Jackson turns TWO

Little man turned 2! This post is two weeks late, but he had the best birthday! Leading up to his birthday we talked about his party and kept asking how old he was. By his birthday, he would respond with "TWO" and even try to hold up two fingers. 

Two year chalkboard

The birthday boy started his day by opening some cards that came in the mail. He eagerly opened each one, looked at the cover and anxiously opened it up. He would pause a second and wait for some sound, then sincerely explain that the card did not sing. Since his first birthday he has loved cards that make noise when you open them. We have saved each one he gets so he can sing and dance along to them whenever he wants. This morning he went through a few cards, repeating the process, and then spent time going back through all of them, being sure to state (several times) that they did not sing. Although he missed the sound, I was pleasantly surprised at how interested he was in the pictures on the front and wanted to know what they said (or at least the front). 

Birthday breakfast tradition

Jackson enjoyed Mickey pancakes with Mom and Dad for breakfast. Then we all got ready for family to come over for his party.

Jackson had a wonderful time playing with his grandparents, aunt, and uncles. He was a lucky birthday boy too, getting some great gifts! He received a play kitchen of his own after being obsessed with playing in the kitchens of all his friends. He was so interested in the pots and the cabinets, opening them each up and placing the pans in and out. The stove "turns on" with a red light, keeping him busy with putting items on the hot surface. 

Play kitchen

He also received a toy drum set of his own! Matt had introduced him to drumming back when he was maybe 9 months old and has kept him interested and excited about it with a drum set for a video game system we have upstairs. He immediately understood what to do with the cymbal and two drums but needed a little help with the foot pedal for the base drum. He banged away with the sticks, stomped his foot and overall impressed us with his coordination and ability to multitask a little with the different options. I think the kid has more rhythm than me! The cutest part though....every time he sits down to play, he has to have his sunglasses on!

Jackson is still in love with Mickey. So I decided to make him a Mickey cake for his birthday. I followed a picture of Mickey from Pinterest and then improvised a little from there.  

Jackson helping to put the first layer of frosting
on Mickey the day before

Using only one cake mix box, I split it into two small rounds and one 10" round. Jackson helped frost the first white layer then the next morning I worked my magic to make Mickey appear. I used green, red, and yellow food coloring to make the skin color and a black frosting spray for the ears. The eyes and mouth were squeeze decorating frostings. 

When Jackson first saw his Mickey cake he lit up with excitement! He was in complete awe of the character in front of him!

We sang happy birthday and Jackson sang right along! He then made a valiant attempt to blow out his two candles. After a little help and some cheering, we started to cut the cake. Jackson was very adamant that he wanted Mickey's eyes. He got so excited to have both Mickey eyes served up on a plate for him to enjoy (and boy did he do so quickly). 

After everyone left we asked Jackson if he had a fun birthday. He was quick to say yes! I always want to make his birthdays special for him and I think this one was a success. He has a blast all day!

Happy birthday sweet boy. We love you!