The Big oh-2! (Part 2)

A week or so before Kai's birthday, we told him he would probably get Percy from Thomas the Tank Engine as a gift. On the morning of his birthday- September 22, I asked him if he knew what today was. "It's my birfday." he said with a sleepy smile. I told him it was a special day. He replied with a sweet knowing look and, "I get Percy." He knew the day had finally arrived. Dan had gone out to Target to buy a wooden Percy the night before. I got it out and showed it to Kai, telling him Daddy got it for him- and it was from Mommy too. He was so happy! He scooted off the bed tiptoeing around our dog, Velvet whispering, "excuse me." He said several times loudly, "Daddy got THAT!" "I put that on the tain tacks!"

Ama came over to spend the day with us. We went to the Ace Hardware Store to pick up the kiddie pools for Kai's party on Sunday.



Kai loves flowers :)



Then we went to St. Johns Town Center to ride the choo choo train and eat lunch at California Pizza Kitchen.

 We love CPK. We ate tuscan hummus, guacamole, pasta, soup, and cheeseless pizza.

We got some extra pita to feed the ducks in front of Maggiano's.  Kai had so much fun throwing it to all of the animals in the ponds.

By this point, Kai was exhausted, and we headed home for a nice nap... Daddy got home right before he woke up. Dan was outside talking with his sister Debbie, who called to wish Kai a Happy Second birthday.



Then we called Nonna back, who called to wish Kai Happy Birthday too!
(Dan approved this photo)



After Kai gave Velvet (aka Boo Boo) some love, we ventured out.

Velvet giving Kai love too.

First stop, Native Sun for some smoothies and "quesa"dillas!



"Native Sun Rocks!!!"



A little hiding place

Daddy's "poonie" (aka smoothie): Strawberry/banana with Vega protein

Mommy got the Tropijito. It was a little tart for Mr.

After a quick stop at the party store for biodegradable cutlery, plates, and cups (Yes, from Party City!) for Kai's upcoming party and a Thomas birthday balloon, we headed to our favorite close-by river spot to watch the sunset. It was beautiful.

Friendly little dog

It was also the special Full Harvest Moon!!!

We ended the night with dinner at home, and Shakti raw vegan pie for dessert. I had been telling Kai for days that we would have cake and candles for his birthday- referring to his party- and practicing blowing them out. So when we brought him pie and started singing, "Happy Birthday"- he looked a little confused and halfway through stopped us. He said, "no candle?" I felt instantly guilty. I ran into the kitchen and grabbed a small soy tealight candle because the birthday candles were in the van. I lit it and brought it over. We enthusiastically re-sang, "Happy birthday." And he was happy. We would make it up to him twice on Sunday.

The weather on Sunday was supposed to be rainy. In fact, there was a 70% chance of rain, but that didn't stop the sun from shining. It actually turned out to be beautiful and hot. The theme was "Day at the Beach."

"Beach Bound"

Vegan Chocolate Ganache cake and Vegan peach cobbler- Made by "Ama"

ALL Vegan Spread!

Dharma :)



Porch peeps



Football Fans



Butterfly chase

  














xo Nonna and Papa ox

 



Gift from Uncle Buddy, Aunt Mary Lee,and Aunt Mari-
 table and chairs :)



"I do not want to leave my table"



BFFs



So we brought the table in the present room.

Book and CD in cool reusable bag from Aunt Jessie and family :)

Kai got so many wonderful gifts

Take 1!

Take 2 with the cousins!

Big Hug!

Cousins!

The Baileys

Ashley and Jess go way back

So do Sherry and I

Loving his train set from Nonna, Papa and Uncle Donato

Whew! We did it :)

Uncle Michael and Kai- best buds closing it down :)