Family Pics

A few weeks ago we got our first "official" family photo taken by the talented Natalie Bate of Lindsay Jane Photography. She did an AMAZING job and we had a hard time picking our favorite shots! Seriously, if you're looking for someone to take your pictures, I highly recommend her. We took the pictures at Corona Del Mar on the beach and it was so much fun. Here are some of our favorites.



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Party On...

Saturday we had a little birthday celebration for Owen with family and a few close friends.  A BIG THANK YOU to Grandma Loretta and Grandpa Henry for letting us use their backyard. We really appreciate all of the work you put into everything.  

The morning was spent getting the finishing touches done on everything.  And so naturally, Owen didn't get a nap... which made me a little nervous that he would be a little grouch just in time for everyone to arrive.  

Luckily, Owen was a little angel and didn't fuss at all.  And when it came to present opening and cake eating - he put on quite a show.  :)  He definitely LOVES attention.

Here are a few pictures from the event.  I tried to narrow it down as much as possible.  I promise I did.

The Birthday Boy

Owen was all smiles when he woke up on his big day.  We spent the morning eating breakfast and then we had a little jam session with Daddy.

And he got even more excited when he realized he gets to face forward in his car seat now.

Rick and I spent the day making these

 

for a little family celebration we had the next day.  I'd found the idea for the cupcakes online and I'm very pleased with how they turned out.  

FYI - Rick made the smash cake without a template.  I'm volunteering him for hire if anyone needs a character birthday cake made.  :)

Since the party wasn't until the next day and Friday was Owen's real birthday, we had to make an extra cake for him to eat.  He seemed to enjoy playing in the cake more then actually eating it.  It's a good thing the dog was sitting near his high chair - it made the clean up easier for us.

After a fun-filled day, Owen was ready for bed. 

 (And we were too).  

We had a wonderful day together as a family and it couldn't have been better.

One Year Ago Today...

We became parents to this little, teeny-tiny baby...

And today we became parents to a big, growing, almost-talking, almost-walking toddler.

Happy Birthday, Owen!!!  

We love you!

Down By The Bay

Sunscreen ... Check.
Swim Diaper ... Check.
Sand Toys ... Check.
Towels ... Check.
Happy Baby ... Check.

We will definitely be frequenting the beach more often now that Owen is not afraid of it.  :)

A Wedding Gift

I've been wanting to make one of those custom family name signs for a long time, but haven't really gotten around to it. The other day I was at Ross and I came across this beauty for only $4.99. It was perfect for my project. I decided to make it for my sister as a wedding present.

The sign is not bad on it's own, but I decided to spruce it up a bit. First, I used acrylic paints to make a new background color. Then, I followed the advice from the "Thrifty Decor Chick" blog (see button on right) and printed my words from the computer. Using an Exact-O knife, I cut out each and every letter. Seriously, this was not a fun part but the result was worth the effort. Definitely not a project for the impatient.

Using a sponge brush, I used the letter cut-outs as a stencil.

The finished product. A custom name sign for $4.99 and some paint.

Super easy and super cute.

Here comes the bride...

Last week was SUPER busy (and this post is super long).  My sister got married on Saturday and the week prior was FULL of fun pre-wedding festivities.  

First, we had a super-fun bachelorette party!

The groom in all his glory...

LOTS of hot pink and black

And finally, this BEAUTY of a cake.  

My sister Julie and I made it and had SO MUCH fun doing it.  

We felt like we were on "Ace of Cakes". 

Then, we had a fun dinner with the bridesmaids at CPK.

Waiting to be seated...

The blushing bride

My cousin Chelsea, um, enjoying (?) her salad... (?)

On Friday (the day before the wedding), Owen decided to get a fever.  My brother had the flu earlier in the week, and we all took medicine to prevent us from getting it, too.  However, Owen was too young for the medication, so naturally, he got sick just in time for the wedding. :(

He was such a trooper.  And thank goodness for Rick - he was practically a single parent on Friday and Saturday so that I could do my "matron of honor" duties  (Matron?? Really??  I don't like the sound of that... it sounds way too old...).  A BIG thank you to Rick and for all of the other family members who pitched in to tend to Owen so that I could enjoy the wedding.  You are the best!

Owen taking it easy with Great-Grandma Harvey at the rehearsal dinner.

And now to the BIG DAY...

when this handsome guy

(This picture was taken in the women's bathroom, by the way...)

Married this beautiful girl:

I didn't get many pictures but Rick managed to get a few during the ring ceremony before Owen lost it.  Owen was a ring bearer and when it was time to walk down the aisle, he wasn't crying so we thought, "Let's go for it." Here's a play-by-play in pictures:

He made it down the aisle with Uncle Michael and all seemed well.

He even started showing off his latest trick, putting his arms up and pointing to the lights.

But then, well, he got this look in his sick little eyes....

And, ... well, ... that was the end of Owen.  

Luckily Daddy was sitting very close by so that he could make him feel better.  

(I love the expression on Michael's face in this pictures... it's the, "Um, he's crying. Now what do I do?" face. )

More from the wedding to come.