Christmas Tree Time!

I love having a 2 and 4 yr old.

I'm especially loving it this Christmas season!

They are so into everything.

The other day we went to pick out our Christmas Tree.

As soon as we pulled up to the nursery sophie goes..

"what is that smell!?..christmas?!"

We hunted down the perfect Tree...

It was magical to them...making their way through the trees...the christmas smell!

And tying a tree to the car?!? awesome. ;)

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend

and enjoying all the Christmas time fun!

Sophie was actually a big helper with decorating the tree.

Even though she kept putting up all her decorations

in the same general area.. ;)

I'll share our Christmas decorations soon!!

And because people asked via instagram:

--sophie's outfit--

polka dot sweater... old navy (current)

purple "soft" skinny jeans....target (current)

hat....old navy

--sienna' outfit--

polka dot sweater..target(4 years old)

yellow skinny jeans... old navy (current)

Sophie & Sienna's Vintage Circus Birthday Party

I'm so excited to share Sophie and Sienna's Vintage Circus Birthday Party!!

It was really fun creating this..full of DIY projects and special details.

I love my girls so much.. and I love making their day extra special.

When they walked into the space before their party, they squealedddddd and

ran arounddd cheering "partyyy dayyy party dayyy!"

I love it. I love them.

WARNING: PHOTO OVERLOAD. (this is edited down...)

Happy to share the details of their party..

Enjoy looking around and thanks for visiting. :)

It all started with the Invitation..

I created it in photoshop..and added some fun extra details to make it special!

(invite details in post linked above)

Planning A Dessert Table is so fun!

DETAILS:

I used dishes and white linens that I already owned.

I purchased burlap from Hobby Lobby's clearance bin for CHEAP

because it had a couple holes...Perfect as a table runner!

upside IKEA vases to hold my lollipop towers.

(foam cones from hobby lobby spray painted yellow with ribbon hot glued around bottom)

I chose treats that my girls love. I cooked NOTHING but the popcorn.

My friend Kate and I made a variety of Homemade Popcorn recipes. (recipes linked below)

We are both pregnant. and we enjoyed taste testing the variety..

and so did the husbands who stopped over after their fantasy football draft. ;)

I ordered 2 large balloons from Shop Sweet lulu.

The grocery store balloon girl didn't want to blow them up very big.. love them anyways!

I had the S letter for the past year (From JoAnns) and spray painted yellow the night before.

The Fabric Backdrop is my favorite part.

I bought the CHEAP fabric that is used for linings.. 2 or so bucks a yard..

and then used a coupon. Just tore 1-2 inch pieces and tied them to an old curtain rod I had.

Draped some leftover fabric over the top to cover the rod and mimic a circus tent

I created printables in Photoshop to label the different treats.

(not all. I feel silly labeling things that are kinda obvious..)

LOVED making the Lion Cupcakes with the Pipe Cleaner Rings of fire!

I did a lot of pricing out of the animals. Ended up getting a huge pack from Party City for $9.99

(hubby twisted the red and yellow pipe cleaners together one night. nice job babe.)

I made some strongman dumbells with vintage candy sticks from Party City and Large Marshmallows. The girls LOVED them. (they only wanted the marshmallows. haha)

And because I know my girls love marshmallows..

I put out a bowl of Circus Train Smoke.. aka mini marshmallows. :)

The popcorn jars I've collected over the years. all for a bargain.

(stores like tjmaxx or ollie's or big lots)

I put out mini popcorn containers from Oriental Trading..

letting guests load up on their favorites! I personally LOVED the white chocolate.

with cute sprinkles. :) (Check out this popcorn post for these and more recipes!)

Yellow cups were (from party city) for scooping the popcorn..but then I ended up grabbing shovels off the buckets (game area) and they worked better!

A veryyyy talented friend of mine, Colleen, baked up some GORGEOUS and

lovely Circus Sugar Cookies. She is amazing and recently started her own blog! Sugar Aunts.

Colleen shares the same love for motherhood, party planning and DIY projects!

You should check her and her sister's blog out..tell her I say hi. :)

I filled up a silverware caddy/container from target with candy. 

Everyone wants a Prize at the Circus!

DETAILS:

I have always wanted to draw a big design on a chalkboard..

By no means are the stripes lined up right..but I love it! haha.

We had grabbed up 2 of these huge ones from the "Trash" (One is in our playroom)

I found that amazing frame at Hobby Lobby half off.. had to grab it.

The basket (from my bathroom shelf) is filled with flowers from Trader Joes

(love their selection and price!)

The Canvas Photo is from Photo-Canvas.com and I LOVE how it turned out.

We did a review and giveaway with them a while back..

I printed out another matching photo and framed in one of our IKEA frames from the girls' room.. propped up with frame holders that were dusty in the basement.

I created Fun Containers for the prizes using Dollar Store animals and Plastic Containers.

I just hot glued the animals to the lids..and spray painted them yellow!

(Plan on using in their play room for small toys/craft supplies)

(The prizes were found at different places.. Oriental Trading, Dollar Store, Party City..)

I created in Photoshop some fun treat bag tag printables for the favors.

(Clown Noses from Oriental Trading..bouncy balls from Target)

(Filled Dollar store Snack size ziploc bags with different things and stapled the treat bags to them.)

I like filling some with toys for the bigger kids..

and then the Zoo Cookies for the little ones. (from Bottom Dollar-amazing cookies!! and so cute. ;)

A Circus needs a Tent..

and Fun Things to do!

DETAILS-

I have created a streamer canopy for a few events.. But I love how much easier and quicker this version comes together. I used 2 colors of Plastic Table Cloth Rolls bought at Party City.

You could DEFINITELY get away with just 1.. but I wanted the alternating colors.. and also used them for the tables. (I have a ton leftover..)

I created a Cardboard Ticket Booth out of free boxes from our Dollar Tree..

the girls loved handing out the tickets to their guests! (from party city)

Because of the recent Big Girl room Makeover from Ikea.. we had a ton of HUGE boxes..

So I used one of them to create a photo cut out. one of my favorite things from the entire party!

I pencil drew a design..then filled in with acrylic paint from JoAnns.

I think the adults liked this almost as much as the kids. Excuse my lion..he is a little pudgy. ;)

We had face painting..and Tattoos.. they were a HIT.

We also had bucket & cup toss games and a bounce house that a friend let me borrow!

I would like to thank the bounce house for the 3.5 hour nap my girls took after the party.

Let them eat Cake! and cry!

DETAILS-

Sienna was not a fan of everyone looking and singing to her on this occasion..

She got so shy she cried! And of course the husband is saying "take photos this will be funny later!".......... haha. She ended up calming down once she blew the candles out.

Cake makes everything better. and presents. :)

They were blessed with so many gifts from their sweet friends!

The flowers on the eating tables were put in diy rope vases..

Hot glued rope from Hobby Lobby to Dollar store cups. Circus tent rope..get it?..get it?

The tall candles are from Shop Sweet LuLu and I LOVEEEE them.

Sweet little Cakes from our Giant Eagle Bakery... Delish. $7.. awesome.

Back to Basics! Pizza and drinks.

DETAILS-

I usually offer a bigger spread when it comes to the food..

But I wanted to go simple and easy. and everyone loves pizza!

I know a lot of people do hot dogs for a circus party..but I am one of those crazy moms who cuts up hot dogs into tiny tiny tiny pieces before my kids can eat it...so..not so fun.

I found those two stackable drink containers at target for $2.35 or something crazy like that!

Filled them with fruit punch and lemonade.

We also had a big bowl full of ice and soda/water bottles.

Cups from Party City. Plates from Target. Straws from Shop Sweet LuLu.

Striped Tray I already owned..from Target.

We took some photos the other day in the back yard to use for thank you cards..

Going to make something up in photoshop with space for them to color. :)

The girls wore their target ballet outfits..(gifted from the Easter Bunny)

and for the photos they put on their tulle tutus that I made (tutorial here)

Thanks for checking out My Girls' Vintage Circus Birthday Party!

It was really fun putting it together..and even more fun seeing the smiles on my girls' faces.

Sienna asked the next day if we could have another party day.

I told her 365 days and Yes. we will party it up. ;)

The actual party we have will be having next is when we welcome

this little baby #3 to the family in november!!

Outer Banks Fun

All morning at the beach...

means fussy girls in short ride home...

but nice longgg naps!

Girls went down around 1:30..
Sophie woke up at 3:50.. Sienna after 4:30!

House smells soo yummy with the barbecue pork in

the crock pot for pulled pork sandwiches tonight..

We've been having so much fun just relaxing and spending time together.

Here's an Instagram overload..

because we can't stop taking photos of the cuteness. :)

This is our first beach vacation..and we are loving it.

Feeling very blessed and trying to soak in every minute.

It's so fun seeing the girls hold hands and run around together..giggling..

Sienna wasn't so sure about the sand..still has moments of "freaking out"..

it's all fun and games till she tries to blow it in her hand and ends up eating it.....lovely. 

I think by tomorrow she'll be more confident with the whole experience.

But I don't mind her being my little partner in

sitting in the chairs and snacking on gold fish and grapes. :)

Sophie went for a walk with daddy and saw a boy who caught a sting ray..

she was terrified. cried.

wouldn't stop talking about the yucky fish. haha.
Sophie: "I don't like that fish. I was crying cause I didn't like it. Go back in the waterrr"
Sienna then follows up with "backkk watterrr ::points somewhere::"

Sophie has been finding lots of shells and loading up her bucket!

She has a little watering can..favorite toy so far.

She has alsooo been telling random people there is a baby in my tummy...

and that it's going to pop out.

Yesterday we were playing on a playground..and sophie says: 

"Mom.. I'm feeling angry and mean because I'm hot.

Water will make it better. and AC.".......

Best part was that she said it fake pouting (not grouchy at all) with her arms crossed. ;)
Photo below of sienna on ben's shoulders was when we were "watching" the sunset..
It's so pretty here!

Looking at these photos..I turned to ben and said

"Can you believe we have kids that are this big??"

haha..seriously though...we have toddlers. this is insane. and awesome.

Hope you are having a great week!

Thanks for following along on our little family adventure..

Easter!- Sophie, 3 years old: "Jesus Saved us!"

Hope all of you had a wonderful Easter!

Thought I would share our Weekend..(I love being able to click back each year!)
The Easter bunny hopped through our house

and left some fun stuff to celebrate Jesus' Resurrection.. and a fewww sweets. ;)

Sophia was so funny..she kept telling us

"Jesus was trapped but then he went like that (does a wiggle) and got out!.. and he got the bad guys(??) and Heaven won!.....Jesus saved us!" haha...

It was a fun day of visiting with family, playing, eating & going to Church.
We even got in a 3 hour family nap..Easter miracle! seriously....
Thank you Jesus. haha we needed it.

Easter Baskets found at Jo-Ann's on clearance (only because I'm horribly last minute..)

I loved them! They are nice and sturdy too.

We have an Easter tradition that the Easter Bunny
and her stuffed animals have an Easter Tea Party!...
and when the girls wake up they can join in on it!

I found a tea set this year that a bit "fancier" for an older sophia..
(a tin one from Babies R Us)

Sienna immediately grabbed up a muffin as soon as she saw them..

she held it the whole morning until she put it in her Easter Basket for later. ;)

The Bouncy Balls the Eater Bunny found at Target were a hit!

I loved the colors..the girls loved rolling on them..

daddy loved throwing it at them and watching them giggle...............

I was so happy with the Tote Bag the Easter Bunny found at the Dollar Store

(and the bible drawing pad too!) The Bag said "Jesus my Forever Friend"..

they had a bunch of cute ones.

I LOVED seeing sienna open the eggs and discover what was inside!

She then went on to hoard all of the jelly beans... in her mouth.

It was an "Adventure" at mass on Easter...Sienna was feeling a bit...wild.

But we MADE IT! haha. and nap time soon followed.
*dress from target maternity

The only family photo I have.. :) Easter Dinner with Ben's Family..

It was fun seeing all the kids play together..

and  a polish get together wouldn't be complete without some Kielbasa. ;)

We were sent home with leftover ham..

I am making Split Pea & Ham Soup with it tonight. yummy.

  

Family Floor Snuggles before bed time..

and sienna snuggling with the baby bump ;)

I love the shot of Ben snuggling with one of his ballerinas...hehe.

I grabbed up, the day after Easter, some discounted dresses from Target.

(Sophie is wearing hers) They call them their Wedding day dresses..

They posed for these photos. Sienna is wearing her ballerina

gear the easter bunny brought them. SOOO CUTEEEE.

The night before Easter Ben and I went with his

little brother, sister & her boyfriend to the phillies game!

I mean Pirates game.. ;) We lost. but it was still fun.. a fireworks night!

Can't wait to see all of your posts on your Easter!

Love seeing how everyone celebrates it.

DIY Easter Ideas - Kid Activities, Basket & Eggs Inspiration Board

I wanted to put together some ideas

for Easter Activities with kids...

DIY details to put in the Easter basket..

and Egg inspiration!

I love the little Peep Pal and the He is Risen Donut Tomb....

How are you connecting the Easter Bunny to the

reason for celebrating Easter?? (Jesus' Resurrection!!)

I told the girls the story..that after Jesus died for us on the cross..

he was put in a tomb with a biggggg rock blocking the door.

But Jesus moved it and angels came and he went to heaven and opened it up for us!!

So one day we could be with Him there too!

And the little Easter Bunny saw allllll of this amazing ness happen and

ever since has been bringing treats on Easter to celebrate Jesus rising from the dead!

The girls love the story. Would love to track down a book that is similar.

let me know if you have the name of one!

Enjoy these great links. (all listed below)

1. Intense Egg Dyeing Tips by Design Mom

2. Glittered Eggs by Martha Stewart

3. Bunny Finger Puppets by purl bee.

4. Little Peep Pal by Michael Ann Made

5. Kool-Aid Egg Dyeing Guide found on Pinterest (original source unknown. do you know it??)

6. Neon Dip-Dyed Easter Eggs by Oh Joy

7. Easter Egg Finger Puppets by wild olive

8. Chevron Easter Eggs by BonBon Rose Girls

9. Washi Tape Easter Eggs by lovely indeed

10. Creative Play Easter Basket by modern parents messy kids

11. Jesus is Risen Paper Craft by Totally Tots

12. He is Risen Tomb Snack Activity ound on Pinterest (original source unknown. do you know it??)

13. "Hands on" Easter Chick Activity by that artist woman

14. Cookies in Egg Carton (great gifting idea/inspiration!) by cheryls.com

15. Paper Plate Easter Bunny by free preschool crafts