My baby turned two years old on the same day that his Daddy returned home from Iraq. This will always be such a treasured birthday.
Keith missed Will’s first birthday last year and we were really praying that he would make it home in time for his second. God’s timing is so perfect!
We spent Saturday morning welcoming Keith home and the afternoon and evening was spent celebrating Will’s birthday.
After the kids nap time, I picked up pizza from our bowling alley. Keith had requested that we have pizza on the day he returned so we could spend the day together, focusing on family time, and not worrying about dinner preparations.
Elmo birthday cake followed pizza.
Will grinned all over as we sang “Happy Birthday” to him. He even decided to join in at the end of the song.
Both Keith and I were surprised at how well he blew out the candles on his cake….he was a pro!
One puff and they were out!!
YUMMMM….chocolate cake with buttercream icing!
When everything was all cleaned up from eating, we moved the party to the living room where Will was all set to open his presents from Nanny, Grandma, and us.
He was more hesitant than I thought he would be with the wrapping paper. It came off one little piece at a time and I had to help with some to move things along.
Nanny and Papa sent a Little People Airplane play set. It was the very first toy that was opened, upon request from the birthday boy.
Grandma and Grandpa sent some pajama sets that were very much appreciated and a starfish that was a ton of fun! Will had a blast putting it on his head, Daddy’s head, and throwing it around the room at his sisters.
Mama, Daddy, and sisters gave him a police lego set,
a Sesame Street Follow that Bird DVD,
a “Daddy and Me” book,
and a Magic Playhouse with tunnels and tents that deserves it’s own post.
It was the best birthday that I could have ever dreamed of for my little boy!
And the best part was watching him lay his head on his Daddy’s shoulders as he was taken off to bed.
Kristi_runwatch says
Happy birthday, Will!! I keep thinking what a treasure these pictures of this momentous day are – I showed your post yesterday to my husband and we were commenting how great the pictures are and how well they capture the story of your day! These are great, too!
Kristi_runwatch’s last blog post..Random Sunday thoughts…
Kristen says
These pictures are so precious!! What a wonderful birthday present to Will to have his daddy come home! I’m so glad that Chaplain is back with yall….
wanted to comment how awesome it is to see you IN the pictures…means that someone else is there behind the camera 🙂 and how precious that last picture is!!! 🙂
Pat says
What a sweet day! I’m so glad that all went well on that day. Hope things settle down and y’all get into a regular routine. 🙂
Pat’s last blog post..Am I Passionate About My Teaching?
LifeAtTheCircus says
That last line and that last pic, totally warmed my heart….could you ask for a better gift that having Daddy put you to bed on your special day?
Praising God with you for bringing Keith home safely, and in time for this special day.
Happy Birthday Will!!
LifeAtTheCircus’s last blog post..Where did my baby go?
Bridget says
I totally teared up on the last pic. So precious!
Happy Memorial Day…we appreciate you all!
Bridget’s last blog post..If you know these things about me and still want to be my friend, then we’re friends for life.
Nancy M. says
Happy Birthday Will! There is something so different about these pictures-you are in them! I am so happy that y’all are a complete family again! That is the best birthday ever!
Nancy M.’s last blog post..Peach Enchiladas
Linda@cookingtipoftheday says
Great Blog! The pictures are treasures… and it sounds like it was a perfect day…. I’m happy for you and your family
Linda@cookingtipoftheday’s last blog post..Recipe: Sloppy Joes
Julie From Inmates says
Such a beautiful post! I’m so happy for you that daddy is back where he belongs. =) I love the look on his face as he is admiring his play tent. FUN TIMES.
Julie From Inmates’s last blog post..Dear Deployment
erin says
That makes me tear up, Monica. So glad your little man had a great birthday and how special that Keith came home on his special day! Hope you all are doing well 🙂
Erin
erin’s last blog post..A Great Breakfast Recipe
Happy Mama says
I know I haven’t been around in awhile But wow…what an awesome day for you all. I laughed and cried…and Monica I still say you should write a book. You capture and communicate the essence of a chaplain/soldiers wife…You don’t sugar coat anything….yet it is so sweet!
Happy Mama’s last blog post..Thankful Thursday