Cody's 2nd Birthday Party

We had a bunch of our friends and family over and everybody wore RED in honor of Elmo. When Cody came home and saw everybody at his party, he was in shock for a few minutes - this look is priceless!

Yes, the cupcakes ended up looking like "Smokin' Elmo" once I put the candles in - we all got a kick out of it. Here is a picture of Cody blowing out his big "2" candle.

After the cake, Tradd insisted that we do the "great balloon drop" like we did last year... so of course we did it. Clay is brainstorming ideas for a balloon shoot for the next party (to shoot the balloons back upstairs without having to come down and collect them manually). The kids love it when all the balloons bouce into the ceiling fans. Abby even got into it! Grandad ended up hiding in the big cardboard box.

FYI: A big, empty cardboard box is a must at any kid-friendly party! It was just a big box that we cut windows and a door in it. At one time, there were about 5 kids in there having a good ol' time.

Later, we played "Pin the Nose on Elmo"

the kids got carried away with it and noses were stuck everywhere!

Then, Cody opened his presents and was so excited by everything. Cars seemed to be the most popular gift. Aunt Tracy gave him a track to put them on. Here is a picture of Clay & Chad reading the instructions.

Here is a family photo...I think that's the only time we were all together in one spot all evening. This last picture is of Cody finishing off his cake for breakfast this morning....who says birthdays have to be in one day...make a whole weekend out of it! : )