Celebrate!

April 4, 2009: Look who's making his way to our neck of the woods!  And look who's right there greeting him with a wave!

Each year, our HOA, in affiliation with a local real estate office, hosts an Easter egg hunt for all the children in our neighborhoods.  We had never been, as O was a bit too small last year... but this year, bright and early, the three of us walked down to the track area to join in in the festivities!  There were crafts, treats, obviously an egg hunt, and, as you can see, the Easter Bunny!

She was thrilled!

Moments later, we sat awaiting the commencement of the annual egg hunt!  The kids were grouped into categories based upon their ages... Olivia's area consisted of a lot of eggs to grab before the next little one got to it!

Daddy and O, scoping it out and making a game plan!

The hunt would begin with a signal from the popular, carrot-eating guest!

Once the bunny gave the signal, they were off!  Emily quickly lost sight of them in all the people!

Minutes later, there were no more eggs... just a lot of full baskets and happy kids!

Daniel and Olivia scoured the scene just to make sure not one had been overlooked!

The colorful goods!

At this point, we think she was thinking, "Enough with the eggs... when do I get to meet the Easter Bunny?!"

She loves to dance... even in the middle of an easter egg hunt!  Too cute!

While we waited for our turn to sit with the bunny, we checked out the surprises inside her eggs.  Yummy!

Finally, O's number was called!  She climbed right on up, and wanted to show the Easter Bunny her orange egg!

She was all smiles (and no tears, reminiscent of the last visit with Santa)!  What a BIG girl!

After the morning egg-stravaganza, we headed home for some lunch.  Daddy passed... and instead ran a special trip to Party City!  When he came back... to her surprise... he had BALLOONS!

There was even an Olivia-sized "Abby Cadabby!"

So why balloons, you may ask???  Since we were in Maui on Olivia's birthday, we opted to celebrate her turning two with family the weekend following our return!  So she had the Easter Bunny/cousins/aunts/uncles/grandparents... all in one day!

After the balloon excitement, O headed upstairs for a nap... and a change into her party dress upon waking up.  At this point, she was ready to make her entrance and ready for the fun day to continue!

She was in awe of the balloons and streamers in her honor!

Once the guests arrived, the birthday girl began her party with some jumping and bubble blowing with her cousins!

We had "Mexican" food for dinner... Olivia's favorite!  Afterwards, we opened much appreciated gifts...

and sang "Happy Birthday" to Miss O, after which we feasted on delicious cupcakes!  Two candles were carefully placed on top for our two year old "cupcake!"

We ended the evening with "Pin the Nose on Elmo!" 

Thanks to everyone who came!  Olivia loves you!