Sarah's Birthday Party!

Sarah turned 2 last Friday! I can't believe how quickly time has flew by. One day Sarah was just born and I was holding her in my arms and now she is growing up into a little toddler (who, bytheway, is way taller than every other 2 year old around).

For Sarah's birthday we went to Bear Lake, as is becoming tradition. We invited Jordan's cousin up, James, and his wife and kids, Martha, Phillip, Luke, Lindy, and Elijah. We had a lot of fun although the weather wasn't too cooperative.

We arrived Friday, Sarah's b-day, and played in the tennis courts for a while. I made dinner, so I was up in the cabin watching my ailing dog and preparing food. The kids sure did have a blast.

We arose early the next day, thanks to Sarah and her internal alarm clock, to rain and cloud cover. We were hoping for better weather, but at least it wasn't snowing. The kids played on the swing set for an hour or so and then I went off to prepare for Sarah's party.

Upon opening some decorations, I discovered one of the words was spelt wrong. I got an 'Aloha' sign but it read 'Ahola'. Not quite what I wanted, but we hung it anyway. The adults sure did get a laugh.

We also had a little photo station where we could get pictures 'dress' as an Hawaiian. The wind was blowing really bad, pushing the storm away, so it was hard trying to get a good picture. All well, we did try.

Sarah then opened her presents and enjoyed having everyone's attention. She got a lot of books, which is good since she loves books. When I get home for work I try and read to her for at least 20 minutes, if I can't, I read to her before she goes to bed. Sarah is a book mongrel and loves to read, read, and read some more. I have a feeling she's going to be an early reader.

Sarah got a lot of fun toys from everyone. She got a princess flashlight from James and Martha's family, she got a dolly, a Disney help-reader, undies, and a very adorable outfit from Nana and Bompa, she got a CD full of stories from Uncle Jon, she got a book from Abby, Aiden, Auntie Liz, and Uncle Mike, she got a wooden puzzle that makes sounds from Auntie Roo, she got two very cute books from Aunt Nola and Uncle Larry, Karina gave her a cross stiched pillow she made (which was adorable!), and she got books, toys, and a tricycle from Mommy and Daddy. This two year old was spoiled! But, with those big blue eyes of hers who could help it?

After lunch, we had Gabe and Adam (the help at Bear Lake) bring out the ponies, Kate and Queenie. All the kids had a chance to ride the horses. Sarah loved it! This was the first time she was able to ride the horses. Thank goodness Auntie Roo is so petite. She was able to hold Sarah on the horse while I led them around. They had so much fun. Phillip and Luke had a great time. They were 'battling' like knights while riding and right before the ride was over Luke firmly said, "I don't want to be a knight anymore. I want to be a cowboy and live in the mountains." Just goes to show one good horse ride can change your career path.

After horses, we had cake and ice cream. I didn't want to spend all day baking and decorating like I did last year, so I ordered a cake from Jordan's work. They did such a good job! I'll be sure to order again.

The wind was blowing pretty bad, but we still had one more activity to do. Pinata. It was full of candy and just waiting for someone to break it open. Since Sarah was the youngest, and the birthday girl, she went first. She hit it a few times, and then we passed the bat to Lindy. After Lindy, Abby had a turn followed by Luke. Phillip was able to make a small dent in the pinata, but we needed some adult help. Auntie Roo had her turn, making a pretty good dent, but we needed someone else with more muscle. James was up to bat and with a few swift swings finally hit the pinata and broke it open! The kids came running over and collected their candy.

After the party, James and Martha's family had to head home. The rest of us stayed and watched as the clouds parted, blue sky covered over us, and the winds stopped. We launched the boat, got the tube out, and went for it. I was the designated dog-sitter this go around, so Jordan got to enjoy watching everyone fall off the tube.

I made dinner and then waited for Sarah to wake up. She took a long nap, which was well needed since she was overwhelmed at her party. Once she woke up, she found her tricycle from Mommy and Daddy. We took it outside and learned how to ride it. Sarah had so much fun!

After dinner the weather was so nice we piled back into the boat and went tubing again. Robert volunteered to watch Daisy, so Jordan and I were both able to go. I went on the tube first, got flung off--thanks Dad!--and got on for another go around. I stayed on for sometime, but Dad was being nice to me since my sprained ankle is still healing. Jordan went next and got flung off at high speeds twice. Karnia took the reins and lasted a while, but Dad was determined to fling her off. She fell in twice and that was it. Anna tried, fell off the tube before we even started moving, and called it quits. Becca then decided to wakeboard. It was great fun.

Sunday came really quick. We hurried and cleaned the cabins and then went home early so we could make it back for church. It was a lot of fun, minus the monsoon weather, and look forward to next year!