Joseph is turning into a great helper. He is now helping me cook and is always begging to climb up onto his stool and see what's going on. He even helped make his own birthday cake (the mixing/pouring part, not the decorating.)

The other day, I made some lemon-cranberry muffins (they turned out okay, but I think I may change the recipe a little next time.) He helped me put the ingredients into the bowl, mix it up, and then helped me put the batter into the muffin tins.

Party Time!

Now, onto the party...
Joseph opened up a huge remote monster truck...Thanks to TJ and Becky Vidaurri who gave that to us a year and a half ago. Joseph is definitely ready for it now :)
Molly and Ashlyn gave Joseph the movie The Reef which we have already watched twice :)
Joseph also received a fun penguin backpack from Great-Grandma and Grandpa Jolley, a set of building blocks (leftover from Christmas...I forgot to put them under the tree!), a Thomas the Train set of movies, and the Thomas the Tank Engine toy that I put on the cake. Ashlyn and Cash both got to take one home as a party gift.
Ta Da! Here's the cake...I loved making it.
I made it with applesauce and egg substitute so that it was relatively healthy. Of course the frosting was made with 2 lbs of powdered sugar, one cube of butter, and a half a cup of shortening...but is there anything better than buttercream frosting? Not for me!

Joseph's Birthday

Today, Joseph turned two. It was such a great day! Here are a few pictures. There will be more tomorrow...
We went to Freestone Railroad in Gilbert. Joseph loved the train!
As we traveled on the train the kids were fascinated by the ducks in the pond.
Joseph loved the wave runner ride! The cousins went on this one twice.
On the other hand, Joseph hated the mini ferris wheel...can't you tell? He only went on this one once.
After playing so hard, they ate a great lunch at the playground. I thought the day went really well! It was beautiful outside but wasn't too warm. There weren't too many people at the park. I know Joseph had so much fun!
I'm heading to bed...it was a long day! Tomorrow I will make sure to post the pictures of Joseph opening up his gifts and eating his cake.

I am so excited...this weekend I am doing a booth with Usborne! It's been such a long time. Again, I'm excited!

The event is a big fundraiser for two conjoined twins who live in our ward. They are trying to raise money for a separation surgery.

I typed up this post so that you could read this article about them. They are the cutest little girls. Keep them in your prayers, please.