Jakob Daniel and Everleigh Grace Hall

We had a BBQ on Friday evening to celebrate Jakob's second birthday.  For the week leading up to the party, Jakob would list his friends that were coming to the party, and he would scream in delight "They're all coming!"  And he's been randomly shouting "Happy birthday, Jake!"  Clearly, he's been excited about his special day.  Before our guests arrived, he enjoyed some time playing in the fields with Grandma and Grandpa Janelle. Check out all of my balloons! An awesome Cars balloon  This is a birthday balloon wonderland What a lovely day for a party Daddy is helping me with popping bubble wrap Look at my two year old birthday shirt   Two year olds help with chores Should we head back to the yard in case my friends are all coming soon? No, I don't plan on putting friends in Zoey's cage, but I might check it out before anyone arrives

Where does the time go?!  I feel like I say that at every half year milestone, but these past six months in particular have flown by in the blink of an eye.  It seems like every day our little man learns a handful of new words, develops his physical skills, and shows us how he's transforming from a baby into a little boy.  Granted, his development seems even more monumental in light of the upcoming birth of his baby sister, but in its own right, his changes are astonishing. There are times when keeping up with the expected pace of this blog makes it feel like a chore.  Then I think of how much our friends and family enjoy it, and it feels much more worthwhile.  But the real reason I chronicle so much of Jakob's activities is for him (and eventually his sister), to let him know how proud he makes his Daddy and me on a daily basis.  It's to remind him about how he brings joy to our lives every day in countless ways.  And, most importantly, the purpose ...

Walking to see the cows It's a long walk, so I'm going to take a quick rest in Daddy's arms Oops, I drooled right here Let's see if I can get the cows' attention by mooing at the top of my lungs The herd They're coming!!!!! Guess what, Mommy?  I'm a cow whisperer!

Time for some post-nap bubble chasing Come back here! Whoa, there are so many I don't even know where to begin Daddy is such an excellent bubble blower that I've got to watch him and learn Perhaps I can try now? Look at that beauty Daddy is my mentor Maybe I shouldn't put the wand into my mouth I've got top notch form Dip dip dip Did you know my mower can blow bubbles too?! Some mowers need oil.  Mine needs bubbles. This is so much fun!

My prayers have been answered!  Mommy and Daddy took me to the playground! I see Eli coming over to play Nice haircut, buddy!  Let's put some rocks on the slide.

New Thomas socks and Peeps the chick think it's time for some playdough Cool, Daddy made a playdough car I like this new toy Grandma is making little playdough peas to put in the back of my Matchbox trucks

Grandma and Grandpa Hall were interested in checking out Echo.  Seeing as it was rather rainy Saturday morning, it was a perfect time for us to head up to Burlington and make some fishy faces. Hi, fishies! BIG ONES! Peek a boo, boat MOO!! Check me out, I'm a scientist, and I'm digging for whale bones This is what a peeper sounds like, and I know because I hear them at my house at night Let's go over to water exhibit Good thing they provide rain slickers here Time or a quick slide break Look at me gently touching a starfish This one isn't alive anymore, but I'm still being gentle with it