Best 2nd Birthday Party Ever

I wanted to send Lucy off in grand style, to have the kind of party that she'd really remember (if she was going to remember anything from this young) and to say goodbye to all her little "friends" we've had over the past couple of years. So, I rented a bounce house. This was not just any old bounce house, either. It was the best toddler bounce house I could ever imagine, and one that I knew Lucy was going to love having here in her backyard, mostly because we had already played on it and loved it at the riverfest in downtown Old Town.

The Big Top.

For the 2nd year running, Grandma did most of the food and Grandpa played host, delivering watermelon and drinks to our numerous guests. Not sure what kind of party we'll end up having when we don't have the grandparents around to do the work, but hopefully I'll manage.

The kids had a FANTASTIC time (if I may say) with the bounce house, bubble machine, and other various toys we have in the yard. Having such a wonderfully large fenced-in backyard was great. Plenty of freedom to run around and play.

The bounce house was inflated on Saturday evening and packed up on Monday afternoon and we got our money's worth in the meantime. There was a loop to run with a slide on one side that Lucy must have done 200 times. We bounced until it was dark two nights in a row. Here she is being chased by her cousin Lennon.

Even Shorty had a go.

And what could make a party better than a bounce house? A cake with a mermaid. Right after she blew out the candles Lucy leaned in for a bite off the side. The frosting was just a little TOO tempting.

Could anyone love a kid more?

And to end a long and tiring day, there's nothing like a good cuddle with your favorite mutt.

Just don't know how we're going to top this one.