Elektra's 2nd Birthday Party

Today, we celebrated Elektra's 2nd Birthday at the house with lots of food and great company.

But to have such a party, there are preparations that must be done!  Yesterday, Carole and her puppy, Coco, came over to help me with a few things (thank you very much!), but primarily helped watch the kids while I was in the kitchen.  During one of those moments, Elektra needed to have her diaper changed, so Carole took her to her room to change her.  She locked Coco behind the gate from which one can see the vacuum cleaner, else Coco would follow her into Elektra's room.  Coco started to cry.  Meanwhile, DJ, who was in the living room with Coco, walked over to Coco and said, "Coco, are you scared of the vacuum, too?"  Smart boy to put that together (even if it's not accurate!).

Today was just as busy of a day, but not nearly as stressful as previous parties.  I'm not sure why; maybe it was because 90% of the food was prepared yesterday instead of today...? 

Anyway, I'd told DJ as he was going to sleep last night about the party and who to expect to see.  By the time breakfast was over, he was a live wire... running circles around the house with Elektra following him because he was sooooooo excited.  When my parents and Don arrived, both kids squeeeeealed with delight, and started running even MORE.  When Grace, Evan and their caregivers (Jeff and Nadia) arrived, oh my goodness did the happiness quadruple.  All 4 kids were running circles around the house! 

I'm going to digress a moment and take a quick stroll down Memory Lane.  The first time Jeff and Nadia came to the house with Grace for DJ's first birthday party, Grace and DJ just... looked at each other.  No greeting... totally confused because they were seeing each other out of context (i.e. at Eleanor and Sonny's house) for the first time.  This time, though, immediately upon seeing each other, it was instant recognition, Grace kicked off her shoes, and off they went running together.  It's the cutest thing ever!

Meanwhile, we had food and oreo-cookie stuffed cupcakes for dessert (thanks to my sister!).  Some had pink cream cheese icing in honor of our little sweetheart.  :-)  As we started to sing happy birthday, at first she joined in, then she realized it was for her, so she stopped singing and when we finished, she clapped for us!  Cutest thing ever!

Elektra clapping because we finished singing happy birthday.

Elektra trying to blow out the candles.

Attempt #2 to blow out the candles.

Posing with her birthday cupcake.

Happy girl with her cupcake.

Enjoying a chocolate chip cookie while DJ eats his cupcake.

Mmmmm  icing.

Afterwards, we opened gifts.  Yiayia and Papou gave her some clothes, and she immediately hung on to a pair of floral tights.  When she went to get her diaper changed, she came back with a pants change... even if it didn't exactly match the hearts....

One view of "the tights" and her pony tail (pony tail holders were a present from Jill!).

Another view of "the tights", sitting next to Evan

 Grandmom Carole gave her a bracelet which she showed to EVERYONE in the room once I put it on her. 

Showing her bracelet to Sophia (who is showing Elektra her bracelet in return).

Showing Yiayia her bracelet.

Showing Sonny her bracelet.

She'd been showing high sign for awhile, so shortly after that, she went to take a nap.  DJ wasn't too far behind her after Sonny, Eleanor, and the Cheevers left. 

And some parting pictures:

Elektra and her grandparents from both sides: Yiayia, Papou, Carole and Don.

DJ,  Steve, Evanthe, and Elektra

Elektra received some really nice gifts, and she really did have a great day!  Thanks to everyone who could come!