Candyland Birthday

I started thinking about Maddy's birthday a while ago and wanted something gender neutral since she has more boy friends this year.  So Candyland was the perfect theme to celebrate this little sweetie's 4th birthday.  I pinned all kinds of things to get me inspired and loved the way everything turned out.  Giant lollipops greeted our game contestants along with the Candyland trail.  No, I didn't make the colors exactly match the pattern of the board game.  It was too hot to get that detailed! 

I started buying candy a while back so when it came to the actual day of the party, I was shocked to see how much candy we actually had.  It was everywhere.  We could have eaten candy for three meals a day for about a month afterward.  I ended up throwing it away the other day because I just couldn't look at anymore candy (and we had had enough!).

The sign says, "Maddy's Candyland."  Confession, it's still up almost a month later.  Er, I mean I'm taking it down RIGHT NOW!

 I've discovered that if I want a picture with Maddy it has to be pre-party.  These were taken when we were all ready for her guests to arrive.  I wouldn't have been ready with so much time if it wasn't for my amazing parents who came to help set the stage for the festivities.  They wrangled the kids and helped us with every detail.  Thanks Mom and Dad!

The cake was homemade, but dried up completely by the time of the party.  Sometimes,  a box cake full of all those good preservatives is just better.  I need to work on perfecting the homemade recipe.  The decorations look difficult, but upclose you would have noticed how novice this cake was.  I just threw on some candy....seriously.  She loved it so that's all that mattered.

I didn't think about printing the arrows in different directions, so they are upside down.  Oh well! We had different stations of the board game around the house with different games or activities.  The first station was the Gingerbread Tree where they decorated foam gingerbread people.  

Next, the kiddos (mostly parents) guessed how many gumdrops were in a jar.  The kids' guesses ranged from 3-7.  Good try, kids.  Stay in school.  Kasen's mom guessed 130 and their were 140 so Kasen won! 

 Then Lord Licorice had them spell their name with licorice sticks. 

At Peanut Acres, the kiddos tossed peanut bean bags (old socks stuffed with rice) into a tub.  This game wasn't as successful as I thought it would be.  

Outside, kids decorated giant lollipops (paper plates glued to stir sticks) for the Lollipop Woods. 

Only a few brave souls attempted to paint with pudding with Gloppy.  This was on my bucket list for the summer so I decided it would be fun for the Chocolate Swamp. 

Our new playground was the perfect spot for the Kandy Kastle where the little sugars beat the piñata and played! This was the only picture I got of Maddy in her (almost Katy Perry-ish) cupcake dress from Marme.  It fit perfectly for the day and she loved it! 

Shhh... Maddy says at least twice a week that she is going to marry this handsome little guy next to her.  I love him so I'm glad we have a picture of both of them just in case they go to prom together or get married.   You never know! 

 On her actual birthday we attempted to go to the Ft. Sam Splash Pad, but it was broken.  So we splashed around at Maddy's friend Nathan's house in the backyard.  Thanks to everyone for making Maddy's birthday so SWEET!  She had an absolutely amazing time and it was such a blessing to share it with all of you!

Destin

We had an amazing week at the beach in Destin.  The weather was beautiful and the few showers we had gave us a chance to take a break from the sun.  Besides having fun at the beach and pool, Maddy and her cousin drove go-carts, saw a movie, flew kites, and ate lots of yummy food.  The boys played golf twice while the ladies cooked fresh seafood, made homemade ice cream, read (a lot), and had fun being together.  I finished two books which is impressive for me and had so much amazing time to spend with the Lord during the quiet mornings and afternoon naps.  We played Cranium at night where I discovered I am really bad at spelling things backwards.  It was an amazing week and Logan and I were so blessed for the opportunity to take our family.  Thank you Nana and Papaw! 

Little one, you're a lot of fun

Hudson, you love the sand.  When we were in Destin last week you laid in it, rolled around, dug, and just buried yourself silly until it started hurting your skin.  Then you decided enough was enough.  I feel the same way, it's ok.   I was surprised you didn't eat it, although your ear was certainly full of it.  

You love to crawl.  You are crawling everywhere and on everything.  Today I caught you on the dishwasher.  Yes, pretty much IN the dishwasher.  You are so helpful, thank you.  You even crawled up an entire flight of stairs, with someone directly behind you....don't worry.

You love to swing.  Anyone can push you in a swing and the biggest smile pops on your face for as long as you're moving back and forth.  I imagine we will continue to play, play, play our hearts out with you, Son.

You have just started to clap, give "high fives", and wave.  Oh, and you will sign, "more."  Although this also looks like a clap so it's hard to tell,  but it's communication to me and I LOVE communication. Like, a lot.  I'm pretty sure you and the dog have your own language because he tends to listen to you more than me and will bring you his ball for you to throw even though it just lands at your feet.

Big sista

This little girl is not so little anymore.  She has grown up in a flash with the arrival of her little brother.  She has her moments, yes.  But pretty much everyday Logan and I are saying, "man, she has grown up so much," or something to that effect.  Seriously, when did you get so big?  Her new favorite activities are moving her brother from wherever he is to join her in her activity, drawing rainbows, writing her name, and zipping anything with a zipper she can find.  Four is much better than three and I'm really thankful to get through that.  It was craziness and we survived.  Onto the next year. 

Let me tell you 'bout my best friend

Yesterday, was my best friend's birthday. Jane made a list of 30 things to do before she turns 30 (not that I'm telling anyone how old you are) and so in honor of her return to the blogging world, I decided my first post after a long hiatus would be in honor of her.  I'll give you 30 reasons I'm glad we're friends...not in any specific order. 

1. We are very silly together.  That sounds weird, but it's true.  She can get me to laugh at myself and be goofy in just about any situation.  

 

2.  Last summer, we were preggo together.  This sounds strange too, but it was really nice having your best friend go through the same things you are going through.  This was August when we were both about to pop and very hot, and very, very tired.  Ok, well Jane had a few more months to go, but nevertheless, we were quite the site! 

3.  We like a lot of the same things: Jesus, FRIENDS, Harry Potter, beach vacations, margaritas, nap time, running, coffee, boys that play golf, our kids, and the list goes on.  

4.  Jane was my matron of honor in my wedding.  

5.  Jane is from Austin.  She has a quirky liberal spirit that she attributes to A-town....and I love that about her. 

6.  Jane is a dancer.  Deep down inside I wish I was a dancer, so I like being friends with dancers.

7.  Jane has a sweet baby boy and I am his godmother.  I love that....and I love him.  

8.  Jane wears glasses and hates contacts.  Me too! 

9.  Jane says, "Ok bye," really fast before we hang up the phone.  It's funny...I promise. 

10. She has way better style than I will ever have. 

11.  I read somewhere that your friends show you love through loving your kids.  Jane LOVES my kids.  She was there in the delivery room for Maddy and has been there every step of the way in my journey in parenting.  We love our Tia! 

12.  Did I mention her style?  She is also b e a u t i f u l!!  And I think she is elegant too, must be the dancer thing. 

13.  Jane is really smart and channels her inner geek with pride.  She has two degrees, reads constantly, and listens to NPR and talk radio.  

14.  Jane loves flowers.  She is really good at arranging bouquets and even arranged this one for Cecily's wedding.  

15.  Jane is real, down to earth, and genuine....and no not simple at all.  

16.  She is giving.  She loves to give good gifts to her friends and family and takes time to really give things people need and enjoy.  I consider myself a subpar gift giver, so I really admire this quality in her. 

17.  She can speak Spanish. 

18.  She's learning to play the guitar. 

19.  She loves TCU like I do. 

20.  We lived together...four times.  Suitemates, housemates, apartment mates (is that a word?), and then she  let Logan and I live with her for a few months when we were homeless before Maddy came along. 

21. We have travelled together and we're going to California together in a few months!  And some of these ladies above too! 

22.  She was a beautiful bride.  

23.  She has fluffy white pets.  Two of them.

24.  We have seen each other through a lot....birth of babies, loss of loved ones, and stressful times.  She's been there through it all.

25.  Jane is a teacher and I know is going to impact the lives of many students in the future.  She is passionate about making learning fun.  Who wouldn't want to learn from this girl?

26. She has cute handwriting that channels Century Gothic font (which was her font in AIM if anyone remembers that).  I really love it and wish mine was as cute as hers. 

27.  We could finish off a sleeve or two of Oreos in one sitting.  

28.  She sends me links to funny blogs about mama's that are melting down (which I often am).  This helps me breath easier. 

29.  She loves live music and gives me CD's of music she likes.  I often just listen to the radio because I'm lazy like that.  With her, I have cool tunes.  

30.  She loves me, my kids, and my craziness.  Thank you Jane for being there for all of us and I can't wait to see all you accomplish before you turn 30.  I know it will be a great year.