Hattie & Hazel Turn 4

Hattie & Hazel turned 4. This was the first year the girls understood what that meant and were able to express excitement. For a week prior to their party they would wake up asking if its their birthday. They were eager to say they are “4” holding up the correct number of fingers… they were able to say they wanted cake… and they were able to say they wanted friends and presents. This has all been exciting new territory with the girls, verbal communication. Its been so neat to hear their thoughts and learn more about them. If you didn’t know, they both have developmental delays in their speech and over the last school year were in pre-k receiving speech therapy, along with PT and OT. Anyone who knows them would agree, we’ve seen big progress and are all just enjoying this new fun time hearing what they have to say.

For their birthday, we went with a mermaid theme. Personally, “The Little Mermaid” was always a favorite of mine growing up and since their imagination and pretend play has become so evident, I knew it would be a winner to spark their imagination. I ordered over the top sequins mermaid skirts on etsy and had my go to party planner LACE help make most of the party decor. She made a beautiful seahorse piñata inspired from this post, a fun sequin backdrop for photo ops, seashell cupcake toppers and the favors for the girls: starfish wands and seashell crowns. My local favorite home baker, Slice of Heaven, made a delicious CHOCOLATE cake (the girls insisted) and I ordered some fun seagrass candy and a custom seashell cake topper from etsy.

Baby Colley | Farm Baby Shower

So as some of you may have noticed, I had a baby recently (3 weeks ago). Not long after we found out we were pregnant, my little sister, Amelia, also found out she was having her first baby. This news was nothing but exciting for me, knowing this meant cousins close in age who could grow up together (and be mandatory best friends). I found out what gender we were having ahead, my sister however, decided to wait to find out. (Proud of you Daltyn, you have stood your ground on this one.)

My sisters baby shower theme was barnyard. The babies nursery is a farm theme so made it easy to decide on a theme. We rented my friends photo studio which ended up being the perfect blank canvas and had all of our family and friends come celebrate baby Colley who will be joining us in just a few short weeks. We served warm soups, “pigs in a blanket”, baguettes, deviled eggs, “carrot” chocolate covered strawberries, cupcakes and cookies.

Event Details:

Venue- Ashley West Studio

Cookies- Jamis Custom Cookies

The Twins Turn TWO

Can it be possible that these spunky free spirit twin girls of mine have grown another year older? The years are going fast while the days seem to stay long. Hattie and Hazel can, sometimes, be exhausting to put it lightly. They are curious, full of energy, ready to venture into the next scene (opposite directions) all the while not taking a notice to an adults warning cry. They have their own language that only they get to share in. They don't share often but when they do it warms my soul. They love to "brush" their teeth and any warm day spent outside is their dream come true. Like their mama, they love the water and would permanently live in a pool if possible.

2nd Annual Progressive Dinner | Valentines Day

We had a progressive style dinner with all our friends for Valentines Day for the second year in a row. The general consensus is that we all want to see this happen every year till we are old. It's really magical to live in community with people you do life with and although we know this is a season, we will relish in it as long as we can. In the words of one of the girls last night, "The most honest love- what better way to spend the holiday. Who else can say they have people like this? Its rare and beautiful." xoxo

Appettizers were at the Goubeaux's again. They made a party platter to die for, cheese fondue, and two cocktail choices.

Progressive Dinner | Valentines Day

Every Valentine's Day should be spent with your friends. This is the conclusion after this years version on the holiday. A clever friend pitched the idea and last minute the plans were set. Three houses, all on the same street would host the different stages of a dinner. First-Apps/Drinks, Second-Dinner/Drinks and Third-Desert/Drinks  (see any common theme here?) Also, any excuse to host and decorate is a good time in my book, below are some snaps of the staging for the night in the Baker household. I'm a sucker for any and all holiday decor

There were 7 couples who partook in this shindig. Crazy Ohio gave us decent weather so most of us met at my house, being the last stop later, and walked down to the first. This walk was the first of many times through the night I felt overwhelmed with joy and gratefulness to have a community of friends that I do... not to mention all living so close together. My two bestests friends literally live on the same street as me.. Who gets to say that in life?

Each house had its own perfect theme, aromas and overall comfort to offer. The food was delicious but seriously the company was the bomb. Dinner was the longest stay. This was the second moment of being awe struck at how lucky this gal was to have all these crazies around me. Laughing at stories, eating delicious food, drinking even better wine.

My house was last... we have a bunch of drink snobs  in our crowd so we made sure to have some winner cocktails and a trifle that seemed to be a hit. As the night came to an end, the last moment came when it all stood out. These people. In my home. I get to do life with?

Next year on Valentines Day, or any day for that matter. Have a progressive style dinner with your people. It is just the best.

XOXO