Celebrating Cole's 2nd - Thomas the Train

When I was deciding what theme to chose for Cole's birthday this year I wanted to make sure it was something he really liked.  The thing is, toddlers are pretty wishy-washy.  Last year was Elmo and Cole really loved it because he liked Elmo.  This year Cole goes back and forth with what he likes... one day Mickey Mouse, the other might be Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and then Thomas the Train.  I have a feeling CARS will be a front runner next year based on the last couple of weeks - ha!  So, we went with Thomas and it turned out pretty cute!

I tell my friends that if this teaching-thing doesn't work out, I could be a children's party planner!  I love searching on line, making some homemade stuff to go along, coming up with cute party favors (You are welcome Michelle and Tiffany), raiding Party City and Walmart for deals, etc.  It's just fun... especially when you get to do it for the little guys you love!

We had a friends party on Saturday night (which was Cole's actual birthday) and a family party on Sunday... makes it more fun to spread out the celebrating!

Saturday morning Cole helped me empty the dishwasher and he and G did some sword-fighting...

 I made him a yummy breakfast (considering it's the only meal he really likes anymore...)

boo-berries, cake (cinnamon rolls) and eggs - this kid can chow on the eggs

 The cake turned out really cute, and it came from Kroger.  The cake lady from Grady's party was on vacation - how dare her, ha - but I think it turned out really cute and yummy!

 The cookies and gummy bears were such a hot last time... 

and remained the fav snacks of the party again!

 Daddy picked up some fun balloons...

 The treat bags were really fun to make - I made vanilla covered pretzel rods, bagged them and added a whistle.. all the parents kids really loved that gift - ha! 

 I also did some picture collages of little man... these are actually my favorite part!

The kids spent most of the time outside, the weather was just perfect and being outside is Cole's fav thing to do anyway!

 Cole's little buddy Drew - they are like 5 weeks apart in age!

 We brought his train table down from the playroom, he spent lots of time on top of it... forget the new presents... this was all he wanted!  Ha!

 We quickly moved all sports outside...

 Cole thinks all sand goes outside the sandbox... but he does it smiling so it's all good

 Brody and Grady were doing "push-ups" or something like that...

 Sweet Tiffany took lots of pics of us - thank you!!!

 Cole got lots of fun presents, but was feeling a little distracted and over-stimulated... 

so thanks everybody! 

 Jackson, Grady, Brody

Colton, Cole and Kate (Drew left early)

Later on that night we skyped with Mimi and Papa, played some football and opened some more  presents.

 

  

Sunday night Grammy Elaine and Aunt Lana came over for some more birthday fun! 

I cooked spaghetti and meatballs, with salad and garlic bread...

 he opened presents...

 got lots of hugs and snuggles whether he wanted them or not...

 and impressed everyone with his new-found freedom of no gate on the stairs...

maybe we are crazy, but this kid has been doing stairs (or the outside of the staircase) for 1 1/2 years now.  

I figure there's more of a chance of me falling down them than him at this point.  :) 

A HUGE thanks to everybody for helping make this day so special for our sweet Cole-Monster!  

Happy 2nd Birthday Cole Merritt!!!