Birthday Train

It's party time at the Raynor house again, so all aboard the Birthday Train for Lucas' 2nd Birthday!! Party prep began early in the week, but it's always the cake part that we look forward too. Friday night after the kids were in bed, the creativity kicked into high gear. It never fails that at some point during the project I find myself almost in tears because nothing less than absolute perfection is good enough for my kids. So when the train engines started out looking like shoes, then progressed into roller skates, let's just say I came real close to losing it. Thankfully, in the end they came out looking like pretty decent train engines and a sobbing mess/cuss fest was avoided! (A special thanks as always to my sister for laughing me through it. I love our party prep fiascos!)

Lucas' party started promptly after nap time on Saturday. He was EXCITED!

Isn't he the cutest little engineer you've ever seen? (Thanks to Oma & Opa for the awesome outfit!) Here he is with his Uncle Mark who is always dressed for the occasion as well!

The cousins knew just what Lucas needed...a huge cardboard train to color and play in. Needless to say it was a huge hit at the party!

The dinner menu was a big hit too...Ikea meatballs!!

Present time was a big success too. Lucas got all kinds of goodies from all his friends. His birthday may be right after Christmas, but everyone made sure he was thoroughly spoiled again. I'm still in shock that the little kids sat back and just watched as he opened all his presents!

I must say I was super thrilled when he reacted to the bike that his Daddy & I bought for him. His face when I brought it around the corner was priceless!!

And it's his birthday (and Brian & I are super cool) so, of course we let him ride it in the house because it was cold outside!

Lucas thoroughly enjoyed digging in to his very own train engine cake...

and then he worked off those train engine calories with a little dance party with Audrey, Charlotte and his favorite singing dog.

Our house was literally packed to the gills with people to celebrate Lucas' birthday. I can't even begin to tell you how that makes a mother feel. We are truly blessed to have such wonderful friends that helped make his day (& his mom's day) so special.

If I've said it once, I must have said it a thousand times...."time flies". It flies by way too fast, and somehow today my baby turned two years old. Happy Birthday, little buddy. Mommy loves you more than you will ever know.