Cake, Candles, Cousins, and COWS

For the past few MONTHS Alaina has been talking about her birthday, or--more specifically--her COW birthday.

It started in the car one day. Ben's birthday had just past, and I was on a bit of a roll--thinking about what we might do for Alaina. I asked my youngest daughter, "What kind of a birthday cake would Alaina like?"

Alaina said, "A two birthday." I acknowledged that yes, she would be turning two, but then thought I'd ask one more time, "What would you like to have on your cake? Maybe Elmo?"

Alaina then said, "A cow birthday." And after that, she started looking forward to her special cow-themed day--which we celebrated yesterday.

Well, the cow turned out more like a dog . . . or maybe pig. But Alaina did recognize it, thanks to all the talk about cows leading up to the party :)

 

We had a few of Alaina's favorite people over to celebrate with the "farm animal" cake and some perfect gifts (she has been having such a great time playing with all of them!).

 

Afterwards, Alaina rested up for the afternoon's events (she still looks like a baby in this one, doesn't she?).

 

We went to see some real cows and horses at a local dairy farm.

 

The kids played on the playground,

 

and Alaina drove a tractor.

 

It was a great day to be two!

Alaina's actual birthday is today (the first day of school, unfortunately), so after lunch I put two candles in a piece of leftover birthday cake and we sang to Alaina again . . . and again . . . and again, letting her blow out the candles a few more times.

So much fun :)

 

And we are so happy we have our Laina!