Jake loves trains so choosing his birthday theme was a no-brainer. Ella also had a train cake when she was two, with the smoke saying "two two", and that idea came from my own birthday cake when Dana and I turned two! We've been talking about it for about a week, so Jake fully understood that his was going to have a choo choo birthday and open presents. I love this age when they really make and express connections.
Maddie got Jake out of bed and took him to see his cake first thing. Of course he wanted to touch it.
Pancakes and fruit were the birthday breakfast. Along with marker on the face.
We had a full day of piano lessons and soccer games for the girls, but finally after his nap we headed out to celebrate the birthday.
On our way to the Train Shoppe Jake saw a real choo choo! "All Aboard!"
We had never been to this shop, but it was a a train lover's paradise! The front is full of model trains and all the parts and pieces for real collectors (along with lots of old guys working on their collections).
Spotted a Thomas!
The "Lost Quarter Mine" is a display of three different landscaped with trains that you can control. By putting a quarter in the slot you can control the speed, lights, and whistle.
Then we tried the "Salty Gulch" train ride complete with target shooting. It was so cute, complete with outlaws, little camps and homesteads set up along the way, and a mine with 'real' diamonds. There was even a mini latrine with a skunk that squirts you! The conductor in real striped overalls and hat was so cute with the kids.
We used up our last few quarters on the big model trains. Jake could have watched them forever.
Back at the homestead, Grandma Osmond and the Sherwoods joined us for dinner and the birthday party. Bodie chose this Thomas book and plush toy for
Jake got some new wood track and Flynn the Fire engine car to add to his collection.
Grandma likes to give books, the gift that keeps on giving!
The big present was a new tricycle! The pink one had been through 3 kids and went in the trash a few months ago. Jake is so excited to have his own bike!
When Jake blew out the candles I realized I don't have a baby anymore. I still try to call him that but he reminds me, "No baby! Bog Boy!" (And Ty picked out that yellow car for Jake because all the kids try to tell him that's his favorite color, and he believes them!)
Grandma and Grandpa Jensen sent a lego train set that has entertained the whole family for hours! The sisters set up everything themselves looking at the pictures on the box.
I've been saving up things to say about Jake at age 2. He is such a cute boy and brings so much joy to our family.
About a month ago we finally pulled the plug and snipped his binki. He was the most dependent of any of my kids so I was pretty worried about it. When he first tried it, he was confused, but then laughed about it, saying "Binki broken."
He ended up sticking his finger through it and tossing it around.
Later he was sad, but he actually adjusted quickly and slept just fine. Yay for Jake!
Jake is starting to like dressing up. He usually likes the fire fighter hat and coat the best, but I also caught mister Spiderman and duck/bat boy.
He's not even in the picture but speaking of dressing up we had a babysitting day here last week and the kids all put costumes on. Cutest thing ever!
Jake actually went with me on a date one Friday night when Mike was working late. He helped me pick out some of his birthday gifts.
Handsome little guy after church a few Sundays ago. He should have worn these seer sucker pants for his birthday to be a conducter!
This is his favorite place to hide, behind his dresser. He always does it when he is supposed to come to me to change clothes. He thinks if his hides his eyes we can't see him.
Once in awhile when everyone else is at school I get him all to myself. We did yard work one day last week and he was my little flower picker. He knows they are hearts and likes to pick me one.
Speaking of shapes, he is also learning colors (he recognizes yellow, orange, blue, and red, which he says wee-oo for fire truck). He calls all letters "ie" except the Y on his shirt, to which he says "BYU"!
His language is exploding right now, and he uses sentences more and expresses himself pretty clearly. I love when he says "I love you," please, thank you, you're welcome, and sorry. Those are so tender coming from a baby's mouth. Especially when he strokes my face when he's sorry! And he just started saying prayers with help.
Jake and Ty both love this set of yard tools to dig in the dirt.
Jake loves the piano but doesn't often get a turn because sisters need it to practice. Maddie sat down with him to let him have a turn.
And check out this cool trick! Guess who taught him that?!
