pArTy aNiMaLs!

Happy Early Birthday to Miles! We had a bunch of friends and family over this weekend to celebrate Miles turning 1! I've been planning for the past couple months trying to put together an amazing party for our perfect little boy. I have to say, it turned out exactly as I hoped. Stephen was able to help with the decorating with his vinyl expertise, and I was able to get my creative juices flowing with a bunch of crafts to tie everything together. Check it out!

Animal parade with vinyl graphics at the entry compliments of Stephen. When Miles saw them for the first time, he was "talking" to them and pointing at them - "ah! oo!! DADA! *spit* *SQUEAL!*". He definitely noticed this piece of decor - not sure about the rest. Ha!

Party animal mascots

More awesome vinyl work! The monkey's were a big hit.

3 days, 2 people and a vow never to do this again and this masterpiece was created. Take THAT Pinterest!

Miles' smash cake

The spread

In addition to the party animals, I also printed and framed all of Miles' monthly pics so everyone could see how much he's grown. I'd say the biggest surprise to most was his super dark hair when he was tiny. 

I added party hats to all of the toy animals. It took forever, but they looked so adorable. Time well spent

Now, on to the party! We were excited to have a lot of the neighborhood kids come and I was interested to see how Miles would do with the big crowd. When he was little, the noise and the crowds were not his cup of tea. But, as he's gotten older, he seems to have relaxed a bit.

Dude. He did amazing! He was running around and laughing. He would tolerate pretty much anyone who wanted to hold him. He was playing games with people and just such a happy little guy. It makes me a lot less anxious about him starting school in the fall.

Playing "catch the feet" with people walking around

Making new friends!

"See ya!"

Todd and Stephen setup a movie theater and gaming center upstairs for the older kids. Lets just say, we didn't see much of them. 

We also lost some of the adults from time to time... lol!

"I waaaant that!" - Miles

His face during the Happy Birthday song. Not sure it was the people singing, or the fire, but he seemed quite interested.

Re-phrase - VERY interested. haha!

First evaluation

The official taste

A quick shiver

Annnd...done. Officially accepted.

Check out the singing and cake eating in action.

Pic with the cousins!

Gramma and Grandpa

Buahaha! Omi, I love this one

After opening the first gift, Miles was done. All he wanted was THAT toy. 

Miles was on a high from the sugar, the attention, all the people...everything! I think it's safe to say he had a blast. We put him down and the adults hung out for the rest of the night. Stephen and I had such a good time and appreciate everyone who came out to celebrate our little boy. He is definitely loved!

Photo credits:  Thanks Becky for taking all the pics! They're perfect!

Summertime Undertaking

Stephen and I decided to go through with some backyard projects this summer knowing this is a slower time for the business. Project #1? A flagstone porch. What's cool is this patio has a dual purpose. A fire pit area during the cooler months and a place to put up a decent size pool during the hot months. Our yard is so sloped that trying to put a baby pool anywhere, the water just falls out of one side. Not ideal...

First, we started by figuring out a size. To avoid painting our lawn, we turned to other alternatives. Miles helped.

We decided on a 14ft circle and the work began.

Step 1:  Dig a big hole

Step 2: Support the perimeter with concrete, add sand and lay wire mesh for stability

Step 3:  Build retaining wall

Miles supervised the project.

Step 4: Lay flagstone (which in all reality is huge puzzle)

Step 6: Create a sloped wall

Step 7:  Enjoy!

Day vs. Night

We searched for chairs that would offer a good ambiance, would be decently comfortable and that could be put away/stored (if needed) when the pool was installed. We opted for folding Adirondack chairs. We love the ones my dad built, and while these aren't as nice or as comfortable, they do the trick.

Now, it's pool time!! Todd and Stephen worked this afternoon assembling and getting it all filled up. Miles, again, was a super helper! lol

hahaa

It took 4 hoses and about an hour and a half, but oh did it feel so good!

Miles was sleeping while we broke it in. Next time bud. For now, a little dip of the feet will do!

The vision has come to life and I'd say it's pretty amazing. Next project? Our deck starts tomorrow!

Hugs!

Miles has started giving people hugs and it's the cutest thing ever! When I tried catching it on camera, it felt like he knew I was filming and decided to deny anyone who asked. So funny...

Hilarious to watch them sit there with open arms, Miles giggles and (on purpose) walks around them. Under normal circumstances, he gives away hugs pretty frequently and to really anyone, but this is two of the many denials we got. Finally, we caught it!

But who could be mad at this?