Choo Choo! Max is two!

Max turned two yesterday. Two! Everyone told us how fast time goes with children and it so true. He is growing up so fast, too fast! We celebrated his birthday with a party on Saturday night with some good friends. Since Max is into anything that moves we had a train themed party. Jeff and I got him a train set and he got lots of great cars, trucks, boats and balls from friends. He is a happy two year old! Here are a few pictures from the party and his birthday.

Blowing out candles.

The cake

Opening gifts with a little help from his friends.

Pinata time!

(non-violent toddler version)

The loot

On Monday, his actual birthday, Jeff and I gave Max his new tricycle and helmet. It was storming so we had to do it in the playroom.

He can't quite work the peddles, but he loves his bike!

Checking out the trunk.

I think he likes it.

Train cake aftermath.

Chattanooga Trip

My parents came down to Tennessee this weekend and we spent two days in Chattanooga. I'd never been, but had heard lots of great things about it. Chattanooga is a small city, but well planned out with lots of activities and sights to see all within walking distance of the downtown and waterfront area. We'd definitely like to go back again, maybe in the spring or fall when it is not so hot!

Max with Nana and Pa on the very hot walk over the pedestrian bridge to Coolidge Park.

Max is apparently doing his best chubby kid impression.

Riding the carousel in Coolidge Park. Max was terrified of riding any of the moving animals so we had to sit. He started to enjoy himself about the time the ride ended. Playing in the water at Coolidge Park.

After dinner we took in the sights along the waterfront.

On our second day we went to the Tennesse Aquarium. Our first stop was the stingray petting pool. Max loved this exhibit and could have been entertained for hours there. I don't think he actually touched any stingrays, but he sure tried!

Standing in front of the huge aquarium.

Checking out the jellyfish.

Under the sea with giant crabs and starfish.

Max eyeing a big fish and vice versa.

July 4th Weekend

It was a sunny, hot and fun filled 4th of July weekend for us. Liz and Neil came down for the holiday. Max loved the attention of his Godparents and literally jumped on them all weekend long. Our neighborhood held its annual Independence Day celebration on Saturday. Max and I walked in the parade. The theme of this year's parade was Cottonwood Floats. There were some really creative floats, but Max's "float" was his wagon with a couple of flags stuck to it. It was not very creative, but he had fun and looked pretty cute! We also gave him Jeff's harmonica which he played for the first half of the parade and then decided that clapping and waving were more fun. It was very funny seeing the expressions on people's faces as we walked by with little Max tooting away on the harmonica!

Practicing up for the parade.

Such a ham!

Off to the parade.

Parading by Daddy.

Waving to his fans.

Here are a few other floats that were entertaining:

FEMA canoe

Spoof of the movie UP.

Noah's Ark. (a crowd favorite)

After the parade we decided to relax in the backyard and let Max stay cool in the sprinkler. This is what I have affectionately named our hillbilly water park.

Running in the sprinkler.

Couldn't get any closer without sitting on it!

Hooray for Uncle Neil!