Skye's 3rd Birthday Party

I've attempted a Pinterest-worthy birthday party or two in the past and have found myself way too get caught up in details. I've learned that simple can still be pretty and it's actually a lot more enjoyable when I'm actually engaging in the event I've planned. For Skye's 3rd birthday I just wanted her to feel loved and celebrated. I knew that details like fancy dishes or themed-party favors wouldn't mean much to her so I cut out the unecessary and focused on things I knew she would enjoy. Here are some pictures from her special day:I made homemade strawberry cake/cupcakes, refried bean dip, cole slaw, and bunch. We grilled burgers, hot dogs, amongst other typical BBQ food.We set out croquet, frisbees, and corn-hole for some yard games. I noticed hat the kids preferred playing tag or wrestling in the grass even better and by night time they were catching fireflies and putting them in jars.Ethan rigged up a ride for the kiddos by connecting our bicycle trailer to our four wheeler, haha. We managed to fit five kids on the ride at once.We had the little girls make DIY wands. I wish I took more pictures of this but I'm glad I set the camera down and took the time to help them assemble all the pieces. We used dowel sticks, glitter foam (with adhesive on the back), ribbons, and twine.The kids loved hitting the pinata. Here you see Skye laying on the ground having a silent tantrum because it was no longer her turn. It took the kids a lot of swings to get it open so eventually she caught on to the concept of sharing. :)We are missing a few people that came but we were so blessed to have lots of family and friends come celebrate.We ended the evening by projecting Angelina Ballerina on the barn. We didn't realize when we moved here that we would be forced to use data, satellite internet so I was so happy to find a dvd of this at a thrift store for $2. :)All in all, it was a great time for everyone. It's hard to believe that my little Skye is already three years old but it's been so neat to watch her personality come out. I'm so blessed to be her mom and am praying the Lord gives her many years to come.

Our Trip to Maine

We spent Memorial Day weekend in Kennebunk, Maine for our cousin's wedding. I fell in love with the town and even more so with my husband's family that we spent the weekend with. For years, he has been telling me about the Jago-side cousins that he grew up with and I finally got to meet them! Words cannot explain how wonderful this weekend was, especially after losing our dog the night before our trip. We came back home refreshed and excited to know that more family is just a drive away. These are some pictures from the weekend. This was our cute, little cottage.Getting settled in.Breakfast at a local eaterie w/ family. I had lobster with scrambled eggs. Maine is pretty much seafood heaven.We love the beach and it was neat seeing a different type of terrain than what we've seen in both East and West Coast beaches.The water was cold but that didn't stop Kaiden and his cousin from bulding sand castles.I love that they are best buds."Skye, let me take a picture of you!" And then she posed like this, haha.Cora with her granny and pop pop.See what I mean about seaside? The houses were goregeous.We got ripped off on this lobster roll and chowder but it was good!They are all ready for the wedding! This is about as dressed up as we get.The wedding venue was gorgeous.Second cousin love.Ethan with his cousins. They are all so beautiful!More Jago-side family.Me and Cora Bora.The day after the wedding we had a BBQ with the family. It was nice to just relax and hang with everyone.The guys played some ball. They called me out so I could take a pic of Ethan in his short shorts, lol. These are common in his career field and other special ops career fields. If you didn't know, now you know, ha!And a family pic (minus a few families.)There ya have it! We love Maine and can't wait to go back! :)

Skye is Two

Our sweet Skye turned 2 today. It's been so amazing watching her grow into the little lady she is. I really feel like her personality has come out over the course of this past year. She is full of pep, spunk, and is extremely silly. She loves to both pour a good cup of pretend tea and play cars with her big brother. Her everyday vocabulary includes words like flower, oh-no, bubbles, and elephant. Apple juice, cherry tomatoes, and tortillas are some of her favorite food to eat. She loves getting her toe nails painted and she can count all the way to 15.I'm still amazed at the little lives that God has entrusted to Ethan and I. Skye is such a blessing and I am certain that God has great plans for this girl. Happy birthday my sweet, Skye-baby. Your mommy loves you more than you'll ever know.