Kyleigh turned 2

Little Mae had a birthday within days of our arrival to our new home state, so we rushed to find something to make her feel special for the day...whether she knew exactly what was going on or not. On her last birthday, we knew she didn't really have a preference regarding where to celebrate her day, so we let Brenden choose the Zoo in Salt Lake City, UT. Looks like we are creatures of habit, because we visited the Zoo here in Akron for her birthday this year as well. She and Brenden like visiting the animals and it's a great way to help kids prepare for a long nap afterward.

We also like to ride around the 'hood alot, so I scrambled onto craigslist and found this retro radio flyer with a bell and had Trent meet the Grandparents who were selling it at a mall parkinglot. Kyleigh rode it well.

With a little assistance at first.

Akron Zoo had plenty to entertain the kids and enough acreage to keep us busy.

It doesn't even run or make noises but the kids loved it.

Kyleigh wanted to pet the Kitty.

tons of tiny frogs.

fascinating.

turtle touch

Zoo had alot of these mini play places: pirate ships with slides and hide outs, trains with bells and tons of cars.

The wild animal show was more for the adults who could sit still rather than the kids. It stretched their attentive-sitting span. (Yes the guy is dressed as Darth Vader. We also had plenty of jokes at LeBron's expense).

After the zoo and dinner, we had cake and presents. Kyleigh got a doll and decided to simultaneously feed herself and the doll the fake bottles. Already a multi-tasker.

We put her clothes back on (cake requires stripping the kids naked) and let her play with the grocery cart full of local fare.

Domestic and Nurturing.

Next year we'll let Kyleigh choose where to celebrate her big day and possibly have friends over or at the least Skype with family before she blows the candles out.
Happy 2 years, Kyleigh Mae. Seems like yesterday: