I'm too old!

I downplayed his real birthday last week and procrastinated all week for the party on Saturday.  Then when I put Chase to bed last night after the party the tears started.  How in the world do I have a two year old who is becoming frighteningly independent and opinionated?  How did we go from sweet warm baby smiles to a very curious and muddy boy?  One thing is for certain, he is all boy.  Right now I cringe every time I hear him say "ready, set, go!" because it means he is about to jump off, jump on, run into, run away, throw or headbutt something.  At least he gives me fair warning.

Chase spent his birthday playing, rolling, and wearing mud.  We also worked on saying how old we are, and now he says "I'm too old" which is so very true.

Drinking the water was more fun than getting cleaned off!

For his party we went to the local fire station to see the fire trucks.  It was so great because the parents liked it as much as the kids.  Well all but one kid.  Birthday boy was in a less than pleasant mood and getting good pictures of this guy was impossible.  Insert confession (I have camera envy.  We got a new camera this year and were happy with it until seeing everyone else's fancy/expensive cameras that have x-ray vision and 8 feet long zoom lenses.  I feel like the uncool mom of the class with the one button point and shoot.)

 The boys were all pretty amazed with all the buttons and did great at taking turns.

 This was the face Chase had all day, very observant but lacking any excitement.  The adorable firetruck shirt was made by Aunt Merrisa and Chase insisted on sleeping in it.

Mimi and Aunt Merrisa trying to get a smile out of him!

 This old school fire truck was pretty interesting.

 Trying to convince Chase to check out the special backpack fire fighters wear.

 Trying to convince Chase the fireman is really nice after erupting into tears.

 Chase did not get very messy with his cupcake this year, he just ate the icing off the top.  He stole two cupcakes off the counter the day before so maybe he got his fill.

 Aunt Merrisa was a huge help cooking 4 dozen hot dogs and decorating and it wouldn't have been the same without her!

 Our fire themed fruit pizza.  One of the many ways my mom helped this weekend including helping us rearrange our furniture the night before the party - Brian was thrilled about that let me tell you!

We almost got a smile when Chase played in the balloons.

  
Oh there it is!  We can always count on Thomas to bring a smile!  Chase had a good day despite his expression but I think he loved running around the house with his friends most of all.

 Ok now back to serious face.  He has spent all of his waking hours playing with Thom-Thom and setting up his tracks.

Looks like we don't need a train table, we need a train room!

Last but not least we brought out the Cars bike this morning but he looks like a big bobble head in his helmet.  It's not laughing at your kid but laughing with your kid!

I love this "whoa dad" expression.

Off to watch "Buzz"/Toy Story with the birthday boy!

If anyone wants an update on pilot training we'll just say the full extent of suck that is training has hit the fan but Brian still has all his hair so we're doing good!