Terribly TERRIFIC Twos

On Saturday, March 9th we celebrated Luke's 2nd birthday.  We summoned all Luke's grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins, and even gr-aunts and gr-uncles for the gathering.  It was no black tie affair...in fact, per the wishes of the birthday boy it was a pajama party.  The menu included a fresh fruit salad, apples and caramel, waffles, homefries, 4 different quiches (1. southwestern crustless 2. sausage and cheese 3. spinach, mushroom red pepper, onion and parmesan and 4. italian squash and zucchini) and, of course, BACON!

It was a marvelous afternoon and evening and I know my joy carried me through the whole next week with smiles.  I must admit that I feel a little overwhelmed though with the pressure of all the birthdays yet to come. YIKES!  Pete and I are going to have to sit down and work out some sort of strategy otherwise life is likely to  just turn into One. Big.  Party.  ;-)

Men by the grill monitoring the bacon.  Where else would you find strapping young lads?

Aunt Kate and Uncle Andrew even made the trip from Philadelphia and rocked out the theme with leopard print and some Grinch pj pants.

Glesses past and present

Great Grandma and Grandpa Francis with the birthday boy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Riding in the wagon as the twins took turns taking laps

The G-pas and other guests with some silly grins

Singing the song two times of course as is the Francis tradition.  Sadly, I did not do any practice run throughs with blowing out the candles thinking that Luke's experience of extinguishing the advent wreath candles was enough training.  Needless to say, a little spittle was added to the icing on the cake :-)  But to "take the cake" in the bad parenting category...being all wrapped up in the food prep and cake decorating I failed to make sure our imaging devices had sufficient power.  Digital camera battery- DEAD!.....Video camera battery- DEAD! wah-wah.  Thank God for Grandma Schafer and her camera!

Up close of the cake before the party.  It was a fun project.  I was ecstatic when I found that Pat Catan's was offering a cake decorating class the Monday before Luke's birthday...phew...just in time.  When I showed up for class I soon learned that the course spanned over 4 weeks.  Luckily I learned enough basics and had enough time to accomplish this sweetie.  Banana Cake with Vanilla Pudding filling.  Not a single slice left which I considered a major plus since I've been making other goodies to practice and do homework for the decorating class.

Even Sr. John-Mark from Arizona made an appearance!

Aunt Lisa and Aunt Debbie sure know how to make a Lukester happy...books....

and Thomas the Tank Engine!!!!! Luke was literally shuttering with excitement.  Unfortunately, Luke didn't understand the phrase "Thank you" until Monday, March 11th.  You better believe we've got one polite two year old on our hands with Pwease, Tankt You, quse me-pardn me, and even No tankt you (i.e. Mommy: Come here Luke. Let's put your pants on.  Luke: No tankt you [with a nod of his head and puppy dog eyes])

Grandma Ans-jsi hanging out with the boys after the party

Uncles Andy and Stevie, Aunt Tess and Grandma enjoying some cake

Mommy and her little "munties".  Curious George is Luke's other favorite character.  Adorned with a mischievous grin, Luke even told a woman at Walsh that his name was George after Mass yesterday.

Uncle Matt, Uncle Joe and Uncle Denny and some of the Neadings even stopped by amidst their busy activity schedule on a Saturday afternoon.  Thanks Uncle Joe and Aunt Denise for providing the Donut appetizers!

As you can see, Luke was not the only one whooped after the party...Dozing with Uncle Andy.