Dzubi Dzubi Dzu: Aspen Turned 2!!!!

My little monkey turned two a week and a half ago. I know...late with the post, but it proves I'm living with a toddler, no time!

Dear Aspen,

Sometimes we can't believe how fast you are growing up and how we need to remember to cherish all the little moments. Most of the time though, we are just enjoying all the time we get to spend with you. You have become such a fun little person to be with. You have been talking more and more, as if you knew the "2 year" was approaching and suddenly opened your mouth and now can't stop! We often see little parts of us in you. You dance around the house (just like your mommy), you climb on anything that you can (like your daddy), and definitely have the flair for the drama--I'll let you decide who you get this from! However, most of your wonderful personality is just all you, that's what we love. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the next year will bring for our mischievous monkey!

Love,

Mom & Dad

This year for Aspen's 2nd birthday we decided to just have some of her friends over and our family, fill up our little pool, throw on some hamburgers and hot dogs, and call it a birthday party! I think everyone had a good time, especially the birthday girl! The day before the party was Aspen's birthday so she got her couple of presents from Jason and I. Her first gift we gave her in the morning which was a "bath-time" baby doll. Aspen's friend Eliza has this doll and she had become quite fond of it. Best $9 we have spent in a long time! The other gift we got her was one I had been 'working' on for a couple of weeks. I had been searching craigslist for a great deal on a wooden play kitchen. I ended up finding an awesome deal that also came with a bunch of food accessories and a shopping cart!

Of course at the party the big attraction was the pool. It actually seemed pretty nice in there and if I hadn't been under the weather I probably would have jumped in to cool off a bit (oh yes for my New England friends, we are having the hottest summer in the record books--last one was when I was pregnant!!).

After everyone had some lunch we dragged the kiddos inside to sing 'Happy Birthday'. We decided since Aspen isn't the biggest fan of cake, but a true ice cream lover we would have an ice cream bar at her party. I did make some brownies too which worked well to stick a candle in. I have to tell you (as if you can't tell from her face), she wasn't so sure about everyone singing to her...

But there was no doubt that she LOVED her ice cream. Jason worked on the recipe for the couple of weeks leading up to the party and I have to brag and say that was some awesome and delicious ice cream! Aspen topped her ice cream with Oreo's and sprinkles.

After all of Aspen's friends left the party and family was just hanging around Aspen opened her gifts. She is such a lucky girl and definitely got some great things!

Doggie purse from her friend Reilly.


Aspen's first Barbie, Ariel from her friend Allison.

Puppet elephant from Poppy promptly named Coco.

Playing in the crib for her babies from the Moore's--silly girl!


Hanging out with her best buddies of the moment, Pup-pup from Uncle Matt and Aunt Corry and Coco. Both these guys have to sleep on the floor next to her bed every night now.