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You are here: Home / Weekend / Mazen’s 2nd Birthday!

September 8, 2014

Mazen’s 2nd Birthday!

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We had a smashing weekend of fun celebrating Mazen’s 2nd birthday! We hosted our closest toddler friends for a dinosaur-themed party on Saturday evening, and Sunday was full of presents, soccer, school busses and more celebration.

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Mimi and Papa made the long drive from South Carolina to celebrate with us!

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For the party, there were blow-up dinosaurs big and small that my mom found on Oriental Trading!

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We gave away dinosaur cups for favors – practical because the kids used them at the party as well. {Also from Oriental Trading}

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These giant balloons were the show-stopper!

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Build A Balloon sent them to us to help Mazen celebrate. They were so much fun, and totally gorgeous in our back yard!

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To eat we had chips and yogamole, watermelon, bean salad that Karen made, and burgers with all the fixins.

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I was too busy running around with toddlers (literally!) to snap any photos of the burgers, but they were perfection!

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Post-nap juice with Grammie

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Snacks with KK!

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{Canadian Karen – the wine was fab!}

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The cake was from Sweet Haus and was oh-so-cute!! We also had 50 mini cupcakes, but alas, no photo!

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Happy Birthday to you!! (The only way to get 10 toddlers to sit still? Promise cake!)

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Can you tell this is the moment they saw the cupcakes!?

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We were really, really lucky with the weather – no rain and gorgeous sunshine! The forecast all week was calling for rain. However, it was beasty hot, and Mazen did his best to look like a hot sweaty mess for all of his birthday photos ; ) 

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Best buds!

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Party aftermath.

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Mazen’s actual birthday was on Sunday. I remember when I went into labor it was very hot out, and when we came home from the hospital fall had arrived. It seems the same weather pattern is happening two years later because Sunday’s weather was perfect as can be! Not even 80*!

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Mazen started the day with some gifts!! A few from his friends…

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And several from Papa and Mimi

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Thomas all the time!

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He got this fire station from Grammie + Pea! Karen got him a police car that lights up and doors that open, and Mimi and Papa got him a bulldozer. He loves his transportation!

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We all had a big birthday breakfast – eggs, bacon, watermelon and rolls.

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And eventually, we made our way to my soccer game!

<Begin sarcasm>

This is me sprinting toward the goal…

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No one was about to take away the ball from me here…

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This header went right to someone’s open feet…

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And this was a perfect goal!

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<End sarcasm.>

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M always says “Mommy plays soccer!” with such enthusiasm, but when he sees me on the field playing he cries until I come off and hug him.

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For most of the game he played on the sidelines with the family

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New shirt from Papa!

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Future player!

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His birthday was totally made when he got to get up close and personal with a row of school busses!!

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We came home and ate leftover burgers for lunch. Hit the spot!

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During naptime Matt assembled our gift to M – a cozy coupe truck!

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Talk about the happiest toddler on the block!

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We also got him some new art supplies that he tested out the morning before (I couldn’t resist giving them early!)

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For his birthday dinner we all went out to Bella’s, a family-style Italian restaurant in town.

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Vino for the table

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We shared the calamari

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Bruschetta

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And the grilled gorgonzola salad – loved this!

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Plus two pasta dishes – a meaty marinara and a seafood pasta.

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Happy, happy birthday my little boy!!

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Filed Under: Weekend

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Comments

  1. clare @ fitting it all in says

    September 8, 2014 at 6:19 am

    happy birthday mazen duke!!!

    Reply
  2. Kori says

    September 8, 2014 at 6:37 am

    What a perfect celebration!

    Reply
  3. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    September 8, 2014 at 6:46 am

    Aw, adorable! Happy birthday Mazen!

    Reply
  4. emily says

    September 8, 2014 at 7:02 am

    Aww, I love the dino party! The cake looks so cute.

    Reply
  5. Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says

    September 8, 2014 at 7:14 am

    Happy Birthday! The toddler line up pic is adorable!

    Reply
  6. Simple Green Moms says

    September 8, 2014 at 7:40 am

    My Little Man just turned 2 on August 28 and I must say, you took amazing pics even if he was a hot sweaty mess =) it is impossible to get them to hold still especially when the birthday party events!!!

    Reply
  7. Kelly says

    September 8, 2014 at 7:50 am

    Happy birthday to your sweet boy! What a great birthday weekend for all!

    Reply
  8. Katie says

    September 8, 2014 at 7:53 am

    Happy birthday Mazen! Two years old already, such a fun age. Maybe it’s time for another one? Where did you get your beautiful birthday party dress?

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      September 8, 2014 at 1:03 pm

      I found it on sale at Belk!

      Reply
  9. Rachel says

    September 8, 2014 at 8:03 am

    What a great party! Also, Kath I love your dress and that purple shirt! Super cute

    Reply
  10. Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner says

    September 8, 2014 at 8:06 am

    Happy Birthday, Mazen! It looks like everyone had a great weekend.

    Reply
  11. Tonya says

    September 8, 2014 at 8:21 am

    This post was so cute. Mazen has so many cool grandparents to love on him! Really nice dino cake!

    Reply
  12. Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says

    September 8, 2014 at 8:47 am

    Oh my gosh he is just the cutest little two-year old! Well, he and Janae’s daughter brooke! Haha. And all those little kids all together?!? So adorable. And I’m glad soccer is back – it looks so fun! I was always horrible at soccer…

    Reply
  13. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    September 8, 2014 at 9:03 am

    Happy Birthday Mazen!! I can’t believe he’s already 2! He’s looking like such a little man!

    Reply
  14. Elyse says

    September 8, 2014 at 9:05 am

    Mazen gets cuter by the day! What a perfect birthday weekend!

    Reply
  15. Joanne says

    September 8, 2014 at 9:31 am

    What a terrific birthday! Happy Birthday, Mazen! Can’t believe he’s already two years old.

    Reply
  16. Caitlyn @ City and the Cubicle says

    September 8, 2014 at 10:30 am

    Can’t believe he’s two! I especially love the school bus pictures.

    Reply
  17. Adi says

    September 8, 2014 at 10:40 am

    Yay for Sandbanks wine! I have some in my fridge right now. I went for a wine tour there a year ago. Great spot.

    Reply
  18. Eileen says

    September 8, 2014 at 10:45 am

    Happy birthday, Mazen! He’s really a cutie. The dinosaur cake is adorable!

    Reply
  19. Erin Shmidt says

    September 8, 2014 at 11:09 am

    I love the new porch couch! Is it home depot?? Love the balloons too!!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      September 8, 2014 at 1:03 pm

      Pottery Barn! Love it too : )

      Reply
  20. Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says

    September 8, 2014 at 11:15 am

    I can’t believe he’s 2 already. Such an adorable boy! Congratulations to you and Matt!

    Reply
  21. Phoebe says

    September 8, 2014 at 11:23 am

    What a delight! I just sent this children’s book title to my teacher friends and thought you would appreciate it too – Made by Raffi – Raffi feels different from other kids, but when he discovers knitting and sewing, everything changes, and everyone wants to have something Made By Raffi. I am not connected with the book in any way, just thought it was good around gender inclusion.
    Now need to find a book about a soccer heroine!
    Actually that may be an interesting topic for your blog (please forgive me if you have already covered it) – the division of toys etc by gender – how to fight it as a parent – I find it tough!
    Best wishes.

    Reply
  22. Resh says

    September 8, 2014 at 11:29 am

    Happy Birthday Mazen! Just curious — are most of your posts going forward going to be mainly photos? Just seems like most of what’s been posted lately are photos, rather than content. As a long-time reader, I’d prefer fewer photos (also fyi – they are large sometimes and you have to scroll down just to see one photo on the screen, which can be annoying).

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      September 8, 2014 at 1:02 pm

      KERF has always been 99% photos and 1% text! When I did the big format switch I did a bit more text-heavy posts, but photo posts are at the heart of the blog. Thanks for your feedback though, as I do like keeping post styles diverse to please the most people these days.

      Reply
      • ali says

        September 9, 2014 at 7:20 am

        Hi Kath, I agree with Resh, but maybe the problem is more to do with the shear number of photographs in each post? I counted to 45 in this post and there were a bunch left after that. It’s just a lot and a lot of them are very, very similar (two of the balloons, three of you presenting the cake to Mazen and also 5 more of the kids waiting for the cake or eating cake, etc). For me, looking through that many photos is simply tiresome and I often find myself looking at the first 5 or 10 and then closing out the window. These photos are most definitely important to you and your family and friends but have much less meaning and impact on your readers. I get that pictures tell a story but strategic editing can have an amazing effect on work like this as well.

        Reply
        • Angie says

          September 9, 2014 at 10:03 pm

          Holy cow, if you don’t like it there’s an X at the corner of your tab you can press. Why do people feel the need to be critics? You are not paying Kath for her services.

          Reply
          • ali says

            September 14, 2014 at 9:34 pm

            Actually, this is her job, is it not? She gets paid if people visit here. I’m a longtime reader (and thus consumer) and therefore have helped to support Kath for years. I pay by coming back time and again and reading. I don’t have to do that. However, I’d like to continue to support her. Neither of us were rude, we just had suggestions. Kath can take them or leave them. Kath has been open to asking what her readers want and was receptive above. Don’t read more into it than what there is.

            Reply
  23. Emily @ Life on Food says

    September 8, 2014 at 11:47 am

    His face is so cute with the school bus. Of course that made his day!

    Reply
  24. Amanda says

    September 8, 2014 at 11:56 am

    Happy Birthday Mazen. It looks like a wonderful weekend full of family and fun. He sure is one lucky little boy. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us 🙂

    Reply
  25. Melissa says

    September 8, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    SO cute! and is it odd that now, he just ‘looks’ two?!

    Those school bus pictures made me teary eyed. As I put my daughter on the bus this morning, I couldn’t help but get misty eyed. She’s going to be six in October, and I’m planning her party. The thought ran through my head – enjoy all the time you can with him, you’re going to turn around and he’s going to be getting ON the bus 🙁 (or, you know, starting school, even if he doesn’t ride the bus lol).

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAZEN!!! <3

    Reply
  26. Tracy says

    September 8, 2014 at 12:22 pm

    Awww! Happy Birthday Mazen!! Can’t believe he’s 2 🙂

    Reply
  27. Shel@PeachyPalate says

    September 8, 2014 at 1:19 pm

    You are seriously super woman! You always manage to fit so much in to a weekend!!! Awesome pics as always, love the wine shot! The little mini cupcakes at the party are super cute!

    Reply
  28. Alan says

    September 8, 2014 at 1:21 pm

    It’s pictures like this that totally make understand the idea behind Toy Story. I can just see Mazen looking at those dinos and imagining in his mind that they are all interactive and playing with him.

    All of the pictures are wonderful and full of love–especially love the ones with mom/son, and with all of the little extremely cute kids.

    Reply
  29. Jenna says

    September 8, 2014 at 1:21 pm

    I agree with the above commenter that the posts are quite photo heavy, lacking content. However, I appreciate more the way she said it because regardless a post still takes work and I respect the work that goes into a post! Just curious as a fellow mother…..why are mazens cheeks bright red? Hope all is well 🙂

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      September 8, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      I mentioned in the post -he had just finished running in circles and was a sweaty beast right before the cake cutting. Look at the other photos of him – back to his normal self : )

      Reply
  30. Alex @ True Femme says

    September 8, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    Aww Happy Birthday to Mazen! I happened to start reading when Mazen was born and it’s been a fun two years 🙂 Glad you all had a great weekend! That cupcake picture with the toddlers’ surprised/happy faces was adorable!

    Reply
  31. Anna W. says

    September 8, 2014 at 1:40 pm

    LOVE the fuschia shirt in your photo with M and the car. Perfect color on you. Love the fit, too. Random but: where is it from?! I neeeeed one.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      September 8, 2014 at 1:44 pm

      White Plum!! It’s super comfortable too.

      Reply
  32. Tina says

    September 8, 2014 at 3:01 pm

    It looks like you all had a lovely time. Mazen has such great expressions!! This whole post killed me with the gorgeous food photography – I definitely need to scrounge something up now because I don’t think I can wait until dinner time anymore!! The bean salad especially got me!

    Reply
  33. Ashley Saul says

    September 8, 2014 at 3:53 pm

    Happy birthday Mazen!

    Reply
  34. Amanda @Jogging Stroller Mama says

    September 8, 2014 at 4:22 pm

    Wow Mazens 2 already! So adorable. I’ve followed him since before he was born. My little guy is only a few months younger they grow soooo fast!

    Reply
  35. Jeanie says

    September 8, 2014 at 4:55 pm

    Happy birthday, Big Boy! I love the picture of all the kids. Great photo.

    Reply
  36. Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs says

    September 8, 2014 at 5:00 pm

    Looks like a great weekend of celebrating — Happy Birthday, Mazen!

    Reply
  37. Lori S H says

    September 8, 2014 at 5:42 pm

    Wow! What a fabulous birthday! Your pics are incredible. You could seriously be an event planner. : – ) Mazen is just adorable and thank you for sharing your journey with us. It’s always interesting as the chapters unfold.

    Reply
  38. Ella says

    September 8, 2014 at 6:25 pm

    So sweet, Kath! Children are such a delight. 🙂

    Reply
  39. Lauren Paradis says

    September 8, 2014 at 6:43 pm

    Hi!! Happy Birthday Mazen! What a great day!!!

    Random questions: what devices are you correctly using? (Phone, computer..) you use to have an iPhone right?? Also, what camera do you use for all these pictures?? Thank you ahead of time!!!

    Happy September! I love your LATELY posts!!! 🙂

    Lauren

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      September 8, 2014 at 6:59 pm

      Samsung Galaxy S5 – love it!! And I have a Canon Mark II camera and just bought this lens, which I am in love with!!

      Reply
      • Lauren Paradis says

        September 8, 2014 at 7:21 pm

        You love your samsung? What made u switch over- I swear you wrote a post on it. What about computer?! Thank u!!!!

        Reply
        • KathEats says

          September 8, 2014 at 7:23 pm

          Yes, I had an iPhone back in 2010 and switched to Android then. I’ve never looked back. I love the Google integration, widgets and user-friendliess. I’m on my 6th HP computer and love them. I’ve had them since about 2008 and haven’t looked back either. Macs have the wow factor, but I think Windows is just more user friendly for me.

          Reply
          • Lauren Paradis says

            September 8, 2014 at 7:36 pm

            Again, happy birthday to Mazen!!

            Love reading your posts!

            Thank you for all your technology advice!!!!

            🙂

            Reply
          • ali says

            September 9, 2014 at 7:09 am

            You’re on your 6th HP since 2008? I would highly recommend switching brands if you are going through computers that fast (and honestly, I just got an HP and returned it after 2 weeks…The quality isn’t anywhere near what it used to be). My last Toshiba laptop lasted 5 years through grad school, an intensive job and my niece’s and nephews playing on it. It was used probably 12-15 hours a day and was a cheap model. I now have an Asus and look over it. Give something else a try next time. You might not really need to be buying computers that often!

            Reply
            • ali says

              September 9, 2014 at 7:22 am

              Ha…autocorrect. “look over it” = love it.

              Reply
            • KathEats says

              September 9, 2014 at 7:46 am

              That’s between desktop, laptop and netbook for both matt and me. I’ve gotten 3 to 4 great years out of them all before handing them off to my parents

              Reply
  40. Heathers Looking Glass says

    September 8, 2014 at 6:58 pm

    I feel old. I can’t believe he is TWO! Wow!

    Reply
  41. carol says

    September 8, 2014 at 7:42 pm

    Happy birthday to your beautiful son – he is very handsome

    Reply
  42. Erica says

    September 8, 2014 at 7:45 pm

    He is SO cute! Happy birthday little man! We got lots of our party items from Oriental trading too- great stuff! Love the theme (and all of the delicious food). Your dress is gorgeous and love how long your hair is getting!!

    Reply
  43. Kayla says

    September 8, 2014 at 8:09 pm

    Wow that bean salad looks amazing! Did Karen ever share the recipe?

    Reply
  44. Jo says

    September 8, 2014 at 8:20 pm

    Holy cow, that was a FAST 2 years!! Happy Birthday, Mazen! Looks like it was a fun party!

    Reply
  45. Lisa @bitesforbabies says

    September 9, 2014 at 6:02 am

    I love the pic of all the kids together!!!! I have a ton of those from when I was a kid with all my cousins…they are priceless! Also, that pic of Mazen on the swing is SO cute!!

    Reply
  46. Sam says

    September 10, 2014 at 1:26 am

    Great post! I love the duvet cover on your bed. May I ask where you got it?

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      September 10, 2014 at 6:35 am

      Thanks it’s pottery barn

      Reply
  47. robin says

    September 10, 2014 at 5:38 am

    Yes happy birthday dear Mazen may God always pour out his love and blessings on you.

    Reply
  48. Jill says

    September 11, 2014 at 7:02 pm

    Loved all the photos..especially the action soccer shots. HB M!!!!

    Reply
  49. Katie @ A Full Plate says

    September 28, 2014 at 4:05 pm

    Mazen is turning into quite the handsome little gentleman! The party looked so fun and I LOVE your dress!

    Reply

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