First Sleepover

It's tradition in our home to have whatever you want for your birthday dinner. 3 years in a row Josiah has chosen Lucky Charms. This year was a real treat….chocolate Lucky Charms. YUM

I always throw birthday parities for Josiah. Big ones. Too big.

I wanted to do something smaller this year. My solution: A sleepover.

I know. Crazy, right?

I have to say….it was so much fun!

5 boys; ages 5 to 3. One little lady. 17 hours of party. Chaos. Popcorn. Pizza. Treats.

Park Playtime (best idea ever).

 The Birthday boy was dying of excitement the entire night.

They all ended up shirtless, why does this always happen at my house.
Yes…even Ella got in on that action (cool your jets girl).

James brought home a parachute and set it up in the playroom. Instant fort.
They all fell asleep by 10:15pm. I was pretty impressed.

The morning after. Looking a bit more docile.
The funniest part of the party was that they were dying to change their clothes together. They were so excited to get in the pajamas, and then more excited to get into their clothes the next morning.

And I finally had a reason to make these birthday cake pancakes. To.Die.For.

It was so much fun.
And I loved being able to be the "cool parents".
Who am I kidding…James is always a cool parent.

Ella's Shabby Chic Party

Ella's 1st birthday came and went.

I only cried the night before her birthday wasn't a total mess.

I couldn't help myself with the pearls and the lace romper. Can you blame me?

I decided to go with a sort of "Shabby Chic" theme. 

I thought that this is one of the only chances I have to pick the theme so I'm going with frills!

I dipped marshmellows in vanilla candy coating that I dyed pink and lined a tray with powdered donuts.

I also served sliders (best party food ever), pasta salad, chips, and watermelon; but I wasn't able to get a photo.

I mean seriously….how the heck do I get a nice photo of food before people start digging in? 

It's impossible in this house!

Can you believe this cake?!?
My mom is a cake genius.
It was gorgeous and delicious with a homemade pink lemonade cake with lemon buttercream.
YUM!

I made her little cake topper with a couple of candy sticks left over from the marshmallows and bakers twine.
I also served sliders (best party food ever), pasta salad, chips, and watermelon; but I wasn't able to get a photo.
I mean seriously….how the heck do I get a nice photo of food before people start digging in?
It's impossible in this house!

I made that frilly banner out of crepe paper and tulle. Easy and adorable!

Can you get enough of my little niece in her peacock costume?!?!

I made these flower topiaries out of crepe paper. They are now in Ella's room.

I finally had a good reason to use my twine wrapped bottles! They made for perfect outdoor table decor!

I can't get enough of these cousins!

 What's a party without a few superheros {that's my Josiah!}.

Princess even had her own ruffle cake. {Spoiled much?}

 Ella even enjoyed not one, but two marshmallow pops!

I have to say thanks to my amazing husband and sister.
They helped me tirelessly clean, cook, and assemble for her party.
We had nearly 40 people including nearly 20 kids here.
{No…it wasn't insane…why do you ask?}
I seriously could not have done it without them.

The best thing about a birthday party is knowing how much my kids are loved. We are at no shortage for people who have invested in our lives.

We couldn't be more blessed.




     

Micah's 3rd

Happy 3rd Birthday Micah!

We are so proud of you!

Here's to another amazing year with you!

Happy 28th to my Hubby

Here's to you James:

I've know you for 7 years.

Fell in love with you 2 weeks after I met you.

Engaged 21 months later.

{Best decision I've ever made}

Married 6 months later.

Aruba for our Honeymoon

College graduation

{Didn't know it yet, but we were pregnant with Josiah}

2nd Anniversay trip to Denver

{Didn't know it yet but pregnant with Micah}

Trip to Nebraska to watch the Huskers ~WIN~

{Pregnant with Micah}

My first trip to San Diego

~LOVE~

1 day after Ella was born

How unexpected has our life been?

I wouldn't trade 1 second of it for anything.

So here's to being with you for the

REST OF MY LIFE

Happy birthday!

How much do I love you?

"Too Much"

What....He's 4?!?!?!

Holy Cow! Time has literally passed me by. Josiah will be 4 years old tomorrow! I can't believe it. I remember bringing him home from the hospital and freaking out when my Mom left me after two weeks. I was a new mom and I had no idea what was normal for a baby to do. He had horrible acid reflux and puked like no other baby I have ever seen. I had to burp the kid over the sink! And now....now he's 4 years old! AH!

We had his 4th birthday party at a nearby park, and I will never (unless necessary) have another birthday party of his at my house. It was amazing to just be able to have the kids play, they adults chat, and throw out our trash right there. It was so fun.

I was just talking today with a friend about how I don't throw a birthday party for my kid's necessarily, I do it so that we can build memories of good times with our family and friends. Just to feed everyone (subs, chips, watermelon, and cake) was $100. Nuts! We obviously just want to make our kids happy, but throwing a party is for me! Let's be honest. I want to remember these years that fly by so quickly.

It was such an awesome day. But with each morning that passes I know that my little boy is growing to be a "big boy". It's breaking my heart. He's going to be amazing, I know it! He has an awesome memory (particularly when it comes to a promised treat), a knack for loving everybody, a sensitive spirit, and a desire to learn. I'm proud to be his Mom and I can't wait to see what my fun loving, adorable 4 year old will grow to be in the next year!

~So here's to you Jo~

~You are such a blessing to your Momma~