Happy 2nd Birthday Tate!

As we begin October I am reminded of what a busy (but great September) in which we celebrated Tate's 2nd Birthday.  Yes, as usual, we are late blogging about this.  So with apologies out of the way here we go.

As Tate turns 2, we are reminded how quickly time goes by.  It seems like yesterday he was this tiny baby and now he is a big boy using sentences and running around on his own but still making us laugh all the time.  He still loves all things cars including various other vehicles.  He is a true Hartley asking for cookies every night after dinner.  He seems to get smarter every day (of course he is a genius, he's my kid).   He seems to really enjoy school (2 days a week of Mother's day out) and comes home talking about letters and "new class" as he calls it.  We are so proud of him and can't wait to watch him grow but also wish he could stay little forever. :)

For his birthday, we started by taking a trip to the Southern Museum of Flight out near the airport.  He has really been into space shuttles and airplanes lately so he liked walking around the airplanes and even sitting in a couple (only with Dad so it wasn't so scary of course).

Tate and I sitting in the airplane.  Yes, its the one we were allowed to be in, since we were instructed not to get in the rest.  They must have been warned about us Hartleys.

 Duck, Tate!

 

 Mandy painted this picture for Tate's Room and did an awesome job (David speaking of course).

 Tate and his BeBe.

 

Tate opening his presents and trying out the table for his train that Dad built.  Go ahead buddy, you could park a car on it and it should hold. :)

He started out slowly...

Then got the hang of it and dug in enthusiastically.

I love this picture...his face is genuine excitement.

This one makes me laugh too because he looks like he just can't believe he got another truck.  It's like the excitement is too much. :)

 The train table fully assembled with the wooden train set in full formation.  He ran the train around and around this table for hours with more focus than I have ever seen from a 2 year old (or him) ever before.

His talented Mom also made his cake.  It was 100% perfect but some dufas (that would be me) messed up the top with the box it was carried in. It still looked really good and had some of Tates favorites...stars and a rocket ship.  It was our traditional chocolate with chocolate icing and very tasty as well.

Tate eating his b-day dinner at a make shift picnic table just his size. 

Tate's cousins (Sam and Claudia) are always lots of fun and he has a blast chasing them around and giggling.

Katie watching over him and keeping him on task. 

Aunt Beth and Sam.

Along with the rocket theme, we had these "Stomp Rockets" that Mandy bought which were lots of fun.  I think the adults enjoyed them as much as the kids. 

 Sweaty boy.

 Birthday boy (boys since I guess mine is the day before his so it counts).  Tate wasn't much on blowing out the candles but that's ok.

The family picture.

Tate fleeing the scene.  Which is a smart thing to do when his cousin Sam is on the loose with rockets. :)

Overall, we all had a great time and thanks to everyone who made the day special.  We love you Tate!

*Mandy's blog addition*

For the record, the birthday party at the park was a joint party for Tate, David and Stephen (Claudia's daddy).  He neglected to mention this. I get accused of forgetting David's birthday so I wanted to get my 2 cents in.  :)  The stomp rockets were gifts for David and Stephen and provided us with endless entertainment.  It was a little stressful just before the party because, after not raining for two weeks, summer storms decided to pop up.  I remained positive and told everyone we were still going.  If we had to, we would just play under the pavillion.  When we got there, the rain had reduced to a sprinkle and by the time we finished dinner, it was sunny again!