Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Sandestin Vacation

Our trip to Sandestin last week with the Mize family was wonderful. The girls had such a fun time on the (oil free) beach and the adults enjoyed hanging out and simply relaxing.The resort is gorgeous. Our condo was in the village which was perfect -- so close to everything, the pool, shops, Starbucks (happy Holly!) & beautiful gardens for quiet moments.

Enjoying hot chocolate & ice cream! Yummy!

One evening, we watched The Wizard of Oz in the village. It was such a novelty for the children to watch a movie under the stars!

The super-cool Hatley shop had a tee-shirt painting day. Ellie & Arly chose sea-themed stamps and really got creative with their tees.

The 1/2-Californian coming out in my girls -- they LOVE the beach!



Baby Parker & Abby

Sweet times with Daddy


Mommy moment!

Ellie caught a few sand fleas (I thought they were tiny crabs!). And Abby enjoyed chillin' in the chair watching the big girls.


Silly girls!


We absolutely had to eat at Elmo's Grill for Abby, who loves all things Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Zoey & Abby-Cadabby! Delicious seafood & fun atmosphere. And every time we walked by Lumpy's restaurant in the resort, Abby had to stop and say hi to the doggy on the sign and point to the "milk" in the wine glasses!
Worn out & ready to head home to relax for the rest of the summer!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Art Workshop part two

Ava Jane was so sweet to take photos of Ellie's art-class birthday party. Ellie loved learning new paint techniques and came home with not one, but two masterpieces!Enjoying Ellie's birthday cupcakes -- Ellie, Amelia, Annie & Olivia

Not sure who took this photo! Ellie with the super talented Ava Jane

Artist at work

Self portraits! Ellie's image is wearing a turquoise tee with brown polka dot and her ponytail is accented with a real ribbon!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Birthday Art Workshop!!

As part of Ellie's big 6th birthday celebration, she attended an all-day art workshop at Ava Jane's Art Barn! She's been looking forward to it forever! I can't wait to see her beautiful creations! Ava Jane's super cool Art Barn -- look at that awesome bike!
There was a super special message waiting for Ellie when we arrived this morning! Ellie wore her new artist tee for the occasion.

Ellie & her friends Annie & Sasha
Ellie & I made special cupcakes to share during the art workshop lunch break. Ellie was so excited about getting to have cupcakes with classmates -- with a summer birthday, she doesn't usually have that opportunity!

We made swirly-colored cupcakes to go along with the art theme!

Good morning, Birthday Girl!!

Happy 6th Birthday, Ellie!!! Wake up, big grown up girl!
Birthday hugs from Daddy & (blurry) Abby

Ellie was so surprised when she saw her gift from Mommy & Daddy -- a fancy canopy bed for Emma, her American Girl doll.


Opening a gift from Abby (with a little help). Abby selected fuzzy flip flop slippers for Big Sister.

Green Beans are funny

Who knew eating green beans could be so entertaining?



Saturday, June 19, 2010

Ellie's Alice in Wonderland Whimsical Tea Party!

Ellie's 6th Birthday
Alice in Wonderland Tea Party!


Alice Ellie's Sweet Shoppe

Tables ready for lovely guests!

It's time for a tea party!

Alice party decor. . .

Is the party this way or that way? Ask the Cheshire Cat! He's hanging out in the tree!

Guests stepped through the looking glass at the front door into Alice's Wonderland, after 'painting the roses red' on the porch -- Alice coloring pages to take home.

Alice Ellie Birthday Girl

The Mad Hatter made a very special appearance!
Ellie's best buddy William was the perfect gentleman and an adorable Mad Hatter!
Ellie's Tea Party Guests

Alice and Friends!

A very delightful "Miss Matilda" gave a talk about proper tea party etiquette. She explained how to brew a lovely cup of tea, the history of scones & clotted cream, and instructed the children to cross their ankles, sit up straight, hold out their pinkies when sipping and have polite conversation!
The party guests dined on homemade cranberry scones with clotted cream & lemon curd, butterfly sandwiches, fresh fruit, strawberry tarts and white rabbit crackers. They were able to select their own teas --either peppermint or orange blossom, then add cream & sugar cubes. One lump or two?

Lovely little ladies!

Enjoying tea, Alice-Ellie's Sweet Shoppe & a game of croquet

Happy 6th Birthday Ellie!! We love you so much & hope you had a delightful party!