Birthday's and Wine

His first toy that's actually his

Paul turned TWO this weekend.
It was one of those things that I'd been thinking about for a long time, and yet somehow it still managed to sneak up on me.
As seems to be the norm with me I struggled with what (if anything) to get my sweet little guy.
And, after lots of procrastination ended up the day of his birthday, grabbing a balloon on my way past the floral shop.
Luck must have been on my side that day because it seems a floating balloon just might be the very best gift a two year old could ask for.  (Bonus: It's also a pretty cute word... "bwoon!")
Apparently they provide hours of endless entertainment for a very modest price tag. Surprisingly enough, it has not only survived 4 rather rowdy little ones, but is still full of helium 6 days later!
A few dollars well. spent.

Paul has somehow decided to talk - now that he's two of course. The day before his birthday not much in the way of sentences-the day after his birthday? A pretty regular stream of new sentences each day to the amusement of the rest of the family.

What a silly, noisy, cuddly, destructive, sweetheart.

I can't get enough of his little gooey self. So deliciously doughy.

We wouldn't trade him for the world... :)

P.S.  We enjoyed our first wine walk with friends in Kiedrich near Eltville.
We started at the bottom of the hill/vineyard and worked our way up past 8 wine stands- stopping at each one to have a drink/visit. The kids had a blast running around and roasting Stuckbrot (stick bread) over the fire and trying to bury each other in hay.
Evenings like that can be so surreal. As we were walking to our car in the dusk- down the narrow cobblestone roads- lined with the sweetest little cottages you could imagine, passing charming local taverns lit with lanterns and having just spent a very enjoyable evening with friends- enjoying the delicious local wine and beautiful views- you have too just stop- pinch yourself- and remember to be grateful.
So so so grateful.  
I'm sure we'll look back on this time in our lives and remember it as a sort of odd dream.