Geral's 2nd Birthday!

I wanted to post some pictures from Geral's birthday because an excited two-year-old is just one of the cutest things in the world.  Geral was very excited about her birthday.  Rachel and Geral helped me make the cake in the morning and were disappointed when they had to wait to have a piece.  I kept telling them that we were going to wait for Daddy to come home.  The second that Ralph walked through the door Geral was insistent that it was time for cake.  She did consent to waiting for the candles to be lit.  I love the look here on her face as she admired her cake with the candles on it.  

We made a rainbow cake by mixing different color cake batters and pouring them randomly into the pans.  The girls were thrilled by the bright colors.  It's a little garish for adults, but the kids thought it was cool.
Geral didn't need any prompting to open her presents this time.  She is a two and she so gets the system.  (It didn't hurt that she shopped with me and knew what was in the packages.)
I love that she can get this excited about a box of crayons.  Of course she is probably just thinking about which walls she can hit with them... so much more fun than the coloring book.
Taking a break to try the cake.  She thinks it tastes as good as it looks!
I really like the sequence of the next two pictures.  You have to be able to flip book them to get the full effect.  Lauren, Sarah and Rachel bought Geral a card that sings.  Rachel was beside herself with anticipation when Geral opened it, then Geral's face lit up as the music started.  After 10 minutes of that card opening, opening, opening, I think that the girls may have regretted the musical card but Geral was so appreciative.

Well wrap up the photos with one more shot of the cake.  William likes the color orange so he was only willing to eat the orange section.  No the batters aren't flavored (but that is a thought for next time) it was just vanilla cake.
Geral is so much fun and she is learning so much.  When I was tucking the girls into bed tonight Rachel requested some songs.  We sang Twinkle, Twinkle and I Am a Child of God.  To my surprise Geral sang along too.  While she didn't get every word, she kept up with the rhythm and had all the vowel sounds in the right place.  I think she really enjoyed participating in the music.  On a note that makes Mom just as happy, she has asked three times in the past couple of days to sit on the toilet.  Nothing has happened yet, but I can almost see the end of diapers!   Who said two is terrible?  Not this one!