As I sit down to type up this post late on Sunday evening, I can’t help but think just how blessed we are. I’m ending today with a stuffed belly, a flood of emotions, and a happy, happy heart.
Yesterday, we celebrated our little Lucas turning two, which is actually today. I still can’t get over the fact that he’s two years old, and I swear, it’s hitting me harder this year than it did last year. Whew.
We invited over close family and a few of his buddies for an afternoon by the pool, everything nice and low key (nothing like his first birthday party…I quickly grabbed a few things from the dollar store on my lunch hour on Friday!). We lucked out in the weather department, with everything staying dry and warm. Perfect for all the kiddos (and adults) splashing in the water and playing out in the yard.
I loved spending all day with this guy!
Wheeeeeee!!!
We attempted to get a picture with all of the kiddos on the steps of the pool, but it obviously was just not happening.
Ahh well. Maybe next time, kiddos.
At least Kaura was ready (we’d missed them since moving out!).
For dinner, we kept things easy and my mom and mother-in-law were both big helps with chipping in, too. I made a batch of our favorite Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken, my mom made some baked ziti, my mother-in-law made macaroni salad, and we also made the most delicious veggie salad.
Do you guys remember when I blogged about this Grilled Summer Vegetable Salad a couple of months ago? Well, I figured a party would be the perfect opportunity, and it absolutely was.
Took a little extra prep, and mine certainly did not come out as pretty as theirs, but it was well worth it and I’d definitely recommend giving it a try. I mean, even Lucas ate it, so you know it’s good when that happens.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a birthday without cake! And even though I could have easily made my own, I really just wanted cake from our favorite local spot (for the locals, it’s Piece of Cake in East Greenbush!).
Kinda similar to last year, too!
In addition to the cake, I got busy in the kitchen on Saturday and made two batches of cookies. One batch of Chewy Chocolate Chip Heath Bar Cookies and another batch of Chocolate Butterscotch Cheesecake Cookies.
Despite what it looks like, Lucas actually LOVES having “Happy Birthday” sung to him. We’ve been singing it for days now and he always asks for more.
I just love these two more than anything. <3
“Ma ma, cake!”
Chocolate and raspberry fillings in vanilla cake. Yes, mom picked out the cake.
So sad that it was all gone…
After cake, we opened up a few presents (even though we said no gifts!), and Lucas basically more interested with throwing all of the wrapping paper in the garbage than he was about the actual gift. Go figure.
After reading each of Lucas’s new books (3x each, at his insistence), I put him to bed tonight for the last time as a one year old. (Umm yes, if you see me today, I may be a bit emotional about this). But man, what a great day. I am just so lucky to be this little boy’s mom. <3
kp says
Happy Bday Lucas!!! Today is also my birthday.
Linz @ Itz Linz says
What a lovely little party! That cake does look amazing – nice work momma! Can’t believe he’s two! Happy birthday Lucas!! Xoxo
Erica {EricaDHouse.com} says
Looks like a great time! I can’t wait to start celebrating baby birthdays :)
Kimberly says
Happy Birthday Lucas! What a fun birthday party!
I really like your black top. Where did you find it?
Thank you!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Happy Birthday to the little man! And congrats to both you guys too :) xx The cake looks stunning!
Emily says
Happy Birthday Lucas! Crazy how fast they grow up! Looks like the party was a lot of fun with a lot of yummy food!
Brynn says
i can hardly believe Lucas is two!! Happy birthday! I don’t want to hear two is more difficult- we are rounding on Mitch’s first and I’m already emotional!
Britt@MyOwnBalance says
Awww! Happy birthday Lucas! What a cutie pie! Looks like a really fun day with family and friends!
Jennifer says
Happy 2nd Birthday Lucas! My little guy turns 2 this Thursday sniff sniff. ..they grow so fast! Hugs to you today, I get the Mama roller coaster of emotions too :)
Ashley | the Pike Place Kitchen says
awwww happy birthday to your little guy! looks like the perfect way to celebrate :)
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Awww, happy birthday little guy! It sounds like a great party. I think Ethan’s will be more low-key as well this year. Our babies are growing up! Slow down boys!!
Melissa says
Happy Birthday to Lucas! This looks like it was such a fun party, with great food, family and friends!
Heather @Fit n Cookies says
I can’t believe he is 2 already! Happy Birthday, Lucas! I still remember when you had him because it was the day I got married. I happened to be on Instagram that morning and saws the news. I love the low key birthday party. Looks like it was perfect!
Janay Ridge says
Happy Birthday, Lucas! I can’t believe I’ve been reading your blog for this long. I feel like it wasn’t that long ago we were reading about your pregnancy with him!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles says
You are so blessed! I can’t believe Lucas is already two, that’s crazy!! I remember reading your blog and finding out you were pregnant with him!! I’m so glad you had a fun party, and got lots of sweet pics. He will cherish those one day :)
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
What a sweet celebration of such a cute little man! Happy Birthday Lucas!
Heather @ Life In Leggings says
Oh my gosh, Lucas is the cutest. But you already knew that. I love all of these pictures! Your family is so sweet. <3 Happy Birthday to your little boy!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Hi Courtney! Ohhhh wow! Your little man is getting so big. It sounds like the perfect way to celebrate his birthday, and yes, I’d be sad when the sweets were gone too. You’re a proud Momma!!
torry @ A World Without Wheat says
Happy Birthday to Lucas – I cannot believe he is already two so I can only believe how you and Jay must be feeling. Looks like you had a great party yesterday and hopefully today will be full of family time too!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Happy birthday to Lucas!! That cake looks crazy good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Aw, happy happy birthday to the little man!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
Awww these pictures are adorable! Happy Birthday to Lucas! Enjoy the special day :)
Sherri Schwartz says
Happy Birthday to Lucas! I was emotional last week when my little boy turned 19-mo. I don’t want to THINK about him turning two in December. Enjoy the day!
Ruthie Hart says
Happy birthday Sweet Lucas! I Still remember anxiously awaiting your post that he had arrived! And being super prego myself… how does time fly this fast?!!? I hope today is so special for him!
Niki @ Life With Niki says
Awww I don’t think I have been to a little kid party in so long, I miss the cute baby faces– even the tantrums! Please wish your son a happy birthday from me <3.
Clara says
Happy Birthday Lucas!!! :) He has the cutest facial expressions. :D
annette@FitnessPerks says
Awwww happy birthday to Lucas!!! What a fun party! And that cake looks so good right now :)
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
Happy Birthday, Lucas!! Looks like you had a perfect weekend!
And that cake looks SERIOUSLY good!