Beni turned two!

On April 24, 2012, Benita turned two.  It still boggles my mind how two years can go by so quickly.  One of my brothers (also recently a new father) said to me that he has also now figured out that there is nothing like a baby to accelerate time like never before.  Amen to that!  

On April 21st, we gathered at the Van Buren house in South Haven with friends and family to celebrate this milestone of Beni's.  We had a really lovely time.  The party was on Saturday, and as is our tradition now around Beni's birthday, some of my friends and their kids stayed the weekend, and Sunday morning we went out for a great breakfast at our favorite joint, Phoenix St. Cafe. It really was a great time.  The kids (who have multiplied from 2 toddlers the weekend of Beni's birth to 2 preschoolers, 2 toddlers (including Beni), 1 baby and 2 on the way at her second birthday!) had a great time playing, and we adults all really enjoyed each other's company as well.  

Here are some snaps from the party! 

We had a Dora theme, as Beni is currently OBSESSED.

Forgot to take an actual close up of the cake...this is the best I have!

Beni in her birthday outfit.  It ended up being quite
chilly that day- thank goodness I bought the leggings
and long sleeved undershirt! 

Silliness! 

Beni's party fell on the same day as her cousin Shyreece's birthday! 

Proud Vecmammina cuddles Elton John Beni. 

They were Dora glasses, but the Elton John lookalikeness was too strong!

Beni with her three cousins that live with Vecmammina and Dan.

Opening presents!  Beni received quite a few Dora items!

The youngest party guest (if not counting in-utero ones separately!)

One of our favorite party guests. :) 

A stunning card made by my friend using Beni's birth announcement!

Beni plays with her new kitchen along with her cousin Vasara

It was a hit with all the kids!

I did a horrible job of taking photos that day, so I missed getting snaps of quite a few of the guests.  Oops.  The one person who was really, really missing was Joel.  We all missed him lots.  Hopefully, we won't be celebrating too many more birthdays EVER when we're not all together.

Thanks again to everyone who made Beni's day a special one for her and me! :)