Ryder's Second Birthday

Ryder is two years old today!

It's hard to believe that we've already taken two trips around the sun together. It seems like just yesterday that we first stared into each other's eyes, marveling at the miracle of our existence in the world together. 

The original scars of that day have faded, but in the years since you have left footprints on my heart that have changed me in ways I'll never possibly be able to explain or understand.

I just know that I am a better person because you are with me.

Happy birthday to our sweet baby boy!

For his actual birthday, we spent a quiet evening at home, just the three of us. Ryder got a special birthday cake all to himself (seriously, it was work trying to get this photo before he dug in), and then we finally let him unpack his brand new birthday train set from Nana and Papa to play with... it's still debatable who had more fun: Stewart or Ryder.

We also hosted some special events for the birthday boy the weekend prior. 

It was hard to top his first birthday fiesta, but I think we did a pretty good job. 

We started the day with a party for Ryder and his friends at a cool local indoor playground (because there was no way on earth I was about to invite 20 toddlers into my house). The kids had a blast literally bouncing off the walls before stuffing themselves with pizza and cake. It doesn't take much to please these little rug rats. 

Afterward, Ryder had just enough time to fit in a short nap while we prepped for party #2... a backyard barbecue at our house for family and close friends. 

One of my favorite parts of Ryder's birthday each year is that my sister comes up from Oregon with her whole family to stay the weekend with us, which means that Ryder gets some serious quality time with his cousins. I was super close with my cousins when I was growing up, so it's important to me that they get to know each other and spend time together despite not living super close. 

Ryder with Nana and his cousin Aubrey.

Stew with Ryder and his cousins, Sophia and Aubrey.

 It ended up being a beautiful day, which means the kiddos had a great time playing outside while the adults got to sit around in the sun and drink beer chat. 

Ryder got even more cake and opened a mountain of presents (thank you, everyone), and we had such a good time just relaxing with all our favorite people.

Seriously you guys, we couldn't have made it through the past two years without you. Thank you so much for being there for us, and for Ryder. It has meant the world to us, and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Happy birthday, sweet Ryder Steven!

You are very, very loved.