eli turns TWO!

(It's so hard to believe that this picture was Eli, just two years ago. He's still just as yummy as ever and I still kiss those cheeks constantly and play with that beautiful hair everyday. What a beautiful baby he was and what a handsome little boy he is becoming!)

(our "cars" favors for Eli's birthday)

How did this happen? How has it possibly been two years since we welcomed Eli into our lives? Eli is a treasure. He is a blessing and a miracle in our family. I guess any baby is a miracle, really, but Eli has brought more joy and love into our family than I ever thought possible. He is spirited, and energetic. Eli is sweet and loving. He is so much fun and keeps us on our toes!

At two, he loves cars and anything "motorized" - motorcycles, 4-wheelers, big trucks, etc. He also likes trains, but hasn't quite become obsessed with them yet. Eli is a charmer. We get stopped a lot while we are out and about with people wanting to talk to him or talk to us about him. He has an irresistible smile and the best personality. He's truly fun to be around.

We got to celebrate a couple of times with Eli. We had our "other" family (Eli's sister and family that lives in Kaysville) down for dinner and cake on Sunday. Then on Tuesday, his actual birthday, we had both sets of Grandparents down for dinner and more yummy cake! Since Eli's birthday is in the Fall, it is hard not to want to do "Fall" themed dishes and desserts. This year, I made a pumpkin bundt cake, which was super yummy, but more of a muffin instead of cake. Eli liked it though!

(Eli's car's/racing themed table)

See? Irresistible!

The first round of birthday singing! He loved blowing out the candles and made us light them over and over so he could blow them out several times. His "real" birthday cake was a dumpster cake.... or "dirt" cake. It was chocolate cake topped with chocolate pudding, topped with crushed oreo cookies. It was delish! And Eli loved both the pumpkin muffin/cake and the "dirt." He kept asking for "more dirt!"

Opening gifts

Ready for "DIRT!" And to blow out more candles. Oh how we love our Eli. He is the light and energy in our lives. We adore him wholly, and are so blessed to have him in our lives. I can't believe he is two.... It was just yesterday I found out he would be joining our family.... wasn't it??