Trip to Joetown!

My whole family went back west for my cousin Travis' wedding, but it also was my best buddy's 30th birthday, so I went a few days early to celebrate with her!

All our family lives in the Kansas City area, so I don't always get to spend much time in St. Joe (my hometown, 50 miles north of KC). So, feeling sentimental, I had Cassie take me to some of my favorite spots.




This isn't a favorite spot, but since I'm ca-razy about Farmer's Markets, I had to get a shot of the Pony Express Farmer's Market (plus Cassie with all her loot).

This was my dad's restaurant, The Salad Shoppe, in the 80s. When he felt called to ministry, he also felt called to sell all his businesses. We talked to the current store owner (now a bakery) and she said she found all the old accounting records in the attic, she asked me "Why did he ever close this place? They were making money every month!" Obedience, baby, obedience.

I didn't really say that. And unfortunately the guy that bought the restaurant from my dad killed it in the first year.

It was bizarre to be inside. I probably haven't been inside since I was about 3 or 4 and I have some really vivid memories from the restaurant.

Of course, we had to taste the cupcakes from the cute bakery that's housed there now. It's called Delish.

For Cassie's birthday, we went to the Plaza in KC. Had dinner at a yummy Italian place and dessert at The Melting Pot. We went with great friends from high school (from left) Beth, Sarah and Cass and me.

BFFs.

Just about every HS memory I have includes Sarah. We were in every activity together from 7th grade until we graduated, including 1st and 2nd chair flute in the band. Awe-yeah! You're jealous. And guess who was 1st chair? Hint: It wasn't Sarah. That's right. Yours truly.

The Toothache shows off her tricks!

First (of many) trips to Conner Prairie

We got a membership to Conner Prairie for Little Toothache's birthday and visited over the weekend for the first time. Grammy and Pawpaw (Keller) came with us this time. We had a blast and plan to go back again and again.

I LOVE this picture of Lobaby. When she wears piggy tails she can have just about anything she wants. But, don't tell her that!

Cookin up some lunch!

Jilligirl watering her garden.

Petting the baby chicks.

Building a cool house with daddy out of Lincoln Logs!

The party!

The party to celebrate our LT was so fun. And perfect weather, to boot!


The birthday girl in her party dress.


A rare family photo!


An even more rare picture of just me and baby LT


We sang the birthday song!


The big girls licked the icing off the cake and then dipped the candle back in the icing and licked again, and again, and again (sorry for those of you who ate that cake and were unaware of the toddler saliva on the top)


She ate her cake and buttercream, too.


She opened a few gifts. I opened most of them. She got lots of new books, some really cute clothes, shoes, toys and even a family membership to Conner Prairie.


We set up the baby pools and sprinklers. The kids had a blast.

This was a photo shoot I attempted with her little party dress on.

Running with crayons...

Eating the crayons (where's that child's mother?)...

Mommy takes the crayons away (and captures a perfect shot of LT's flair for drama).

These were the party favors. They were rolls of art paper, wrapped in tissue to look like candy. Each had some crayons attached and a little note from LT herself.

Here's the cake. Party confetti cake with buttercream icing.

The cupcakes and the stickers I found that inspired the whole theme.

Fourth of July

The Fourth is so fun and our tradition the past couple years is to enjoy the Carmel parade in the morning and the Carmel fireworks at night. Last year and this year the big girls have enjoyed the parade SO much.


The party people - only Shan Shan is missing (she took the pic!) (My dad is missing, too. Not sure where he took off to.)


LT's first Fourth Parade. Last year she was still cookin in my belly, just 6 days from birth!

Bummer the parade was the same time as her morning nap. So she enjoyed most of the parade asleep in her Papaw's arms.

Took the prize for "Most random parade entry" - a HUGE elk. Check out those antlers.

Jilligirl flashes her sweet smile. She REALLY gets into it.

A year of sweetness!

Today, our precious Little Tootheache had her first birthday. Here are a few photos to remind you of her sugary sweetness. It has been the most amazing year with our sweet girl.

When I had a positive reading on a pregnancy test, when the twins were just 13 months old, I was overwhelmed with fear. I couldn't understand how God thought that I was capable of handling another baby, but had comfort in the knowledge that it must be his plan. It certainly wasn't mine!

From Day 1, LT has been joy. Is it possible to say that a baby can relax you? After a HARD first year with the twins, I can only say that it made this year seem like cotton candy goodness.

I will never forget the moment I held her for the first time back in my hospital room. She pursed her lips and it was the first time I saw that she had dimples. I was in love!

I can't help but feel a little sad that the first year is over. My baby is officially on her way to toddler-dom.

My sweet baby! I love you so much! Your energy, happy-nature and silliness make me so proud to be your mommy. I can't wait for another year with you!

Cupcakes!

I'm a little embarrassed to admit how much time I spent on these, but I'm just getting familiar with fondant and I learned a lot on this project.

These were yellow cake and devil's food cake cupcakes, with tinted buttercream icing. The toppers are all handmade with tinted fondant and black gel icing.

I enjoy projects like this so much. It's a total creative outlet for me. Plus, these were for our friend's baby shower - and she's expecting boy/girl twins! So fun!