Birthday Boy

“While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.”
~Angela Schwindt

Seriously, where has the time gone? My little chatterbox turned 2 on the 17th, but it seems like yesterday we brought him home. I am constantly amazed at this child and he keeps us on our toes. Our Jakeman, who is quick to give hugs and kisses, and just as quick to throw his head back and wail if something doesn't quite go his way. I wonder where he got that? It must be from his Daddy, haha.

We decided to forgo a party for a quick trip to Atlanta for some fun at the aquarium and the zoo. We had a wonderful time, and it was truly amazing to watch Jake. We got to see so much through the eyes of a child seeing things for the first time. There were a lot of "Wow"s, and "Yay"s. It was so cool just to watch him watch everything. He loved watching the Beluga whales play fetch with a ball, and he kept calling the large rays kites when they swam by us. Props to Jakey because the rays do, in fact, look like kites.

If you haven't been to the Georgia Aquarium, go. Jason and I went when it first opened, and it is amazing. The sheer size of it is mind blowing when you consider that what you see is only about 25% of it. Here are a few pics from the trip to the aquarium.

This tunnel gives me the heebies because all I can think about is Jaws 3 - the one at Sea World

You might be able to tell that I love the jellyfish. They are hypnotic and beautiful, and I could have stood there all day taking pictures. However, Jake and Connor were quick to let you know when it was time to move on down to the next exhibit. After we finished at the aquarium, we headed out to the little park between the aquarium and the World of Coke to let the birthday boy spend some energy.

Pigeons were chased all around the park. The boy worked up an appetite and managed to eat most of a small cheese pizza and a cupcake. Birthdays are hard work, you know? Today it was off the zoo to enjoy all of the animals. The main attractions for Jake were the "faffes" and the "phants" - giraffes and elephants for those who don't speak Jakanese. I loved watching his expression when he saw the different animals. The petting zoo was a big hit, and upon entering he said, "Hi, goats." haha - He even managed to get his arms around one of the goat's neck for a quick hug. Of course, the biggest hit of the day was the carousel. It was his first carousel ride, and his eyes lit up when we got on. He yelled, "Yay, fun" several times. Totally worth the $2.50 it cost to ride it. Jason and Jake managed to hop on the train for a quick ride before heading home.

Here's how Connor does the zoo

"Choo-choo"

The boys could not have been better, and even though Jake won't remember any of this, Jason and I sure will. We had a blast watching and enjoying his reactions to things the past 2 days. Here's to the start of a wonderful second year with our boy...