Causes for celebration

 Two lion cakes for my two two-year-old cubs

Will wasn't with us in Minnesota for the first almost 2 weeks we were there.  When he did join us for the last week, we were overjoyed to see him.  We missed him a lot!  Combined with missing his birthday and his missing the boys' birthday, we needed a big party to celebrate us being together again.  We grilled hot dogs and brats, Mom made baked beans, and I made 2 lion cakes.  (I can't claim my own creativity for this one...it is amazing what you can find on the internet!)  I also made a carrot cake for Will, his favorite.  The food and cakes were all super yummy. 

 Family enjoying a summer feast

The boys opened their presents and had fun playing with all their new toys.  Trucks, balls, cars, and blocks seemed to dominate the field this year, along with some really cute clothes.  They weren't as shy about opening everything up this year.  But they were so excited about gifts they kept on stopping just to play with the new toys.  Note for next year:  open gifts earlier in the day to give lots of time for playing with them later.

 Zevon tries out his softball pitch

 Guthrie shows his new ball (while sporting a Miss MN hat of his Grandma's)

 Zevon getting his trucks ready for some serious work

 Guthrie sees how many blocks can fit in his new tractor

The boys were also more adept at blowing out their own candles this year.  However, they each had different strategies.  Zevon was more for the direct approach and needed very little help blowing out his candle.  Guthrie seemed concerned by the fact his cake was on fire and tried to snuff it out with a napkin.  Yikes! 

 Oh no!  Fire!

 Don't worry, Daddy.  I've got this.

 I can help you out brother.

 Mmm.  That was good cake!

Unfortunately, we were missing Grandpa Wayne.  Wheat harvest had started, unexpectedly early this year, and Dad needed to be out in the field.  We missed him but were so thankful that harvest was going so well.  There was plenty of cake when he came in that evening, so we could celebrate the start of harvest as well.