Camden's Barnyard Bash

Cam's birthday party trifecta came to an end on Saturday with a barnyard bash at GCF. With friends and family in tow we headed for the country to spread out and enjoy all the fun at the farm.

We were led to the corn crib by our party hostess.


Where she helped me set up plates and napkins while I busied myself with the decorations I made the night before. Like his cupcake tower.


The 12 months banner with a picture of him from birth and every month until the 12th month.


The gift table with a framed photo of him 8 days old and a photo of him 8 days away from 1 year old.


The place setting complete with bubble favors.


The guest of honor arrived in his new red wagon, a gift from Gigi and Papa.


He snacked on some cheese puffs while he waited for his guests to arrive.


After his third round of "Happy Birthday Dear Camden" and some eating, we all headed over to meet Farmer Bob for our hayride tour of the farm.


We exited the hayride and then it was on to the cow train! MOOOOOOO!


Even Uncle J got a ride.


After that everyone was free to head out on the farm and bounce, feed the animals or play at the playgrounds they have. We all met up at the end in the corn bin. The mama's stretched out in chairs, the Daddy's chatted or corralled children and the kiddos played happily.


It was the perfect end to the perfect day.

Cam's First Birthday

We did little man's first birthday up right and he had three little parties!

On his birthday twinnie and the junebug crew came over for a playdate and some celebrating. She arrived that morning with donuts for the kiddos and a bottle of wine for me. Don't worry, I saved that wine for dinner and had a donut with the kids.

After lots of busy playtime, we let the older kids help make funfetti cupcakes. They had a grand time. We also discovered that twinnie's 3 year old kid can crack eggs better than I can.

Then it was time to sing and eat. We gathered everyone in the kitchen and gave them all a plate with plenty of frosting and a cupcake. Cam was in heaven and after he tore up his cupcake he went in search of others.



Just look at his path of destruction. Buddy is actually saying thank you in this photo because I saved his cupcake from Camden.



When they were finally done there was frosting everywhere and this sweet little face begging me for more.

Let Him Eat Cake

Celebration 2 happened that evening after TG got home from work. I used some of the funfetti batter to make him a mini two layer cake. It looked hideous, but as you will see Camden didn't seem to mind.

After his favorite dinner of IKEA swedish meatballs he was all smiles.


Here comes the blue blob, er, the cake!


He was pretty excited about the flame.


Make a wish Cam!


Camden was hesitant at first, until TG took a glob of icing and put it in his mouth. Then he planted a kung fu grip and put the whole cake in his mouth.


Then with his grip still intact he opted to bring face to cake.


Clearly thrilled to be one year old and eating cake.


The last photo and bite before he decided he was full, shoved his plate across the table and started signing, "all done".


I meant to get a picture of him and Riley together on that day, sadly I didn't. I did want to note for my memory though what an amazing big sister she is. She didn't fuss at all about Cam having a cake all to himself and she loved watching him eat it as much as we did.

The Big One

Dear Camden Elliott,

A year ago today, you were born, and we became a family of four.



You made Riley a big sister and she adores you more than anything in the world. She protects, mothers, plays with, and teaches you everything she knows. Sometimes she'll just give you a hug or a pat and say, "I wubs you so much wil buddy".



You stole my heart from the moment I saw your little face and we have a very special bond. I know next to nothing about boys, but I'm learning as I go and loving every minute of it.



Today was such a happy day, full of cake, treats, friends and love. But for the rest of my life when I think back on this day I'll remember how this afternoon you woke up early from your nap and it was just you and I for a bit. We laid together face to face on the couch and just snuggled, gave kissies, and giggled. I became overwhelmed by how much I loved you and teared up just a bit and my tears fascinated you and made you laugh even more.



You bring so much joy to our lives. Happy 1st birthday our Cam-Cam, CamBoo, Camden Sunshine. We love you so very much.

Riley's First Birthday!!!

Riley is officially 1 year old! Here are the amazing pictures that my friend Lindsley captured last night.


115 pictures
View Album at Shutterfly

Happy Birthday Riley!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RILEY!

One year ago, at 8:20 pm, we met you for the first time and our lives were changed forever. Your first year has been incredible, and we are so thankful to have such a happy, healthy, beautiful little girl. We can't wait to spend the rest of our lives loving you. From our hearts to yours sweet girl, one simple message, we love you.