encore demand

On my actual birthday, I got to share the day and celebrate my nieces 2nd birthday by attending her Elmo themed party! Natalie had an awesome party! There were two different bounce houses set up in the front yard and, of course, cake and ice cream inside! Ashtyn said he was "too old" to go in the bounce houses (when did he decide he was old??) but Maddox was excited to go down the inflatable slide! I had to warn him to be careful many, MANY times because the party mostly consisted of teeny, tiny little girls. Maddox is like a huge dog that thinks he's a lap dog. He often doesn't remember his own strength...or size.

The BEST part of Natalie's party had to be when we sang "Happy Birthday" to her. She sat in her chair, in front of her cake, looking around the room in awe as everyone sang. At first, I couldn't tell if she liked the attention or if she was getting embarrassed...but I soon got my answer when the song was finished and April told Natalie it was time to blow out her candles. Natalie immediately turned to the friends and family gathered in the kitchen and said "ONE MORE!" April started laughing and told us all that Natalie wanted us to sing again! Ha! I'm going with she LOVED the attention! April tried her hardest to convince Nat to blow out her candles but Natalie just kept repeating "ONE MORE! ONE MORE!" louder and louder until finally we all took the hint and started singing Happy Birthday again. I'm pretty sure Natalie would have let us sing to her all day long but she finally blew out her candles, with some help from mom, and then the cake and ice cream were served!

I don't know, to this day, where Nat gets her personality. Both her mom and dad are pretty quiet and reserved but Natalie is the life of every party, not the least bit shy and is the first to speak up for what she wants! While she was opening her presents she would open one, maybe two, and then march towards the front door saying "Outside! Shoes!" demanding to go back out and play in the bounce houses. April would corral her back to the living room, Nat would open another present and then she would march towards the kitchen yelling "Cake! Cake!" It was the most hilarious thing ever! She liked her presents but it was like she couldn't decide if she liked the bounce houses or the cake more! Can you blame her!? It took awhile, and some of Nat's little friends had to help her out, but all the presents were finally opened and Natalie was able to go back outside.

I didn't take this picture but when I saw it I had to have it! Natalie loves to give hugs and my boys are at the age where they think hugs from girls are either gross or embarrassing so when Natalie was coming after them for hugs they were trying to force each other into her space so that they themselves would not have to hug her! Ha! This girl is a force to be reckoned with!

Happy 2nd Birthday Nat! We love you so much! Thanks for letting us celebrate with you!