ella's campout.

we were originally going to try and go camping for ella's birthday this year, but, the campsite we wanted was already sold out. so, ella suggested we do a campout in our backyard instead. this was already something that was on our bucket list, and i loved the idea, so we went for it! i kinda thought it would get me out of hosting a party, but ended up being way more work! haha! totally worth it though. i loved that it got us outside the whole time. we played games (scavenger hunt, dance freeze, flashlight hide n seek, corn hole, etc), swimming, football, relaxed. i loved that it actually felt like a little campground. i loved the adventure of sleeping in a tent. i loved waking up to my own friends and sitting on the patio sipping coffee and chatting. i loved watching the angel game on the screen outside and movies later on. i loved that the one night we planned it for turned into the whole weekend. we didn't want it to end. i could go on and on. it was truly the perfect summer theme. and i know without a doubt it will become a new summer tradition. this time we will tell anyone who wants to join just byot..bring your own tent. more the merrier.:) happy, happy 11 our ella!! xo

i created this sign out of leaves from our backyard.

ella painted this cute picture.

we attempted to make bird seed feeders as favors..but, they didn't quite turn out so well. so flashlights on lanyards it was. and this worked out perfect in the dark. each kid had their own flashlight around their neck.

we had a waffle bar the next morning..along with all the sides.

camp cole

i can hardly believe it's been over a year since my son has turned 1 and i am just now getting around to finally posting it! where does the time go?

i just loved planning this party. one of my favorites for sure. i prepped for months, collecting items when i was out and about, crafted, and really poured myself into it. he is my last baby to turn 1, which gave me an excuse to make it a big deal.;) my sister had thrown his baby shower and it was camp cole. it was adorable and i just loved every bit and detail. so, when i started brainstorming his birthday, i knew i had to continue the theme into camp cole: the birthday. i loved continuing on with the theme that was originally started. and it worked out great to be able to use some of the details again that she had used.

welcome to camp cole.

the kids and i collected sticks at a local park which worked out nicely for this sign.

his birthday is in october, which means fall (my favorite time of the year), so naturally i had to incorporate it.

 i made the banner out of embroidery hoops with different camping fabrics and then cut out felt letters.

 the kids and i had fun making our own paper lanterns.

 the trees and signs (outside) were from oriental trading.

 loved these prints i found on easy.

 i found the cutest embroidery pattern that i just had to do. it's hanging in his room now.

 my sister had made this sign and i loved being able to use it for his birthday too.

 my sister had also constructed this for his shower too.

 the camping area.;)

 i was so excited when i found these cute chairs at a vintage marketplace. they worked out perfect.

 i have painted a window for all of my kids..and was lagging on cole's. this gave me the push to finally get it done.

 12 months of cole and the kids. it was so neat seeing how big he got in each picture.

 i had fun making all of the treats.

 my brother carved the cute pumpkin that lit the hall.

 we catered lucille's. and it was delicious!!

 the birthday boy. it's just crazy how time flies.

he thoroughly enjoyed his cake.

 and he was already walking around by his first birthday.

my cute little birthday boy.

happy 1st!