A walk with my boy.

Gavie and I took a walk around the neighborhood the other night. The light was so yummy that as Gav high-tailed it down the yard towards the pond, I (quick as lightning) ran inside to grab my camera. I'm so glad that I made that split second decision because I love these photos of my little stinker.

The curiousity, the orneriness, the smile, the dimples, the happy eyes, the hands-in-the-pocket, the running... it's all so him!

This next one is a favorite. Love the light and LOVE the boy.

I've seen that look before.

This

reminds me of

This

Ky @ 21 months

Gav @ 24 months

Celebrating year 2.

My favorite boy under 30 turned 2 years old today. Hard to believe that it was 2 years ago that I first held my 7 lbs. 11 oz. baby boy in my arms. He stole my heart immediately and is still quite the mama's boy.

Even though there are definitely days when he makes me want to pull my hair out, he has a way of melting my heart every day.

I can't believe that we don't have a baby anymore. There will be no more "months" used after a number to explain how old my babies are. I remember feeling like 2 was a monumental age when Kylie turned two, as well. Seems like we are about to enter full kid territory now. Yikes.

Lest you be confused by who my over 30 favorite man is, see below. Followed closely behind by Regis Philbin, Lee Corso, Lou Holtz, and Sugar Ray Leonard (have you seen how cute he is in his little black dancing pants on DWTS?!). Yes, it's true, I love me some old men. They are just so cute.

But this here old man... he has my heart forever.

What a lucky old fart. ;)

After singing Happy Birthday to Gav, we surprised Matt with his favorite cake: his mama's german chocolate.

He struggled with all 30 candles! Good thing he has plenty of hot air!

As I have mentioned before, Gav has a serious obsession with the movie, Cars, so it was a pretty obvious choice to have a Cars-themed party. We decided to have a small, low-key party for Gav this year, but I couldn't help myself to add a few fun decorations and details. Party planning is so fun!

Luigi's stack of tires (chocolate donuts!)

The birthday boy!!

This is his new camera "smile". Very natural, don't you think?

The kiddies practicing their volleyball skills with grandpa Tim. They love volleyball!

An attempt at a family photo... although we seem to be missing somebody??

The kid table!

Gav and JJ cruisin' around!

Such a fun day!

Proud big sis

Finally cake time!

Gavin has been practicing his candle-blowout technique for awhile now... he was pumped to actually get to use his skills!

Cutie pie, JJ

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GAVIN MATTHEW!!

Monkey see, Monkey do.

Learning all of the necessary things in life.

Like how to dip your cookies in milk.

Her name in chalk.

A couple weeks ago we emerged from our cave, rubbed our eyes, blinked a few times and tried to acclimate our bodies to the sun that was hitting us for the first time in what feels like months!!

Without coats and armed with a new bubble bucket and some new sidewalk chalk, the kiddies got busy playing.

Kylie immediately grabbed the chalk...

and did this...

It was so bittersweet (mostly sweet) to see her little name in chalk... in her handwriting. Over the last 3-4 years, everytime we played with sidewalk chalk, I would write her name. It was her turn to do it this time. Can't believe how big my baby is getting... and for whatever reason, this little moment was such a reminder of that to me.

Next, she added her brother's name (with a backwards "a" and "m" instead of "n").

My pretty girl...

And, my frowning (check out those eyebrows!), yet oh-so handsome little guy.