Ella's 2nd Birthday

Our sweet baby girl turned 2.
She enjoyed pancakes for breakfast and blew out a candle on her donut.

I ended up waking Ella up before Lilly left for school so Lilly could give her her gift. Lilly waited patiently all morning for Ella to wake! Lilly picked out Ella's gift months in advance. She saw it on a commercial and announced, "I'm buying that for Ella for her birthday with my own money." We didn't make her use her own money but she did indeed buy it for Ella and it was a huge hit.

The boys watched as the girls unwrapped the gift.

Weebles wobble but they don't fall down!
Ella also opened a monkey from her great-grandmother. She spent a good portion of the morning dressing and undressing the monkey. It was a perfect gift Ma-maw!

Andy took a half day so he could come home and help out with the boys. I took Ella, Lilly and Lindsay to meet up with the Swaney family (and the Tola's would have come but Chessa was sick) at My Gym. Ella's never been to open play at a kiddie gym and I thought she'd love it.

My baby girl.

Ella was very cautious at the gym. She's quiet and thoughtful and careful. She enjoys watching other kids take risks but never feels inclined to take one herself. I love this kid.

Lilly was in her glory. She is super physical and coordinated and loves taking risks! What a joy to have two kids who are so different. I love it.

Jumping with joy...

Ella with her little adorable friend, Justine. They played beautifully together.

First they had to check one another out. Ha.

Hi baby girl.

Ella was petrified of the ball pit. Her whole body trembled when she went down the slide that landed her there. I helped out by getting in myself.

The gang!
*Justine, Ella, Lindsay, Lilly, Abby, and Nate.

The girls having a great time.

After My Gym we took the kids to Chick Fila.

Jackie's family and Kristen's family came over for cake.

Ella is completely dog-obsessed. Kristen gave her a Build-A-Bear dog and leash. She said, "From one dog lover to another" since she too has a child who loves dogs! Kristen totally gets the obsession. I am still getting used to it. Ella was in heaven.

Ella and her dog cake.

Finally ready for bed at 9 p.m.! A late ending to a perfect day. Happy birthday Ella!