Last week (May 1st to be exact) my baby girl turned 2! I can’t believe it has already been two years since I held her for the first time. She amazes me on a daily basis and she cracks me up with all the funny faces and things that she says. These days she is like a parrot (which can be dangerous) and repeats anything she hears. I decided that for this post I am going to share some of my favorite things about her right now. I don’t want to forget how sweet she is at this age. Don’t worry….there will be pictures too!

These are a few of my favorite things…(I hope you sang that line when you read it because I did as I typed it)

1. “Big Hug mama”- as she says it in her deep voice. Then when you hug her she goes “ooohh!” also in her deep voice
2. “I’m gwad to see you mama” when I get home at the end of the day or sometimes when I get her out of bed in the morning
3.  When I point out the baby goats on the way home she says “aww, coot (cute)”
4. Her “pirate” smile when you ask her to give you a big smile (I’m sure it will appear in a photo or two to follow)
5. Her excitement over ice cream or cupcakes. This girl has a major sweet tooth….I can’t imaging where she got that from
6. Listening to her sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in her sweet little voice.
7. Singing our bedtime song at night.
8. Listening to her talk to herself or “read” her books in bed at night
9. Her sweet voice when she wants me to pretend that I am crying and then when I do she says ‘don’t cry mama”
10. Her love for reading and learning. She is like a sponge just soaking up information. She loves to count and point out letters that she finds. She is so smart!
11. When she wants to hold her backpack or help carry something for me and then says “Oh, too big!”
12. When it is time to go to bed or take a nap she tries to be extra sweet with “big hugs” and “big kisses” to keep me from putting her down
13. Her sense of independence. She is convinced that she can do it on her own and in her own way!
14. Her laugh!! It is contagious and probably the best sound in the world
15. Her love of the outdoors. This girl could spend all day everyday outside and would be content.

Ok, I could list a million more things I love about this girl but I will spare you my mommy goggles. Now onto her party. This year we were able to have the casual backyard party I had always hoped for.
We set out games (Derek set up a putting green and driving range for the big boys), bubbles and soccer balls for the kids to play with.

We had fajitas with chips and queso (yum!) and for dessert we has buntinnis and homemade ice cream. Everyone had a great time and it was a beautiful day. I loved having our home filled with people we love and kids running around playing. I know that it won’t be long before Brinley will want to choose her own party theme and activities, but for now it was the perfect way to celebrate our sweet girl!