Hope's 2nd Birthday Party

Today, we had Hope's 2nd birthday party! Neil and Mom came last night so that they could celebrate with us! We had a pretty simple birthday party but it was so much fun. In the weeks prior to the party I kept asking Hope what she wanted on her cake. She would either look at me with a blank look on her face or she'd say "Daddy!" (She does love her Daddy!) When we went to Florida and to Disney World Hope got so excited when she saw Winnie the Pooh. After that, we decided she would have a Winnie the Pooh party. So much better than putting Daryl's face on her birthday cake (sorry, Daryl!). :) The guests included: Grandpa and Grandma Stegink, Aunt Anna, Aunt Sandy, Grandma and Grandpa Neil, Daddy and Mommy, Samuel and Aliyah. We had potato soup for lunch and then started the present opening! Samuel had a hard time keeping his hands off of Hope's presents. It's so hard when you are 2!
Hope got a new umbrella, a cup, and some bubbles from Uncle Dan, Aunt Danielle, Alyx, Madison, and Jordyn.

Hope got bubbles, bath crayons, a new CD and DVD, and sidewalk chalk from Aunt Sandy and Great Grandpa and Grandma Bishop.

New sand toys for everyone (and more sidewalk chalk!) from Uncle Randal, Aunt Julie, Mikayla, Brooklyn, Janae, Airyn, and Spencer. It is definitely time for the weather to warm up so we can use all of these fun new toys!

From Uncle Ben, Aunt Anna, Uncle Tim, and Aunt Anna, Hope got a new pail/shovel, a Winnie the Pooh blanket, and a watering can. This is about the time when she really started getting into opening the presents, getting excited about it, and figuring out how to rip off the wrapping paper all by herself!

From her host family that initially cared for her when she got to the States she got some children's books in Creole or about Haiti and a Dora bathtub doll!

This fun new bicycle is from Grandma and Grandpa Neil. Judging by how much Samuel and Hope fight over it, I'd say it's a big hit!

Grandpa and Grandma Stegink got Hope her very own MP3 player (a little kid's version - so cute!), some cute clothes, and a new Boz DVD. Grandma and Hope are dancing to her music in this picture!

Hope was SO excited about her cake. I was pretty happy with how well it turned out!!

As soon as we lit the candles and started singing to her she got shy and nervous. She wasn't sure what was going on! But she did blow out the candles all by herself!!

After Hope blew out the candles we asked her if she wanted a bite. This was her answer! Silly girl!!

We love you, precious Hope! We cannot imagine what our family would be like without you!! You are our daughter and we are SO blessed!!