Pretending

Gavin may have tried to run away from home for the first and hopefully last time today. Actually, I think he was just exerting some independence through a pretend scenario. He was carrying around a bucket of toys while waving and saying bye to everything. Then I'd hear him walk to the back door and knock on it. I finally told him he couldn't leave until I had a kiss goodbye.

Someone recently asked if Gavin was always hyper. To be honest, I didn't know how to answer because I had never thought of him that way. I mean, I teach kindergarten, I should know hyper. Granted, at the time the question was proposed he was having a great time, therefore, a little more excitable than usual, but not far from his usual self. I'm realizing more and more that this kid has loads of personality and it just shines through, mainly through that smile, but also in how quickly he warms up to people and especially in how he knows how to have a good time whether he is playing with one person or scores of people/animals in his pretend world.

Since being home for the summer, I have come to embrace that stepping into the pretend world via the mind of a two-year old can be liberating. In this world it's okay to build a cage made of blocks where a tiger, dinosaur and a hermit crab can live happily together. It's also acceptable to dance to a song about fruit like no one over three feet tall is watching. I may have to close that gym membership since we danced furiously for thirty minutes, part of that was merely running around the house. Then we later played chase while I vacuumed. Good times.

And that's exactly what it's been- good times. From making chocolate dipped strawberries filled with cream cheese to reading books sitting side by side, my shadow has not been lonely. Today was full of the little moments that added up to much.

A Very Manly Birthday

For Gavin's Second Birthday we went with a Mr. Man theme.
We've called Gavin Mr. Man since he was an infant and he loves hats so we thought it would be fun to see what we could come up with.

This was a sign D made that went along with the invitations.
He also made all of the tags for the candy buffet.
Candy buffets have become increasingly popular for weddings and birthdays. I decided to go with a blue and green theme as well as try to stick to old fashioned kinds of candy.
We also had a few other desserts and cold drinks.
I have seen the tissue pom poms used for decorations and decided to make some. After a few tries you start to get the hang of it. I think the smaller ones came out best.

And I just so happened to have scrapbook paper in similar color schemes to make his banner.

My sweet husband spent four months growing out a really thick, hot beard just so he could shave most of it off into this stylish mustache.
One of my favorite parts about the party was the game. I divided the kiddos into two groups and with the help of some volunteers, we had them race in their red wagon down the yard where some more helpful volunteers dressed them up in hats, ties and suspenders and then race back for the next set of kids. The kids were great and looked so incredibly cute!

As prizes for the game, everyone went home with fake mustaches. Aren't they adorable?!
There wasn't much to go on for the theme except for one other blog where they had these dashing chocolate mustaches and tie napkins. I explored the internet until I found the chocolate molds and ordered the napkins. Our families were willing participants to try them out.
In addition to the napkins, I also found these hilarious cups. You can literally pick which kind of nose you want.
We know this little boy had a great time and we hope everyone else did too.
I sent home these goodie bags hopefully filled with things to keep the fun going.
Happy Birthday Mr. Man!

A Walk in the Zoo

Yesterday, D took off and we headed to the zoo. Since we have a membership it's kind of nice to go when we want, but I'm thinking of banning the months from May to September since it was so HOT! We tried to get there as soon as we could when it was cool. In Houston that term is pretty irrelevant.

The first stop was to see the elephants who had just gotten a bath. Here's 500 pound baby Baylor who is only about two months old with his mom.

Even though it was hot, I think this trip was more enjoyable since the time we went six months ago because Gavin seemed to be more aware of the animals. He would point a lot with excitement especially at the giraffes and reptiles.
The Houston Zoo was hosting a special exhibit on dinosaurs. All of the dinosaurs moved and made sounds even the baby ones. If you are in the area, it's probably worth the extra $2 to see once. Surprisingly, Gavin was a little timid around the small dinosaurs, but had no problems with this guy.
I think the T-Rex just might be his favorite, but isn't that true for all kids?
We took a little time out to play and frolic like the rest of the wildlife.
Then we headed over to the reptiles and the aquarium.
D got to show Gavin a lizard like he used to have.
In all, it was just a walk in the zoo.

Two Year Pics

Usually I'm not a big fan of studio pictures, but with time running short, we opted to have Gavin's second year pictures done just that way. And you know I'm glad we did. It's nice to have some variety, and I'm not about to set up a white backdrop in my garage. Or am I?

I was pleasantly surprised with how the pictures turned out. Hence my willpower for only selecting one or two poses was greatly reduced. Thankfully, since we chose several poses, we were given a disc with all of Gavin's pictures. Without further ado...





Obviously these pictures were taken before Gavin's haircut. I'm still working on going through all of Gavin's birthday party pictures and hope to post those tomorrow. On a final thought, I'd like to wish D's grandparents a very happy 61st anniversary. We love you Nannie and Pawpaw!

Growing Up

Yesterday I took Gavin to his two year check up. Usually he starts crying as soon as he sits on the scale, but this time he got to stand on the big boy scale and I think that made all of the difference. The poor kid has been to the doctor enough that he probably is traumatized. However, this time there wasn't a tear shed when he sat on the table, saw the doctor and not even until the second shot. I was so proud of him.

It's a little sad that this is probably the last time I'll post his check up stats.
Height 32 inches 5-10 percentile
Weight 23.2 pounds 10-25 percentile (That's the first time he's broken the 5th percentile since he was a few weeks old!)

It's a good thing I took him to his doctor's appointment first because he lost that .2 ounces when we stopped by for his first professional haircut. I have been cutting it, but it got to a point that a squirmy toddler with extremely straight hair was a recipe for disaster. Besides, as the hairstylist confirmed, he had a bowl cut.

I only have photos from my camera phone of the event, but when we got home I took a few. Take a look at my grown up little boy.

Happy Father's Day

You may not recognize this guy,

Or this one,

Or these guys,

And especially not this one,

But I recognize them as the wonderful fathers, grandfathers and husband who I am blessed to have in my life. All of these men are godly, caring and hardworking. Oh, and they know how to have a good time too.