoon, and had sandwiches and cupcakes. The whole idea was to keep it as laid-back as humanly possible, but still a lot of fun. I think it worked pretty well!

What flavor? L-A-Z-Y.

Meaning I bought several boxed cake mixes and cans of frosting. 

Bite me, Martha Stewart.

There were white, pink and purple cupcakes with the same colors of frosting. The purple ones actually looked really pretty, although I think some people were a little tentative about eating them! I can't really blame them. I just didn't feel like competing with Zoe's allergy while trying to make something from scratch.

All our family members were able to make it, except for my grandma. It was so exciting to have everyone there! It's gotten harder since the family has grown, people have gotten married, moved away, and had children, and each person has their own busy life now. Boy, was it crowded! Luckily, it was a beautiful day, so we were able to expand the party outdoors.

The kids played with sidewalk chalk and outside toys, and the adults got to spend time visiting and getting some sunshine!

After lunch, we let Zoe blow out her birthday candle and have a cupcake. She was so excited to get her very own little cake with sprinkles on it.

 She had a little trouble with the candle, but eventually blew it out!

Mmmm...frosting!

Two very impatient superheroes, waiting for cupcakes.

Once we cleaned the purple and pink off all the kiddos, we let Zoe open her gifts. The first one had already been discovered before we even sat down to eat.

"What's under here?"

"A pink bike!"

Now she can ride outside with her brothers.

I think she likes it.

Thanks, Grammy and Granddad!

 A new dollhouse! The one she wanted!

 Thanks, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Hannah, Uncle Peter and Aunt Beth!

A lot of new clothes from Me-ma, Pa-pa and Great Aunt Lisa, and a piggy bank that counts money!

There were so many neat things! Zoe also got some super cute sandals from Uncle Tim, Aunt Tiffany, Bailey and Christopher, and an awesome new book from Uncle Joseph, Aunt Marissa and Ian (which we've already read to the point of memorization!). Grammy and Granddad got her a new furniture set for her dollhouse, and so did Uncle Brandon.

 Josh, Andee and Micah gave Zoe the cutest hat ever.

She won't take it off today!

It was a really great day! The boys went to church after the party, for choir and AWANA activities, and Zoe got a chance to play with her new toys in peace for a few minutes. She and Micah had a good time playing with the new dollhouse and all the furniture.

 It's nice to have another girl around for a change!

I'm still having a hard time believing that my little ZuZu is already two. It just doesn't seem possible that time has passed that quickly. I'm so glad that she had a fun day, just for her!