Our Little Lady is Two!

We celebrated Kennedy's second birthday with a ladybug party on Sunday. It was such a fun theme to work with and I loved putting it all together. I was running a bit behind schedule, but thankfully my mom and mother-in-law willingly helped and I had all the food on the table before all the guests had arrived. Kennedy seemed to enjoy the attention and celebration more this year and everyone (I think) had a good time.

Pictures are a little out of order, but there are so many that it was harder than usual. My apologies.

The favor table.

I set up this "sweets" table in the entry way and loaded up little bags for each of the kids as they left. I know candy isn't always the preferred gift to give a little one, but I figured parents could snack a little too.

Little Lady appetizers - I skipped the chive antennae, but I figured ladybugs don't even have antennae and I was running late!

chocolate lollipop topiary

Darling sugar cookies that I found on Etsy. They looked a little better than they tasted, but it was all about the theme and I figured I could certainly not do any better myself!

What a cake!

Yummy mini-Italian club sandwiches. Thank you Ali and Giada! They were a snap to make and tasted so good. Here's the recipe if you're interested: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/mini-italian-club-sandwiches-recipe/index.html

Kennedy and her Papa

Sometimes I can't get enough of that face.

She's definitely a daddy's girl. Looks a bit like him, too, don't you think?

Cake time

Trying desperately to get some good pictures with family - we were so thankful Nana was still here for Kennedy's party.

Presents!

Her favorite toy of the day - a Little People Fairy Tree house

Enjoying their ladybug lollipops post party. I shutter to think about how much sugar they consumed this week, yikes!

Enjoying her new camping chair from Aunt Peg.

Now that's fashion. After a fun party and a good nap, Kennedy was ready to play! The weather was beautiful and sunny and we couldn't have asked for a better day. We love you, Kennedy, all the sweet and sass and spunk.

Dos

My baby is 2! Although the day wasn't too extraordinary, we managed to have fun and celebrate Kennedy's 2nd birthday in a special way.

Dinner at Red Robin...

With the obligatory singing and free ice cream. She was in heaven, as she loves to eat, especially things that are sweet!

A table full of presents and two little ones who could hardly stand the suspense.

She definitely got into opening her gifts this year. Carter was a big help, though and would do most of the unwrapping and then ask, "do you want to open it Kennedy?" Good teamwork.

Oh this face, love it, double chin and all :)

Part 2 - Auntie Val got married!

Auntie Val became Mrs. Valerie Claeys on July 3rd when she married Mark in a beautiful ceremony at St. Patrick's. The reception was a fantastic celebration at the Portland Art Museum. Everything about the day was beautiful and our prayer for Mark and Val is that they have years and years of happiness together.

Our little family

Family pictures before the ceremony, outside the church. The weather couldn't have been better, not too hot, not too cold, perfect for a July wedding!

Kyle and his sisters

Our little fashionista...Carter loved getting dressed up and felt so important in his suit and bow tie. He did a fantastic job walking down the aisle, too.

Kennedy was on a smile strike...the photographer tried so hard to squeeze out some happiness. Hope he got one at least.

My parents were in town to help celebrate and to help with the kids.

Cousins

Bennett - 21 months

Kennedy - 23 months
Carter - 4 years

How cute is my mom? So hip for 60, isn't she? Love her.

Kyle and I got to enjoy a few hours of the reception kid free. We kicked up our heels a bit and took a few twirls on the dance floor. There was a great band, so it was a lot of fun.

Carter and his auntie

My super sweet, very sociable little nephew, Bennett. This kid can dance with the best of them and was certainly not ready to leave the party...

Kyle and the kids hitting the dance floor

Wedding Weekend - Part 1

We kicked off Val and Mark's wedding weekend with the rehearsal and dinner on Thursday night. It was so great to see family (I only wish I could have talked with everyone more) and help kick off the festivities. Carter, Kennedy and Bennett were all supposed to walk down the aisle, but the rehearsal didn't go so well, so Carter was walking solo. Good choice, I'd say.

I always make a few attempts to snap a good family picture. At least we're all looking at the camera this time. Kennedy was on a smile strike the entire weekend, so we have a lot of serious shots!

No shortage of smiles from this guy, he LOVED every part of the wedding.

Stace and I and the kiddos

Can I just say that my kids are so lucky to have such wonderful aunties...they are so fun, so loving and just all around fantastic.

We love this little guy, sweet Mr. B

Kennedy definitely has a sweet spot for her Pops.

Uncle Justin is SO much fun!

Gettin' their groove on. I think Bennett could teach us all a thing or two about bustin' a move. This little guy can dance!

Kyle and his sis, the gorgeous bride-to-be

Cannon Beach

Does it get any better than this? I day at the beach, one that is not raining, to enjoy friends and watch the kids play? Hands down, the Oregon Coast is one of my very favorite places in all the world. I love it and love taking the kids and experiencing their joy, as well. A few weeks back, the kids and I headed over to Cannon Beach to visit our friends, the Sackmans. Every year they spend a few weeks at the coast and we're usually fortunate to join them for a day or two. We picked a day with no rain, a little sun and a ton of fun. The kids played and the mommies enjoyed time to catch up. It was the perfect little break from our daily routine.

The kids and Haystack Rock.

Napping?

I don't think so...Carter, Kennedy at Beau

A look of wonder

See that blue sky? Heaven

Carter and Beau digging to China :)

Not such a fan of the sand in her toes. Can't say as I blame her.

Happiness

Summer lovin'

Ahhh, it's summer and the sun is finally shining. As always, we've been busy and I find myself playing catch up, with my blogging, pictures, house cleaning and general day to day life maintenance. So, with my apologies, here's a random post of last month and the fun we had.

Carter and baby Stellan J Mortensen. We love this family and were thrilled to meet their newest addition. What a blessing he is!

Kennedy kept her "pretties" in long enough for me to take a picture. Seriously, how cute are they? I had hoped to train her into wearing hair bows and things in time for the wedding, but it didn't take and so we bobbed her hair once again. What do you do when they won't wear hair clips? I can't handle hair falling in her face all day...yet another check in the 'boys are easier' column.

Our first summer sun found us out on the river, enjoying a quick boat ride.

Carter and his good buddy Johnny

So fun!

Sunny days mean time at the park,

and pictures outside before church.

We were lucky enough to have Auntie Stacy, Uncle Justin and Bennett here to celebrate Grandma's birthday. Kyle is so much fun, who needs toys?!?

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

The whole bunch

I'm sure this was a safety hazard, but they were having way too much fun to stop it. Racing around the downstairs, tipping over and giggling from their toes. It was so fun to witness them playing well together.