Birthday Party

I will warn you this post is an overload of pictures, but I want them all on here so I will remember everything.  Baby girl's birthday was a week ago and I feel like we have celebrated almost everyday for a whole week.  I have to say I am  bit exhausted, but this sweet face was totally worth it.  She has loved every minute of her birthday.    

Last year we just did a small family birthday for C, so this year we decided to include some friends too.  We had a Halloween birthday party.  I have to say if you have a little one with an October birthday this was so easy, fun, and cheap entertainment.    

 My friend, LeighAnn, designed the invitations.  She is super talented and did an awesome job!  I wanted the party to still be sweet and innocent even though it was Halloween themed.  I didn't want black colors, scary ghost or witches, but more pumpkins and a fall twist.   

So, I used mostly orange, purple, and greens in everything.  Most of the banners, cupcake toppers, and other decorations came from a shop on Etsy (thanks to my neighbor, Katie).  It was awesome and made everything so easy.  All I had to do was purchase the items and then print them off.      

 To cut down on costs, I made all the food (with the help of my mom, of course).  I will have to post the recipe for the iced sugar cookies below.   It is my mom's recipe and these cookies are to die for!  Seriously, the best cookies I have ever eaten.  I make them for everything.   

Kid's table 

Something about this little lavender table just makes me happy.

LeighAnn did these little tags for the pumpkins/party favors as well.  

And what is a Halloween party without adorable costumes.

Zebra, Mr. potato head, ladybug, Texas cheerleader, bunny, chicken #1, Wake forest cheerleader, and chicken #2

Aren't they precious?

Sweet friends

I didn't get many pictures of all the adults or these sweet babies that also joined us.  

Unlike last year, Caroline loved when everyone sang "happy birthday" this go around.  

And she worked so hard to blow out that candle.  

Something about a child's birthday makes me become a kid again.  The expressions on her face give me so much joy.  We loved celebrating two wonderful years of life and look forward to many more! 

Two!

Happy Birthday baby girl!  Hard to believe it has been 2 years since you were born.  You have changed our lives forever and we cannot imagine life without you. 

We love you! 

1 week old

6 months

1 year

2 years

Pumpkin Patch

No words really needed in this post.  Just excited for a new season around here!  

Summers End

I feel like I can officially jump into fall mode now.  October is here, the weather is a bit cooler, and we just returned from our last beach trip until next spring/summer.  This is my favorite time of year to be at the beach.  

If we are not on the sandy, white gulf beaches, this is another favorite spot for us.  This trip we were with 3 other couples.   We went to an annual fundraiser/silent auction last December for this amazing school.  One thing we walked away with was a trip for 5 nights at the beach split with these friends and all the money going towards the school.  It was a no brainer, win-win situation in my mind!  

So, off we went last week!  The house was perfect for our group.  Beach side, beautiful view, a huge lawn, and tons of charm and character.  The house was pretty old-school and I felt like I was at my grandparents house at times.   Straight out of another generation with colorful tiled bathrooms and all.    

We spent most of the day Friday at the resort pool.  Pretty rough, I know. 

We found a babysitter Friday night and headed out for drinks and to listen to the bagpiper play.  One of our favorite traditions here.  Then, off to a great dinner at Halyards.  

I am a morning person and I especially love mornings at the beach.  I love the peaceful, quiet, alone time before the day begins.  I woke up each day to watch the sunrise off our porch.  

Saturday, we went to a new (to us) place for lunch.  Southern Soul BBQ.  Goodness, if you are ever in St. Simons, it is a must!  Probably the best BBQ I have ever had.  The sides were amazing as well! Caroline especially enjoyed the mac and cheese and her first taste of fried okra. 

Oh, and stickers while we waited on the food.  

We filled the rest of our time with bocce on the beach, 

a little "redneck" blow up pool in the backyard, watching football, walks on the beach, and good conversations.

Everyone left Sunday, but we decided to stay an extra night.  

I asked Caroline to smile at me.  Can you say sassy?

It was great to have some time for just the 3 of us to be together.  

We are always grateful for times away from busy schedules at home and to just be intentional with each other, with friends and have no agenda.  It is something we need regularly in our lives.  It is good for us personally and as a family.