TWO YEARS OLD!

Jack Madsen Barnard, my 2-year old boy!!He is such an angel and we had a wonderful birthday with him. My parents and sister were here for dinner and we had Taco Soup! It's a family favorite.Jack loves it too! And look at him demonstrating his awesome utensil skills. He always requests a fork or spoon, even if we give him finger food. He will take great care to get food situated and carefully bring it to his mouth. Yum!!Daddy made the yummy dinner! Thanks Dad!

Taco Soup

1-1.5 lbs ground beef, chopped chicken or cubed sirloin

1 medium chopped onion

1 tbsp olive oil

2 cans pinto beans-drained and rinsed (15 oz each)

2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 oz each)

2 cups water

1 can black beans-drained and rinsed (15 oz)

1 can cream-style corn (14.5 oz)

1 envelope ranch dressing mix

1 envelope taco seasoning

sour cream, chips, and grated cheese

In a large pot or dutch oven, brown meat and onion in oil. Add the beans, tomatoes, water, corn, ranch mix and taco seasoning. Bring to a boil. reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Serve with chips, sour cream and grated cheese.

After dinner it was...present time!Jack knew exactly what to do, and had plenty of help from Drew and Lily Jane.A favorite present was the story reader from Grandpa Carl and Grandma Kristie.

Our oven is broken, so we had to have a store-bought cake. I really miss baking cakes for the kids! Of course Jack loved it all the same.I hope all of Jack's wishes will come true!Jack knows just how to tackle a blue-frosting cake.And it is official! Our little one is two.

Happy Birthday Jack!