Gavin is Two!

This little guy turned TWO on Friday! He is a powerhouse of personality and keeps our life interesting!!... And we pinch ourselves everyday with the knowledge that he's a member of our family. He's a cute little button who knows exactly what he wants and loves to tell you. He's silly, smiles a ton, and loves life. Our Gavie.

Since Gavin's birthday fell on a school/work day, we celebrated over the course of two days. Early the morning of, he enjoyed opening presents out of the GG box. A GG box is quite the hit every time it comes! 

His favorites were the remote control Southwest airplane...

And these awesome cars...! The taxi even says "Chicago" on top.

Later that day, we grabbed some pizza and headed to a favorite park where my parents and sister joined us. There, the boys ran a muck and enjoyed chasing each other. Back at the house, we had cake and more presents. Gavin and cars...they are the best of friends. So, it was only fitting to give him a car birthday cake. Please don't laugh at my artistry. Mommy tries. :)

He loved it and quickly learned how to sing himself the birthday song.

And boy did he like it!

The next day, we did another Gavin favorite...we played at the beach. Gavin loves running in and out of the waves. This time, he was particularly excited about the family sand pits/jacoozi/baths we were creating and would not set his shovel down. He was all about that shovel even though he couldn't use it well. :)

 Determined. It's a word to describe him (and his father ;).

Since Auntie Michelle came with us, we were able to get a few family pictures and Ru and I were able to swim together.

After we brushed off the sand, we went out to Gina's Pizza in Newport, which is our favorite pizza place ever. I think it even rivals Rudy's favorite from Chicago. They boys gobbled it up (a miracle...but it's that good!).  I love this shot of Gavin just looking up at Ru with what will become a big smile.

Here's Gavin singing himself a happy birthday! I think he caught on real fast and knows exactly what birthdays are all about! ;)

Happy 2nd birthday, to our beloved son! xo
And thank you, to all who either came in person or sent love in the mail or via texts...he loved everything!