Our Little Man Turns 2!

On February 5th Aaron turned 2! We had such a fun day! We started off the day early -- no sleeping in for this birthday boy. We had yummy blueberry muffins for breakfast.

Then, we were off to the zoo. Aaron was in heaven.

He rode the carousel like a pro this time. He loved every second of it!

Daddy with the birthday boy!

Mommy and the birthday boy!

He went down the slide all by himself, he was so proud. I was so happy that he posed for me at the bottom.

Nick and Aaron overlooking the savanna .

Aaron had so much fun with this squirrel. He fed him some snacks and watched him for a few minutes.

This isn't the greatest picture because of the shadows, but I forgot my camera. These were all taken with my non-flash camera phone. Nonetheless, I wanted to show this because feeding the giraffe was my favorite part of the entire outing. It was so much fun! Aaron was a little hesitant, but so were Nick and I. If you have the opportunity to do this, do it!

Aaron chilled with the baboons. They were eating, playing with each other's hair, and watching Aaron.

For lunch we went to The Farm At South Mountain (I forgot to take any pictures). It was our first time there and we weren't sure if it was good for a two year old. But, oh my goodness, we had such a fun time! We took a blanket and sat under a pecan tree. The food was delicious too! Aaron had fun running around the grassy area.

Later that evening, after Aaron's 3 1/2 nap, Scott and Dre came over. I really hadn't planned on doing anything with anyone, but I am so happy we did. Aaron had so much fun!

He got tons of presents!

I made red velvet cupcakes that have a white chocolate/cream cheese filling and a light vanilla pudding frosting. They are probably my new favorite cupcakes. Aaron has really started loving Mickey Mouse, so I put these edible decals on top.

Aaron was so excited to eat his Micky Mouse cupcake. However, he started eating the cupcake from the bottom so Mickey would be there as long as possible.

He finally ate Mickey and he was a little concerned about it.

All gone!

This was what his face looked like the entire time he opened presents. He was in heaven. He would squeal and throw his hands up in the air with every new present. It was such a fun day!

He was so excited for each new present. He loved it!

He wasn't a fan of the bow I had him put on his head. He was more interested in the huge present that was in front of him.

One more picture with the birthday boy!

Aaron accidentally sat on the bow and it stuck to his bum.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AARON!

Daddy and Mommy love you so much!

Nick's 30th Birthday!

While we were in Maryland, Nick celebrated his 30th Birthday. It was actually the day we flew home. A few days after we got home, he opened presents and had cupcakes.

Happy birthday to the hottest old man ever!

I'm not sure who was more excited...

Our Recent Trip to Maryland

During our trip to Maryland for Nick's Grandfather's 95th birthday we were able to spend some time with Jon, Chris, and CJ. It was our first time meeting CJ and he was a doll! He wasn't feeling well, but he was such a good sport. They took us on the Metro, which was interesting with two babies. We went to the Natural History Museum to see the butterfly exhibit. It was so fun!

Chris, Jon, Nick, and CJ

Aaron was a little hesitant. I love this picture because Chris is hilarious!

Once again, Aaron was a little nervous.

The exhibit is a clear room with these beautiful flowers and butterflies all around. They can land on you, next to you, wherever.

Aaron got a little more comfortable and started doing his butterfly impression.

He loved watching them fly around.

The butterfly is in the bottom corner of the picture.

If you ask Aaron where a butterfly landed he sticks out his pointer finger. (which never happened). I think it is because it landed on the paint brush he was holding.

He loved running around EVERYWHERE!

Our family.

Aaron was exhausted!

Before we left Baltimore we went to the Baltimore Aquarium. It was so awesome! I wish I could have spent more time there.

Aaron randomly started making kissing faces at this fish.

Aaron enjoying some time with Grandpa and Grandma Bender.

At the top of the aquarium.

Nick and his mom.

I think this is called the inner harbor.

My Silly Boy

He loves chocolate granola, and he gets it everywhere.

He loves to help "fix" everything. He received lots of tools for Christmas and loves to use them all the time.

I found poor Percy in the sink. Thankfully he was rescued and all is well.

Zoo Lights

I know I am already a little behind, but we had such a fun time at Zoo Lights that I had to share. The zoo puts lights all around the park. They have music, food and activities. Aaron loves lights, so we decided this would be a fun night out.

My two handsome boys!

Aaron was a little nervous about the carousel, but with a little distraction he had a fun time.

He wanted both of us holding him.

Taking a quick rest. Aaron and Nick were a little cold, but I was in heaven because I have a constant heater in my tummy.

This was a lion made out of lights. Aaron was a little nervous about his daddy putting his head in its mouth.

My sweet little Aaron, taking it all in.

It's a _______!

Before I had Aaron I worked for an OBGYN. While I was there I heard some fun ways people would find out the gender of their baby. After I heard this idea I was determined I would do this for our 2nd baby. I also had a cute friend in Texas do this a few months ago and it was so fun to watch. Plus, I thought because we lived away from our family this would be a fun video to send to everyone. As it turned out some of our family was in town (and Jeff, Jessica and Peyton joined on Skype), so we were able to share this special occasion with them.

So, last Tuesday we had our ultrasound. The ultrasound tech had us turn away when she was looking to see the gender. She then printed the picture and placed it in an envelope. I drove from the office to the bakery and they took it from there. The directions I gave them were to make the inside pink for a girl and blue for a boy and do a neutral exterior. They were so sweet and loved being part of our celebration. I picked up the cake Friday morning, but due to our previous plans we had to wait until Saturday to cut it. By that point I was SO ready! I swear the previous four days lasted longer then the previous four months!

Here is the darling cake made by Sugarlips Cakery.

We were so excited!!!

The result...it's a GIRL!

I think Aaron was more excited about eating the cake. Judging from how he was acting after, I think he ate this whole piece! He was running in circles!

Aaron had a lot of fun with Uncle Kyle and Uncle Sam.

More cake for Aaron.

Scott and Dre joined in our party! We love having them so close.

Our very happy little family!