Did you know that spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is the #1 genetic cause for death in infants. Or that 1 in 10,000 babies will be born with SMA and it shows no preference for gender or race.
Walking for SMA | Aldie Family Photographer
Parties
A Mermaid Themed Bash…
This past weekend we celebrated my little Lia’s 3rd birthday. Having a summer birthday has its perks – namely the ability to do an outdoor party and a requirement for a water attraction of some sort. Since her birthday the last two years ended up while we’re on vacation I was determined to get a party in this year for her.
First things first I rented the waterslide which then set off the theme (because what’s a party without a theme…damn Pinterest:)). I tossed around a few waterish ideas and landed on mermaids (mostly because I really wanted to make those jellyfish!). A few more Pinterest searches later and the clamshell cookies, seaweed walls and edible sand were born.
For the cake I decided to keep with my tradition of ordering blank cakes (because I can’t bake one to save my life) and decorate it myself. I knew I needed a mermaid, some water and sand. A quick search for edible sand and we were set (toasted coconut, graham crackers, white sugar powered in the food processor) . The water was some blue sugar sprinkles I found at the grocery store. And in a last min stroke of genius (or insanity) I decided to try my hand at fondant for the mermaid. Armed with a few youtube videos and a few colors of fondant from Michaels the mermaid cake topper took shape. A few left over white chocolate shells and we had her cake. I’m pretty proud of my masterpiece.
The best part of the day (aside from the slide) was her face while we sang happy birthday to her. She went through excitement, terror, bashfulness and embarrassment back around to pride and pure joy.
It was an exhausting day but so worth it to see how much fun was had by everyone!
Details:
Under the Sea Cookie – Beau Monde Bakers
Mermaid and Pirate photo props – my mom
Jelly Fish – http://www.partycity.com/content/jellyfish+lantern+how+to.do
Clamshell Cookies – purely pinterest where I cobbled together a few ideas
Backyard Slide – http://www.backyardinflatables.com
Sophie is 9 – A Camping Themed Birthday!
I love birthday parties! What’s not to like? Good food, fun games, and sugar!! But, you know how it goes. You plan and plot and scour the internet (or your own head if you’re one of the lucky few with that creative gene) for ideas. In some cases planning your child’s birthday is right on par with planning your wedding when it comes to how much we stress. Then, as the event unfolds – everything is perfect but you’re so wrapped up in execution (and hopefully enjoying your event) that you forget to take any pictures of your hard work. Well, don’t let that happen to you. Hand off the camera to a friend or family member and make them the designated picture taker!
I was happy to be that designated picture taker for Sophie’s party! Her mom did an awesome job on all the details of her camping themed party – from lakes side setting to the fleece blanket favors to the s’mores cupcakes and the wooden cake tree (Homegoods is your friend!). She even had a few little a-frame tents set up for decorations. The whole thing looked like it stepped straight out of a magazine!
Judging by how fast my kids crashed after they got home (we only came home as the sun was setting!) I think a great time was had by all!
