Happy Second Birthday Joaquin!

Saturday was Joaquin's second birthday and it was fabulous. His Layla and Laylo were here (Jay's parents) and we took Joaquin to Disneyland for the first time. What fun!

Joaquin loved it from the very beginning. The bus ride from the parking lot to the park was even exciting for him. We went on the train around the park, took a jungle cruise, rode Dumbo and the merry-go-round, had some delicious but not so nutritious chicken fingers and ended the day with a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean. He loved every minute of it. We were a bit nervous about Pirates and hoped it would not be too scary and we were pleasantly surprised that he was not phased by it at all. He loved singing the pirates song after that.

We left the park around 3, as both Joaquin and I were pretty much pooped. Then, after stopping to pick up some necessities and a birthday cake, we went to the hotel where Jay's parents were staying and watched a very stressful yet fun Notre Dame football game. It was the biggest game of the season - against Oklahoma at Oklahoma (ranked #8) - and we won 30 to 13. Yay!

What a great day. Joaquin ended it with some birthday cake and presents and was pretty thrilled all around about this whole birthday thing.

Then on Sunday his grandma and grandpa (my Dad and Gery) came over with some dinner and that beautiful birthday cupcake pictured above. He got more treats and more presents, making this pretty much the best weekend ever for a toddler. He's going to think he's gone to heaven when he realizes that tomorrow is a candy-filled holiday on top of it all.

On a more serious note, the last two years have been a whirlwind of fun and love with our darling little boy. He is a pleasure to be around in every way. His laugh is infectious, his curiousity inspiring and his affection is heart melting. It's hard to believe it has been two years since we welcomed him into this world. As I said to Jay, we've already had him for over 10% of the time he will likely live at home! (To which Jay replied, you never know, he might live with us until he's 30). Haha. Joaquin has enriched our lives in ways I can't even explain and never would have believed until I experienced it myself. He's so great, we decided we wanted to do it all over again!