Ellie turns 2

On Sept 3rd, little Eleanor turned two! I'm a little sad she's no longer in my favorite stage, the 1's, but she's still so darn cute that it's okay. I've actually been loving the level of independence she's been demonstrating lately, especially when Jude helps her out. It's so fun to see them becoming best friends. 

So for birthdays we have a few traditions that I actually really love. They are super low key and cheap, and don't force me to go over-the-top pinteresty. They are simple, but the kids love them and it makes their birthday really special. 

We always blow up some balloons the night before for the kids to play with in the morning. It's usually the first thing they go for. 

The day before I take the kids to the party store and let the birthday girl pick out a little balloon arrangement. Eleanor went (surprise) with the princess theme. There were lots of princess balloons to choose from; thankfully she didn't go for the ones as big as her. 

Coming down the stairs for birthday surprises! 

First thing Ellie noticed: princess scooter! Sadly, it's a little too hard for her to ride, but I figure she'll grow into it.

Special birthday breakfast! Ellie chose sprinkle pancakes and her favorite food, eggs.

And then we dive right into the presents. This year I managed to pull off a pretty good haul for Ellie for super cheap by buying from my second-hand group, and actually almost all the gifts were brand new stuff! Score!

Princess Eleanor. She picked out all the pieces of her felt crown with me at the craft store. 

Loving her new toys: Rapunzel dress, Belle doll, and magical amulet. 

Her birthday was also the first day of preschool for Jude. We were running a little late, but I quickly grabbed a few shots of my big kids. Anytime someone tries to call her a baby or little, she replies, "no! I a bigil (big girl)!"

Sadly, we spent all morning of her birthday running errands, but when you get to dress like this, isn't way more fun to get out and show off?

Ellie's birthday got a little thrown off because we actually had to drive down to SoCal that night for a wedding. So we didn't get to do our traditional birthday dinner and cake. Instead, I made princess cupcakes and we shared them with the neighbors. 

After cupcakes, we packed up and drove down to TO. We made the next day "birthday part two" with Grandma and Grandpa. 

Eleanor insisted (for months beforehand) that she wanted a "pink Belle cake." This was my attempt at a pink castle cake, aka the pink cones of dunshire.

The cones kinda started tilting and falling off... But Ellie thought it was the greatest thing ever. She still talks about it all the time!

During the day, Grandpa took these two cuties on an adventure on the train to Union Station and Olivera St. 

Jude the mini tourist found some great souvenirs at the carts on Olivera St

Ellie aka Luna Lovegood

After a long day, it was time for dinner, cake, presents. 

Thank you Grandma for our tea set! 

We love everything about our little Ellie and I could gush for hours about all the sweet, cute, and hilarious things she does. Almost everyday Peter and I look at each other and say "uh oh. we're in trouble. this girl will be able to get whatever she wants from us!" 

Happy Birthday, Princess Eleanor!