AN EASTERN OREGON ADVENTURE

For the past three years when bow hunting season arrives, I lose my Husband to the hills of Eastern Oregon. This year was a little different because the kids + I got to tag along with him on opening weekend. I was hoping to get the chance to spot an elk or two but unfortunately, our efforts were unsuccessful. We were able to catch a glimpse of a herd of deer while making our drive into camp, but I was behind the wheel instead of behind the camera lens.

We had a great time! We took a couple of family hikes that involved minimal complaining from the kids + only two piggie-back rides. We gathered around a fire under a star-filled sky where we all took turns naming new constellations. (I think someone saw a purple hippo, yellow elephant + a kite.) Our daughter took her first four-wheeler ride + had a blast! All in all, it was a wonderful time spent together.

Oregon, you sure are pretty.

Continue Reading »

WELCOME TO MERMAID ACADEMY

To celebrate our daughter’s fifth birthday we invited five of her best friends over + enrolled them in Mermaid Academy. I thought it would be a fun idea to call the party an academy, let her guests participate in mermaid activities + then send them home as graduates. I decorated our home in beachy blue, turquoise, white + gold. It turned out so cute, y’all! Here’s a peek at the details.I contacted a local bake shop, Lux Sucre Desserts, about having a cake made for the party + they gave me multiple mermaid-ish options to choose from. We chose a rustic ombre cake + I absolutely LOVED the way it turned out. I topped with a golden 5 sparkler wand + it was perfection.

On the top of each place setting was the Mermaid Academy Checklist I designed, which highlighted all of the activities for those attending Mermaid Academy:

• Pick a Mermaid Name.
• Get a Mermaid Manicure.
• Color a Mermaid Masterpiece.
• Go on a Starfish Hunt.
• Make a Splash.

On each of the chair backs were super comfy Mermaid Academy tees. The girls looked so cute in their Matchy-Matchy Mermaid goodies. =)

And when the party came to an end, each guest left with their Mermaid Academy tees + their Mermaid Academy Graduate Gumball Scrolls.

It was such a fun party!

Here are a few more details.The Mermaid Masterpieces that the guests colored came from The Hanna Blog. Below are links to all other party prints + decor.

• Mermaid Academy Activities Printable
• Mermaid Academy Graduate + Thanks For Coming Party Circle Printable
• Turquoise, Light Blue + Gold Party Fans
• Turquoise, Light Blue + Gold Plates
• Blue Cream Soda
• Gold Flatware (no longer available)
• White Scalloped Cake Stand (no longer available)
• Mermaid Academy Tee
• Mini Party Hats
• 40″ Gold Foil Balloon
• Gumball Tubes
• Celebrate Banner

Continue Reading »

HASHTAG STAR SPANGLED KIDS

Fourth of July Weekend celebrations are in full swing which means we’re squeezing all of the Red, White + Blue love that we can over the next few days. And we’re looking at some phenomenal weather in our forecast (highs in the 90s + lows in the 50s) so I couldn’t possibly be happier about spending most of our time over the next few days poolside. Come July 4th, our big plans (wink, wink) are to be a part of our neighborhood’s bike parade + barbecue… then a dip in the pool. This is our third year to celebrate along side these neighbors of ours + I think it’s great that we don’t have to travel to make the day special.

This year’s parade will be a new experience for the kids because they will be participants, not just spectators. So earlier today, I took the kids into town to grab some inexpensive decor for their bikes + helmets. Mostly they just told us what to do while Brad + I did the decorating.Duct Tape for the win.

I also took the kids around the neighborhood, waiting for the just right moment when the wind would blow + the American Flag would wave + the kids would be all happy + smiling right at my camera lens. Yeah, that didn’t really happen. The biggest smiles came when they would run + attack me. I have an elbow scratch as proof of their assault. But some pretty sweet moments happened in-between the crazy ones.The kiss. The wipe off. The re-kiss. =) So fun!

If you’ve stopped by today, I hope you’re here for the #StarSpangledKids Link-up Party!My friend, Liz, asked if I would be one of her co-hosts for her blog link-up party this year + I was so thrilled and immediately replied YES! It’s super easy to join in on the fun. Use the link up below to add your Star Spangled Kids blog post through July 7.

If you don’t have a blog, no worries. Join us on your social media accounts using #StarSpangledKids! And don’t forget to show some love to the co-hosts + participants.

Liz || Ellie + Addie

Jen || And Hattie Makes Three

Kristy || Seven Graces Blog

Sarah || Seeing All Sides

Whitney || Work It Mommy

Stephanie  || Wife Mommy Me

Jessica || Secrets of a Stay at Home Mom

Continue Reading »

MERMAID ACADEMY PARTY

Ever since my daughter saw the Mystic Mermaid Show at the Downtown Denver Aquarium, she has had her heart set on having a Mermaid Themed Birthday Party. This was in part, a result of my Master Momipulation skills. You know… just a little persuasion to get her excited about having a party that I know she would love + a party that I would enjoy decorating + designing for.

So the Mermaid Themed Party was agreed upon + now it was time for me to start designing for it. I saw a Mermaid Academy tee one day + thought, what would it take to graduate from Mermaid Academy? I came up with few ideas, designed a cute little checklist + intend to do each of the activities at my daughter’s upcoming Fifth Birthday Party. When I showed the checklist list to my daughter, she was so giddy! =) Here’s a peek at the designs for the party.

So fun, right?! My daughter has already decided on her Mermaid Name. She will be Princess Pearl. =) When the party is over, each of her guests will leave with a Mermaid Academy Tee + a tube filled with gumballs. I saw were a few other people tied 2-inch party circles to the tubes but I thought sticking the party circle stick directly on the tube would be easier, so I had my design printed on label paper. Then added a 1-inch "Thanks For Coming"  circle to the tube lids, also printed on label paper.

Finally, the Mermaid Academy banner.Ahh!! The party is so close, I can hardly stand it! More party details to follow, Friends. Below you can download + print all of the Mermaid Academy goodies for free!

• MERMAID ACADEMY ACTIVITIES
• MERMAID ACADEMY GRADUATE + THANKS FOR COMING PARTY CIRCLES
• MERMAID ACADEMY BANNER

ENJOY!

Continue Reading »