Joseph's 2nd Birthday Celebration

We started July 27th at the Snip and Snap Kids salon.  Both the kids got hair cuts.  Julia got her bangs trimmed and Mark got his first "buzz" cut.  We were all ready to look great for JoJo's big party!

Cinzia called me back in June (JoJo's mommy, and my best friend since the 6th grade) and asked me if I would come to a birthday party at 5:30-7:30.  She knew about my "nightly" schedule and how important bedtime is, but I told her right away, "Absolutely!"  Birthday parties are once a year, it's summertime, and I knew worse case scenario, the kids would fall asleep on the ride home.  Their usual bedtime is 7:30, but I've been pushing it later to 8:00 so we don't have to wake up at the crack of dawn (5:00 am) and it's working.  My kids now are waking up at 6:00 am (Mark) and 6:30 or 7:00 (Julia).

Still regrouping from her nap!  Sippy cup and thumb are her best friends.

My kids have their afternoon nap around 12:30-2:30, so after they both woke up we got dressed for the party, and Julia and I put on our "make-up."

There's nothing on the brush, but she loves to pretend!

We got to Junglerrrific Party Play place around 5:15, and we showed up when Cinz and Joseph and JoJo did.  JoJo and Marky were fast asleep, but Julia still ran over to say, "Happy Birthday, JoJo!"  She loves JoJo.  They are buddies!

On the carousel together

The kids get to play in the party place, with socks on their feet, and run, and jump, and climb, and their are a ton of toys.

JoJo and Big JoJo

Julia loves places like this because she loves to climb, but she always gets a bit nervous and asks mommy for "Help!"

Help, mommy!

The kids all had the option of getting "tatoos" and face painting (all washable of course) and Julia got a lady bug and a star on her face.

Very Proud

My Julia Star

Dora the Explorer and Diego came to visit...Julia was NOT happy!  She liked them from afar...but Marky loved them!!

Marky wanted to meet Dora and shake her hand.

The kids had a great time and had lots of freedom to choose what they wanted to do.

Julia with her "baby"

Marky practicing his walking skills

Happy Birthday Joseph Philip...you are getting so big and I'm so happy Julia and Mark can grow up right along side you!  I'll be praying for you and mommy this week as you work on potty training!  We are so proud of you, and pray God's richest blessings for you.  I will also pray that you honor God with your choices and honor your mother and father so that your days will be long.  You are so precious to all of us and we love, love, love you!

Big boy turns 2

And Cinzia, I love you so much my best friend.  We have been a lot alike since 6th grade, with having strict parents, having to do chores, and not being able to do what typical Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers were allowed to do.  I've always been so proud of your love and dedication to your family and I always pray for you and your relationship with the Lord.  I pray that you will see how much God loves you and desires a relationship with you.  I know you love your family and you only want the very best for all of them.  You are a wonderful mother, sister, and friend, and I am beyond blessed to have you in my life.

BFF