A Monster Bash!

Sam is Rivers best friend. Such a buddy. The photo on the left is Sam, giving Rivs, a happy birthday hug. Such a cute kid! :)

Rivers awesome Aunt Monica and her friend Ryan came all the way from San Fransisco to celebrate with Rivers the big number 2! They were so much fun. And made his birthday absolutely perfect. Complete with Lil Monster Balloon, plush little monsters for fishing, monster glasses, Monster bowling, and of course the most amazing monster cupcakes.  We enjoyed their visit more than we can say. Next time it just needs to be extended to a week instead of a weekend! Thank you thank you! 

Monster Fishing! It was adorable to see Rivers' and Sam's reactions when they found a little toy at the end of their fishing poll! They were so excited about this secret "Monster Lake." After cleaning everything up two days later the massive fishing poll with the painted clothes pin at the end still sat outside. This afternoon, I peeked outside to see Rivers hanging the stick over the side of the porch, and every time he pulled it up, he seemed slightly disappointed that a miniature plush monster wasn't hanging on the end of his rod. I wanted to run out their hide under the porch and clip treats and toys on it. Some afternoon, I'll have to do just that. :) 

A baby monster came to the party! 

Pin the eye on the Monster! 

Rivers and Sam were in love with this game. We blind folded Spencer and all the adults (who all seemed to enjoy it equally as much) but Rivs and Sam were completely fascinated with the pure fact that they were sticking eyeballs on the monster. They just wanted to do it again and again. I should have made more eyeballs! 

The monster pinata! Ben's masterpiece! We have been trying to figure out a tradition for Rivs birthday and the pinata seems like just the ticket. (especially considering his birthday is 15 minutes after Cinco De Mayo :). Anyways, Rivers was in love with the pinata. A little confused at first but caught onto it quite quickly. This afternoon, he kept talking about it, wishing he could go another round at it, in hopes that he'd discover a bucket full of candy at the end! 

Although Rivs and Sam did a mighty fine job, hitting the pinata. It's a good thing their cool 5 year old friend Spencer came to the party (otherwise the party may have lasted all night :). That kid (Spencer) has an arm on him. He finished Ben's masterpiece right off. Blowing off the poor monster's bottom half. Rivers and Sam were shocked to find all the candy, and instead of filling their bags, they simply grabbed one at a time unwrapped it and ate it. We ended up putting most of it in a bowl so everyone could have some. And Rivs kept asking for two pieces, then run over and hand one to Sam. Even as Sam was leaving the house and getting into the van, Rivs was running out yelling "Sam!" and holding a miniature candy bar for his buddy. So cute. I love seeing him share with his friends. 

Happy Birthday to you! Delicious Monster Cupcakes! Earlier on Saturday, Rivs had his Saturday morning swim class. Cheyney usually picks us up and we all head to the pool together. On the way I had to stop at Wal-Mart to purchase some more swim diapers for the little guy. While I was inside, Cheyney was singing "Happy Birthday to you." And from the backseat she hears Rivs exclaim "Birthday to me!" So funny. Love that kid. He had one happy birthday! 

The boys didn't care too much about actually eating the cake. All three of them, were just interested in eating the candy off each cupcake. They took what they like from each others, and then from any others they found sitting around, not being eaten.

When Rivers was opening his presents. He opened one from us. After he ripped off all the paper he discovered a large, Costco-sized box of Pediasure (we call them shakes in this house) he immediately exclaimed "shake!" full of so much excitement to receive such an awesome gift! I love this age. Rivers isn't greedy in the least. 100% grateful. Even if his mama gives him Pediasure for his birthday. :) - but really, inside, it was an awesome monster towel - now one of his favorites!

Happy birthday darling boy! We love you! 

After all the guests had left, and a large portion of the party had been cleaned up. I looked out the window to find my little boy sitting outside, just watching his monster balloon dance around in the wind. I imagine he was just thinking. Thinking about what it's like to be two years old. Thinking about his two best friends Sam and Spencer. Thinking about all the little monsters. Just thinking. I love those quiet times. Time to just reminisce or time to just dream. Later the two of us walked out to the mail box to collect our mail. He held onto my hand and ran beside me. For some reason I just felt that maturity sneaking into my baby boy. Although, I hate to see the time fly, it's fun for me to be there for every moment. It's fun for me to be his best friend. It's fun to have that little boy hold my hand. To help carry the mail. And to always help mom close the gate. I sure do love being this little boy's mama. Happy Birthday darling boy.