Caitlin's 3!

 The first guest and cousin arrived with Mimi; June bug!

Ok, so last year I was in newborn fog with Owen and did not feel up to doing anything extra especially throwing a birthday party so I didn't! I kind of felt guilty so I wanted this year to be special.  I decided to do a baking party because Caitlin loves to help, cook and eat-winning all around!

When the girls arrived they got a chef hat adorned with their name and little flower and a homemade apron.

! Now these aprons seemed like a great idea until I started making them-they took FOREVER! I am happy with the way they turned out and they looked so cute on the girls so it was worth it!

They each got pizza dough to flatten and mold and then got to put their own toppings. 

 

 I just couldn't help myself!

 I had to laugh because Caitlin doesn't like pepperoni's on her pizza but insisted on putting them on.  When her pizza came out of the oven, she immediately said, "I don't like pepperoni's!" and took them off one by one.  Silly girl!

The pizza was so delicious! I think this just  might be a new tradition around here!

 The dough kind of stuck to the table cloth...as you can see!

Next step, cake decorating! While we were waiting for the pizzas to cook, the girls got to frosting their cake{and licking the frosting of course}

 They were all so into it!

 Handful of sprinkles-on the cake or in the mouth?!         Ta-da! All done! I think she did a great job!

 Oh yeah!

The cakes turned out cute and the girls got to take them home in their very own cake boxes!

I really wanted to get a picture of all 5 girls together and although they all aren't looking every time, I see so much of their personalities and I am happy that Caitlin has such sweet friends! The best part of it for me too is that I am such good friends with their mom's so that makes it special for me too!

 Anna, Caitlin, Anna Kate, Aubree, Gracie

I love Gracie's face-oh my, like she's not sure what to think of this! {yes, it's ok to sit on the ledge!}

 

 hooray!

silly faces! 

 I think these might be my favorite because their personalities really shine through! 

 Happy Birthday to YOU!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

 Happy Birthday to Caitlin...

 Happy Birthday to YOU!

 Caitlin is pretty shy but I can tell by the look on her face that she was proud to have blown out the candles all by herself!

February

This 10/10 was fun for me because the things I captured are normal things that I routinely do.

"We love the things we love for what they are." Robert Frost

 I love where I live! It is absolutely gorgeous! I run 3-4 times a week {last year I ran 500 miles! 500! that's crazy!}at an unquestionably early hour and the great thing about that is that I get to see the sunrise so often and it is never the same and always makes me appreciate this Earth and all that I have to be thankful for. I love how I feel when I run.  Alive.  I also love the friendships and bond I have with the girls that I run and have done races with.  Each one of them is amazing and I am lucky to have so many great friends who are incredible people.

Start of our run

End of our run

Good morning sunshine! He loves his ba (ball)

Carpool to school {100th day of kindergarten!}

This little miss is turning 3 this month and when I was taking her to a friends for a play date so that I could go into Carson's class and volunteer, I pulled over for an impromptu photo because she is too dang cute!

 

Carson is such a happy boy and always has been.  He always humming or singing and I love seeing him in his element.  I often wonder what he is thinking. hmm.

When Carson saw that I was there to volunteer he ran up to me...I think my heart melted right then!

I love how much he loves learning and his teacher says that he is a good listener and student.

Searching for the perfect spot

We brought home a rocket from Montana a few summers ago and for one reason or another never used it.  After much insistence and reminders I built the rocket.  I was pretty impressed with myself and what better way to finish off his 100th day of school than with a fun memory!

After the rocket went up and came down, Carson ran over to it and found this ignitor.  It was still warm and smelled like sulfur-he thought it was pretty cool!

Check out Aimee Confer from CePennsylvania Photographer:
http://www.aimeeconfer.com/2013/02/10/10-on-10-february/