A Second 2nd Birthday Party

Being out of the country on their birthday really worked to the twins' advantage - they were thrown not one, but two, birthday parties!  The first party, of course, was much more subdued than the second given that we were separated from most of our family members while living abroad.  Yet don't get me wrong - I won't forget the twins' second birthday anytime soon!  Their birthday cake still haunts my dreams. 

We thought it appropriate that we throw the twins a "proper" birthday party with all the trimmings (and a less frightening cake) after our return to the good ol' U.S. of A.  And what better theme to choose for the party than "Red, White, and Blue"?!?  

With our guests dressed in their patriotic finest, we celebrated the twins' second birthday with festive foods, backyard fun, and lots of laughter and smiles...especially as Will screeched and jumped with delight upon opening a toy garbage truck from his Gigi or as the twins played with their cousins in their new pool and sandbox or as we gathered around the sparkler-topped cake to sing "Happy Birthday" to our two little fireworks!  

We were happy to give the twins two parties this year; let's hope that they don't expect the same treatment every year!

I found most of the red, white and blue decorations online and available for free download!

Our Red, White and Blue punch looked more Purple, White and Blue...but it still tasted good!

His world was about to be rocked with that wrapped present right in front of him.  

The twins received a swimming pool from their Aunt Sue, Uncle Matt, and Cousin Dakota!  Dakota even filled the pool for the twins!

Mimi and Papa gave Maddie and Will a sandbox!

Cousins Emma and Connor enjoyed playing in the sandbox with Maddie and Will (not pictured).  

It was the perfect day for pool play!

Daddy and Will

Love

I was grateful to all of those with cameras at the party!  I wasn't able to man the camera as much as I would have liked in between all of my hostessing duties.  Thank you to my brother and sister for taking the pictures shown in the collages!