Joelle's 2nd Birthday

Here are some pictures from Joelle's 2nd birthday party. It was really fun except for the strong wind that kept trying to blow the decorations and presents away. The theme of the party was Dora the Explorer. That is Joelle's favorite cartoon character these days. Most of the friends we invited were able to come and I think everyone had a good time. The kids played at the playground and with some of the outside toys we brought. And then we had lunch.

Dane attempting to do the hula hoop. I told Dane I used to be the best hula hooper at my school but with my big belly I wasn't able to prove it to him.

Cute Cody.

Joelle playing with the windmills.

I love this picture! These are all my pregnant friends from church...minus Katrina Pierce who couldn't make it. Malinda Brinkerhoff, Charise Brownlow, and I are all due within days of each other. Jen Christensen is due in November and Katrina is due the beginning of August.

Grant, David, Andrew and Dane playing in the woods next to the playground.

For lunch we had subway sandwiches, fruit, chips, and juice or water. We ended up with way to many sandwiches and I begged everyone to take sandwiches home with them. Since many of the Dad's who came to the party have wives who are pregnant, and I'm sure just as tired as I am, they were happy to oblige. We still had enough sandwiches for dinner, breakfast, and lunch the next day!

Joelle and I getting ready to have some cake.

Joelle's cake. I bought it at Costco. There was no way I was baking a cake this year! Organizing this party was just about too much for me. By the end of the day I could barely walk. But it was worth it.

Singing "Happy Birthday" to Joelle. The kids could barely stand waiting for the cake to be cut and they all wanted a particular piece of cake...I finally heard myself saying "You get what you get and don't throw a fit!" It is a saying the boys learned from their preschool.

Tyler helping Joelle enjoy some of her cake. I don't think she knew the party was for her but she sure had a good time.

I just love how wide Cody has his mouth open in this picture. Too funny!

The last event of the day...whacking the Dora the Explorer pinata. She didn't want to give up the bat so the other kids could have a turn. Tyler had a heck of a time holding her back. As you can see if you look on the right side of the next picture

Dade Brinkerfoff has obviously played this game before as you can see from his professional stance! He knocked her body right off her head. I had to hurry and pick up the fallen piece and shake the candy out.

The kids grabbing for their loot.

We ran out of time at the park to open presents. So we opened them at home after Joelle took her nap.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Stevens for the new pajama!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Thomas for the new hat, shirt, and very fun skirt.