Frankie's Backyard Birthday Bonanza

Frankie's Backyard Birthday Bonanza, originally uploaded by Critical Mess.

The festivities continued Saturday with a party in our backyard. This little soiree was attended by some of Austin's finest, as well as Frankie's usual entourage. It's safe to say a good time was had by all.

Balloons!

Balloons!, originally uploaded by Critical Mess.

The day began with a fistful of balloons, and things only got better from there...

Sharing means caring

Sharing means caring, originally uploaded by Critical Mess.

No birthday party would be complete without friends! Here, Frankie's best friend Ava plays her favorite game, "Tormenting Frankie". I've explained to him that he'd better get used to it, as this is pretty much the blueprint for all his future relationships.

Typhoon Lagoon w/ balls

Typhoon Lagoon w/ balls, originally uploaded by Critical Mess.

Too much?

Basketball cake

Basketball cake, originally uploaded by Critical Mess.

The highlight of the party had to be this creation by Anna - a chocolate basketball cake with orange cream cheese icing and miniature basketball players depicting the 1995 NBA Finals between the Rockets and the Magic. Truly a masterpiece.

mmmmm....cake & ice cream

mmmmm....cake & ice cream, originally uploaded by Critical Mess.

We can't figure out where the boy gets his love of the sweet stuff...

Frankie's 2nd Birthday at the Lil' Buckaroo Ranch

lil buckaroo, originally uploaded by Critical Mess.

This weekend was one long celebration of Frankie's second birthday. The festivities began Friday morning with a trip to the Lil' Buckaroo Ranch, just west of Austin. Cowboy Jimmy and Cowgirl Miriam welcomed Frankie, MawMaw JuJu and MawMaw JoJo, PawPaw, Aunt Kristin, cousins Carlee & Tressa, and Mom & Dad. Frankie saw miniature horses, a friendly rooster, a bunny rabbit, goats and goldfish, and even got to brush and ride a horse. For the most part, he had a great time, and we'll definitely be making this an annual tradition, at least until he's old enough to have a strong opinion against it.

The Reluctant Cowboy

reluctant cowboy, originally uploaded by Critical Mess.

Even PawPaw wasn't enough to reassure this reluctant cowboy...

MawMaw JuJu & Frankie on a swing

MawMaw JuJu & Frankie on a swing, originally uploaded by Critical Mess.

This was more his speed...

Frankie & the bunny

IMG_4021, originally uploaded by Critical Mess.

Pretty much our all-time favorite animal, up close and personal...

Goldfish at the Lil' Buckaroo Ranch

IMG_4003, originally uploaded by Critical Mess.

Always a hit...

Even the roosters are friendly at the Lil' Buckaroo Ranch

IMG_4011, originally uploaded by Critical Mess.

Frankie spent two weeks chasing roosters & chickens in Hawaii. Little did he know that he could actually catch one less than half an hour from our house.

You Scream, I Scream...

ice cream 1, originally uploaded by silverzephyr.

Frankie and Ava enjoy a bowl of strawberry ice cream.