A Seusstastic First Birthday for Kellen

Before Kellen was born I already knew we would have a Dr. Seuss first birthday party meaning I had plenty of time to plan. We had recently joined a play group and would actually have friends to attend our party since it wasn't likely our families would be able to visit since we lived so far away. I scanned Etsy for HOURS looking for a reasonably priced birthday invitation that I could print on my own. FINALLY I came across little forests. I had these printed professionally and paired them with some super cute recycled brown paper bag envelopes from Mind The Wrap. 

See above for link to Little Forests Etsy shop if interested in purchasing.

I found the perfect birthday shirt at Lil Threadz Clothing. We loved the shirt so much that we ordered our 2nd birthday shirt already which I will blog about sometime in October.

At 10 1/2 months old Kellen finally got his first tooth and was teething like crazy as you can tell from all the drool. lol

Had I thought about it when I ordered his shirt, I would have had it say "1 I AM" instead just to go with the Dr. Seuss theme. Regardless I still loved the shirt as well as everyone else. I even had another friend order the same shirt for her son's 1st birthday. :) So if you're looking for an awesome unique birthday shirt. Definitely check out Lil Threadz!!! 

I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest because I find so many great ideas and gorgeous parties but realistically I cannot afford to spend 500+ on a birthday party like most of the parties on Pinterest. Being a photographer I was able to barter my services with Cakes by Design for Kellen's Seusstastic smash cake and cup cakes. We had our friends sign the Dr. Seuss's Happy Birthday Baby book. I've seen other use the other Dr. Seuss Happy Birthday book but I thought this one was more appropriate for a 1st birthday.

Here are a few photos of the snacks/food.

Green Eggs 

& ham

One Fish, Two Fish
Red Fish, Blue Fish

I also bartered my services for this banner along with a few other I used for photography props. The girl doesn't run a shop but if interested, I can give you her email.

Our friends and family spoiled Kellen with lots of party loot!

It was also game day so of course we had to show our love for our team! GO RAVENS!! p.s. we won our game that day. ;)

Unwrapping one of the many birthday gifts!

No matter how much planning goes into a party, I always feel like I forget something. It was pretty windy at the party and our balloons ended up getting away, I didn't take nearly many photos as I wanted. I wrapped board books for all the children as a party favor. I chose board books since I figured it was something they could actually use. It really drives me crazy going to a party and leaving with a bag full of things that I will end up having to pick up broken pieces from for the next couple months. Most of the children were close to a year old or had just turned a year old so the books were age appropriate. 

Audrey with her party favor!

The cupcake liners and paper straws (not pictured) were purchased from shoppe3130 on Etsy.

I hope you enjoyed Kellen's party and maybe even found a little inspiration. I've tried to include links to where most things were purchased from.

Subscribe to my blog, we're having a Toy Story 2nd birthday party in October and there is lots of adorableness going on already. 

Kellen was excited to be turning one. I took this photo a few weeks before his birthday to prepare for his 1st birthday photos.

Little Brother Blues

It is very clear that little brother, Kellen misses Talon while he is in school. Last week it seemed like it rained almost everyday so we've been cooped up in the house. Last Wednesday we managed to have a short beach trip to let loose. Kellen really enjoys running up and down the beach, picking up sea shells, tasting his sea shell collection, playing in the ocean and just having his toes in the sand. He is definitely my child.  

Come on Mom!! Let's go!!

I love when his curious little face runs right up to the lens on my camera.

Checking out the ocean while patiently waiting for me to help him down the stairs.

He likes to run EVERYWHERE he goes!

Today was a rare day that Daddy had off work so after we dropped Talon off at school we spent the day at the zoo. I really love the age Kellen is at. He is so interested in the animals, especially the giraffes and birds. I think he likes them because we're able to feed him which he really enjoys. Most kids are scared of the giraffes,but Kellen will just run right up and start babbling his toddler gibberish. 

Checking out the elephants from the best view! 

See!! Told you he runs everywhere! ;)

The rhinos were being very lazy today. Oh and don't you love those curls? :)

His favorite part of the day! 

While I know Kellen misses having his brother to play with during the day, I really enjoy having this special time alone with him and being able to give him my undivided attention. 

I'm sure we'll spend a lot of time at the beach and the zoo throughout the school year. Another place I plan to check out is the library and our local spray park since Kellen LOVES water. 

My 1st week of Kindergarten!

Summer has ended!

I officially have a "big kid". My oldest son Talon started Kindergarten last week. Some days it is really hard to believe I really have a FIVE year old and that he has grown into his own little person. He is such a sweet loving child who is full of personality.

I woke up at 6am so that I could have breakfast ready, lunch packed, and clothes laid out. I not only have to get Talon ready but also my youngest son, Kellen. Around 6:45am I woke the boys up and they ate breakfast while watching Disney Jr, showered, and got dressed for the day. We left between 7:45-8am and arrived at school between 8-8:15am. Each morning Kellen and I walked Talon to the cafeteria where he would socialize with other classmates until the bell rang at 8:25 to begin his day. 

I was not sad to drop him off because he was full of excitement. Anxious, to meet his teacher! Excited to make new friends! Eager to LEARN! How could I be sad? Sure, I would miss him while he was at school but this is an exciting milestone in his life. I'll look back later when he is grown and be sad then.  

1st day

So anxious, I arrived at 2:30pm to pick him up and the 30 minute wait to hear about it day seemed like an eternity! As soon as Talon got in the car, Kellen's face lit up. I asked how his day went and he started telling me about his teachers, his new found friends and how he can't wait to go back tomorrow. Every morning he woke up more excited about school than the previous day.

Our first week of Kindergarten was a success and I am looking forward to PTA meetings, class parties and school field trips. 

2nd day 

3rd day

4th day

5th day! Clearly over these daily photos.

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