Zwei

Alles Gute zum Geburtstag Dude! (Over a month and half later. . .). Never one to buy into common traditions, Mama chose an Oktoberfest-themed birthday party in lieu of a typical childrens' character theme. Some day soon, this will not surprise you. at. all. There really isn't much to say except that you had a lovely time celebrating your German Heritage and the second anniversary of your eviction into this world. Thus, we will let the pictures do the explaining:

Our neighborhood surely refers to us as 'The weird house with the not-Amurican Flag'. That, or 'The House with the dirt patch out front'.

Balloons! I seriously could have foregone every other decoration and bought you some balloons. You would have been perfectly fine with that. (Notice the new lighting in the background!)

This sign is a play on the sign posted at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin - an old checkpoint between East and West Berlin that we visited on our honeymoon in 2008. 

The actual sign. 

Per tradition, Izzers joined in the festivities. 

Before dinner, we attempted to get a family picture. I won't repost that as it has already been seen on this ol' blog, but wanted to point out that most of the attempts looked something like this. 

The food. Oh, the food. Mama and Daddy spent five hours the day before the party making German Potato Salad - still not as good as Great Grandma V's, but alright nonetheless. We also had brats (with kraut), pretzels, fruit, and cake! Oh, and Bier and Gewürztraminer wine. 

We had two cakes - a Black Forest Cake (traditional of Germany), and a 3-layer cake with chocolate, red velvet, and yellow cake layers to look like a flag when cut. Both were amazingly good. 

And the presents. Oh the presents. You are becoming quite gifted at opening boxes, but still want to play with what you just got rather than open something new. . . . or with ribbons, as Aunt Issa is showing you here. 

This card made noise - something Star Wars related and you laughed everytime you opened it and the music began. 

A Magnadoodle. We have used this many times to draw 'pictures' and letters. You are currently loving the letter O. 

We knew the Harley brand would be represented, and you received your very own Harley Build-A-Bear, complete with Leather jacket, chaps, and its own Harley. 

A four wheeler and skidloader, remembrances of your times with Grandma and Grandpa. 

A tricycle! Finally, you can give Dad's arms a rest from pulling you in the wagon. 

Star Wars. I think Dad may have been more excited about this than you ;)

Channeling Bob the Builder - still your favorite. 

An original, metal Tonka truck from your Great Uncle GT. You hauled Darth Vader in this the first day - who needs a fancy ship? (Daddy will probably come back and edit the real name of Darth Vader's ship here because 'there is no excuse for Star Wars ignorance').

Mama and Daddy asked a friend to make you a wooden firetruck and your favorite part is the ladder. 

Yep - we've reached the Thomas stage. Within a week, we had an expansion track and another train for you. You ask daily to 'Buil Tack' (translation 'build track') and we have fun designing new paths for Thomas and Henry. 

While the birthday party had a very Bavarian-German theme, I believe Mama's family is actually from the Mecklenberg region of Germany. Anyone know what region Daddy's family is from?

Thank you to everyone that came to celebrate and for the wonderful gifts. We are thankful for such great family and friends :)