Happy Day!

July is a busy birthday month for us...starting with Mark's and wrapping with Grandpa's, we have a total of 7 birthdays that we celebrate within a few short weeks.  James has became very familiar with wishing folks a Happy Birthday (which became Happy Day in toddler-ese) and was very excited when we started to hype his own.

On James' actual birthday, we gave James his gifts before popping over to welcome the newest member of the Armstrong family.  We were invited to stay for dinner so James and Reagan had a lovely time playing while the grown ups chatted and oohed and aahed over new baby Quinley.  After we returned home we sang Happy Birthday and let James eat cupcakes.

New choo choo!

But that wasn't all!  For months we've been slowly planning a party for James' 2nd birthday.  We held it at the National Arboretum, where we could eat outdoors and the kid's could run and play safely.  We picked up Chik-fil-A catering, brought some simple toddler games and toys, and just let everyone loose.  As luck would have it, our party was on the most gorgeous day all month.  In the middle of 90 degree heat waves, we held at a cool 85.  Many of James' neighborhood friends came, as did much of our family and James' adopted family, the Sweeks.  We all had a good visit and the kid's enjoyed the freedom of the wide-open space.

Uncle Zak, Breyden and Granny chat with James at the party.

Giddyup!  James, Reagan, Jack and Breyden pose.

On Sunday, we redeemed our Groupons for a DC Harbor Cruise.  James has been noticing the boats on the water for a few months now, and we thought he'd enjoy the short ride where he has the freedom to still move around.  We were right!  He loved peering over the rail...and along the transportation hub of the Potomac he was able to catch sight of other boats, airplanes landing at National Airport, and cars and trains on the bridges - all from our boat!

James enjoys the ride.

James and Mommy.

James and Oma.