Sullivan's Birthday Celebration | Part 1

Good morning, birthday boy!  

Sullivan woke up to a few birthday presents from us and one homemade gift from Max...

 Camping gear!!

Everything he needs for a camping trip (his bday party theme for Saturday!)

Fishing poles and fish, sack race, sticks for roasting s'mores and hot dogs, lantern, canteen, etc.

And a big blow up Eco-Bonk bear.

Max did a great job creating a present especially for Sully.  We were at a toy store a few weeks ago and Sullivan picked up a tambourine and wouldn't put it down.  Max remembered how bad Sullivan wanted to buy it.  So we got busy making our own version of a tambourine...

 He decorated both sides, carefully punched holes and glued both sides together.

 He threaded bells through the holes carefully. And then had to test it out!

Sullivan loved it!  And look at that proud face on Max... ;)

Later in the day we took Sullivan on an adventure and left Max to hang out with his favorite babysitter.

Billy and I want to spend time alone with each child on their birthday every year.  We'd love to have a big family so it's going to be important to make each of our children feel special and individual as often as we can.  We thought it would be best to set the standard early on.  

Sully is a funny little guy and even at two has very discerning taste.  I asked him if he wanted to go pick out a new record or a new game for his birthday.  He chose record.

So...

First Stop:  Prospero's on 39th
I doubt many two-year-olds spend their birthday searching for new records (admittedly picking them by the album cover artwork) but it is right up Sullivan's alley.

Since he was a tiny thing music was something that resonated with him.  We'd lay him by the record player when he was fussy, danced him to sleep to records almost every night in those early days and now we have regular dance parties with him as the DJ.  Picking music by the pictures on the cover and switching it out quickly if he doesn't like what he hears.

~A quick trip down memory lane~
Here he is only two weeks old at Prospero's.  Billy and I stopped in there on our wedding anniversary with our new little guy in tow.

Loved napping next to the music.

A little dance before bedtime.

Sully playing DJ...even at 13 months old.

Second Stop:  Blue Koi for some dumplings.

Sullivan and Daddy had lots of fun with the chopsticks.

 Drumming!

Passed the time by playing tic-tac-toe with sugar packets.

Ready to eat :)

Last stop: Miami Ice
This place sells magic in a styrofoam cup.
Soft serve on the bottom, flavored ice on top.  Sullivan wanted gummy bears too.
Birthday boy gets what he wants...

Too much fun.  He passed out before we even got home.
That looks like birthday success to me...

He's excited for his big party on Saturday! Part II to come...

Two Cool

Dear Sullivan,

I don't think there ever was a cuter two-year-old than you.

You've held onto that spark you've had since the day you were born.  

A magnetic likability that doesn't go unnoticed by anyone you meet.  I still get stopped weekly by strangers who'll lean in and whisper "he is SO cute!" like it's a secret.

However, those twinkling eyes and heart-bursting smile have quite a bit of mischief behind them these days.  All are genetic gifts you inherited from your father no doubt ;)  Powerful qualities that have always been known to melt my heart into a puddle on the floor.  

When I fill your Dad in on our day each afternoon, I'm often shaking my head and saying "I don't know what's gotten into him..."  And then I remember that you're two.

You want to do ev.er.y.thing "MYSELF!!!"

You're constantly testing my limits and my patience, which means you've been spending some time in the "cool-off spot".  You also love to press Max's buttons, but always so sweetly hug him and say "sowwy" afterwards.  You boys are the definition of "two peas in a pod" right now.

You're much more daring than your older brother, though.  You laugh in the face of things that Max deems "dangerous" or "not following the rules".   However, Max tries his hardest to keep you in line :)

You're also talking quite a bit now.  Just a month ago, I was starting to worry about your progress in the speech department.  All of a sudden something clicked inside you and new 2-3 word sentences are happening every day now.  You're still quieter than your chatty older brother ever was, but I think that's just your personality.

You remain one of the most affectionate little creatures I've ever known.  You love to give big hugs and  big kisses with your tongue sticking out.  You were made for cuddling and will hold on tightly to whoever you're snuggling with.  I also adore that you're saying "I yuv you" now without being prompted.  It's the sweetest sound to my ears, because "I yuv YOU!" so much.

Happy Birthday to you, my darling, spirited boy.  You're more than I ever could have asked for.

My whole heart,
Momma

*All of the above pictures were taken following the most horrendous haircut experience.  The stylist cut it way, way too short and even sliced the back of your ear open.  Momma left the salon in tears.  Luckily these photos don't accurately depict how awful it really looks in person :)

Santa Keeps Promises

Santa gave Max and Sullivan this little model playset on Christmas morning.  A note was attached explaining that he had commissioned this playset to be built for them, but they would need to wait until spring for the life size version.  

The boys didn't forget.  And neither did Santa.  

Our very generous and talented friend, Matt, took my vague sketch of an idea and turned it into this...

Daddy and Matt worked tirelessly.  The boys spent hours sitting in the yard watching them work.  

A little dinner entertainment watching Dad prep the space.

Max couldn't believe that out of everyone in the world Santa hired his Uncle Matt to do the job.  How convenient!  And how cool that Uncle Matt knew Santa.

 I love for Max and Sullivan to see their Dad creating something with his hands (Billy is more of a sidekick in these situations, but our little guys don't know any different :) .  Billy is the opposite of "handy", but we're determined that this handicap will stop with our boys.

 They were so intrigued with the measuring, leveling, sawing and drilling.  Learning that you can create anything you want with your own hands if you have the skill and knowledge to do so.  To me learning a trade is as important as earning a college degree.  I hope my boys have the desire to accomplish both in their lives.

While Billy was digging up the grass he found a (large, disgusting) worm and put in a box for the boys.  Max decided the worm should return to his home after watching it try to escape.

The worm didn't seem to bother Max, but when Sullivan touched it he shuddered.  A whole body convulsion.  I laughed so hard.  That's what my exact reaction would have been if I touched a worm too :)

They were fascinated watching the worm burrow into the dirt. 

 And just like that he was gone.

The guys worked so fast the boys were able to enjoy their snacks on the bridge in just a couple days.

Finishing touches were added including a picnic bench underneath one of the towers and a pirate telescope in each "fort".

Don't mind the naked baby climbing the ladder.  I cannot keep clothes on these boys in the summertime.  They love to strip down.  Many times the only thing they're wearing outside is a layer of sunscreen. :)

This has provided hours of entertainment already.  Max puts on concerts, they play games, read books and eat most meals in the fort.  Billy and Matt already have ideas for additions to be made, but the boys love it just the way it is.

Vacation: Part II

Next stop: Nashville, Tennessee!

The drive from Branson to Nashville was a little more of an undertaking than we anticipated.  The boys did great and the only complaining came when we were about 20 miles away from our destination.  I was so proud of them and their patience with the long drive.  I think I had a harder time keeping my cool in the car than they did.

But, we made it.  

And, oh, was it worth it to see these sweet faces we miss so much.

Arrington Vineyards

Billy's sister and her clan were incredibly welcoming.  And my boys were in heaven with their "big" cousins.

We were excited to see the beautiful new house they're building, their schools, the lovely countryside and the adorable town of Franklin.  It really was just a relaxing trip.

The house that they're currently renting while their home is being built has chickens and cows within steps of the back door which was a huge hit with the boys.  My guys are city-dudes, so waking up with a petting zoo right outside was a special treat.

Fiona and Max.

Max and Ella riding the scooter down the driveway for the 87th time :)

One afternoon, while the boys were napping, Billy and I got to go into Nashville to explore.  Our goals were to find a seedy bar and listen to some country music and then grab a little lunch.  We found a great bar that had lots of music history inside.  We sat and listened to a talented duo while I savored my ice cold O'Douls :)

We had lunch at another bar down the road and then spent way too much time in a candy shop across the street.

We were heading back to the house when we got this picture via text:

The boys were up from their nap!

We stopped by Whole Foods to pick up some goodies, regrouped and then headed to a nearby (like, across the street from the house) winery for a picnic dinner.

Sully, I'm so glad we've kicked the pacifier habit.  You just look silly with this thing in your mouth!

Cade and Sullivan. Buddies.

Playing catch with Cosmo.

We're really looking forward to a trip back once they're in their new home and Baby #3 is here. 

On our way home we stopped in St. Louis for the night just to break up the drive.  We were able to swim, have a nice dinner and then have Father's Day breakfast in bed before hitting the road again for the home stretch.

 

 

We had so much fun and were so exhausted when we got back.  Max asked me when we were going on vacation again.  I told him not until next year.  

"Oh, good" he said, relieved. 

"Didn't you have fun??" I asked him.  

He said, "I did, but I really missed sleeping in my bed."  

I know how he felt.  The long drive, busy days, late nights and so much fun you can barely stand it.  It's all a lot to handle for that period of time and by the end of our trip their behavior started to show it.  I couldn't blame them.  

We're happy to be back home with these memories tucked neatly away in our minds treasure chest. (and here on the blog :)