Tucker turns 2!

We have a tradition of taking a picture first thing in the morning on his birthday. The first one was in the dark with the flash! Poor kid! The 2nd one was after he was up for a little bit, and posed!

The 30th was on a Friday so Tucker and Mommy spent the day doing some of Tucker's favorite things. We went to the mall and drove all the trucks. Then we played with the bead mazes at the library and jumped in puddles in the parking lot!

We went to Panera for lunch. Tucker got a cheese sandwich, yogurt and chocolate milk (probably his favorite meal ever)!

He got lots of "Happy Birthday" phone calls from family and friends.

After nap time we made peanut butter brownies.

When Daddy got home from work we went to the "Playstation" here in Cedar Rapids. It is a huge 3 story playground with a ball pit and slides and tunnels and game room and pizza!

Tucker was a little small for the ball pit and was continually sinking into them, but he still thought it was great to be surrounded by them!

Mommy climbed through as much as she could, but Daddy had to do most of the playing and running around.

There was one toddler area with soft steps to climb up, then a tunnel to go through and then a slide to go down. This is where we had our first "independent" moment. Daddy was going up and down with him a few times while Mommy sat at the bottom at took pictures. Tucker started up the steps with Daddy after him and turned around and said "No Daddy, you go there" and pointed down. Up Tucker went! And back down, and back up, and back down again! He did it over and over all by himself and did not want anyone going with him! He's 2 now, so I'm sure this is just the beginning of his "independence"!

Playing in the game room

Skee ball, Tucker didn't roll the balls so much as he threw them!

Riding the train

In the game room

We ate our peanut butter brownies after we got home and sang "Happy Birthday" and blew out a candle (3 times!)

Tucker, You are 2 now. You have grown so much in the last year it truly is amazing. You are so smart and sweet and fun and energetic. I've been trying not to call you "baby" much. You are not our baby anymore, although sometimes I still want you to be! Daddy calls you his "little man" and has since you were born. You've always had some very grown up traits about you, but now you're really growing into that title. Soon you'll be a big brother. I know it's going to be hard at first. The baby won't do much but take up Mommy and Daddy's time. But, before you know it, you'll be teaching him new things to play with you. He's going to be one lucky boy to have you as a big brother. We love you so much and that will NEVER change! Happy Bithday!
Love, Mommy and Daddy (and baby brother)

Tucker playing with his camera (his birthday present from Daddy and Mommy)