Cameron's 2nd Birthday Party

Last year, I remember being incredibly stressed by Cameron's 1st Birthday Party (feeling insecure about what to do for his birthday & missing my dad tremendously). This year I felt much better, just much more laid back about it.

We decided to make Daniel's grandma's chocolate cake recipe with a whipped cream frosting that has almond extract in it which is so so yummy.

Daniel enjoyed helping - we've been watching Cake Boss too much :)

A few simply decorations

We had our family over for dinner, gifts & then cake. So we made Cameron's favorite food -  pizza or as he says "Pezaaaaah" and some yummy sides brought from family - green salad, grape salad, fresh peaches and apples.

The food was great - Cameron always fills his mouth very full

Then we opened gifts 

Cameron was a little distracted with everyone there, but he did pretty well.

Overwhelmingly blessed by gifts - Cameron got a bubble mower, water table, sandbox, doodle pads, tricycle, Lightning McQueen Car, clothes and lots of books.

We asked everyone to bring a book to encourage Cameron to love books. Shannon found the Star Wars ABC book so I had to read that one out loud. 

Cameron trying the tricycle out - now a few weeks later he still does not have it quite yet, but he'll get there.

Then it was time for cake. I'm no cake decorator so I used m&m's to decorate it which was kind of fun. 

Time to sing "Happy Birthday" - at first he just looked around smiling and then next thing we knew he was bawling. Apparently, everyone singing and looking at him made him freak out. But it actually worked out because it kept me from crying which I almost did and certainly did last year.

Blowing out his two candles and chowing down - so yummy

Cameron is such a blessing. It's hard to believe that he is already 2. 

Water, Pillows & Books

 Fun at the Zoo

 or more likely fun in the misters at the zoo

 Playing with the pillows on our bed - we do this at least once a day

 "Helping" Erin and Shannon pack to move to their new house 

 Taking a break from packing to swim

 So blessed by his aunties

 So fun all of us McClung girls being together including mom

 Love having him "help" me wash dishes - especially good to see his cute, helpful moments after he's had a complete melt down after not getting his way. What a crazy strong willed child we have. 

So blessed and challenged each and every day.

 Enjoying listening to a book with his daddy

So so adorable and precious to have these wonderful moments. 

Blessed.