Birthday Extravaganza!!!

 

Warning...photo intensive blog :)

Saturday was Jordyn's big 5th birthday celebration with family and friends...and it was indeed a celebration!  She spent the night at Grandma and Grandpa Bruen's house on Friday night, while Grandma and Grandpa Williams set up the trampoline they bought her in the meadow.  When she arrived home on Saturday afternoon before her party, she discovered the balloons in the meadow...when she ran towards it, she realized the balloons were sitting inside a trampoline.  Just look at the sheer joy on her face, as her cousin Daniel casually removes his shoes to join her :)

  

The birthday theme was unicorns and rainbows, so it was a bit of a fantasy party!  Christy and Mckenna decorated the cake...isnt it cute!  Make a wish sweetheart! 

The weather started out nice, but then it decided to rain.  Thankfully we had plenty of room under the awning for everyone to stay dry, though some opted to get wet on purpose :)

We decided to do cake and presents during the rainstorm...

and thankfully, after we were all done, the rain conveniently stopped, the sun came out, and the activities continued!  We had 12 kids and 27 adults (not counting Justin, Jordyn and i), so we had a lot of folks running around playing on the trampoline, throwing frisbees, playing lawn golf, splashing in the kiddie pool, blowing bubbles, and of course, having a sword battle down on the island!

Looks like the pygmies are beating the pirates!

Then it was pinata time...

It was a magical birthday indeed!  Happy Birthday my sweet 5 year old!  I hope this was a birthday you'll never forget!  Many hugs and kisses to you ~  XOXOXO

2011 Photo of the Week : Week Twenty Eight

week 28 : play-doh

Another shot taken with my new lens and not enhanced in any way....im lovin this new lens :)

Look Whos FIVE!!!

 Thats right...the big 5!  Which means...kindergarten, big girl stuff, attitude, curiosity, humor, fashion, laughter....and presents!  We opened presents first thing in the morning...hurray!  Mommy and Daddy got her a Kingdom Lego set, a princess carriage playmobile set and the play-doh ice cream shoppe....oh, and a Barbie bike!

 

 

 

After presents, Grandma Kristi came down for some cake and more presents...

 Then it was time to try out that new bike!  Daddy took her for a practice run up and down the driveway (which was hard with all the uneven ground)...

 

And then Grandma got her bike and they both went for a ride around the circle...

Weeeeee!  Its great to be 5!  Happy Birthday Sweetheart...We Love You!!!  XOXOXO 

Birthday in the Park

 Last Saturday there was a big birthday celebration in town for Jordyn's friend Alex.  We all met at city park for hot dogs, cake and playground fun...but there was also a trolley ride!

 This trolley (Car 21) was built in 1919 and its in gorgeous shape!  I tried to imagine what it was like 100 years ago, traveling through town on this new railway system.  It must have been a pleasant way to travel back then, in fact it was pleasant now, and we all enjoyed the ride.  The kids got to take turns riding in the drivers seat, which they thought was cool...and speaking of cool, it was a hot day, so the breeze on the trolley was very refreshing!

 The party was especially fun for Jordyn, as most of her classmates were there, which she hadn't seen since preschool graduation, so all the kids had a blast playing together! 

 I included this picture, because i think its funny...obviously, Jordyn is spinning some yarn about the new toy Alex got...and they all seemed to be engrossed in the tale :)  Alex and Jordyn are exactly 6 days apart, so they all get to celebrate again at her party this weekend!
 After the party, we stopped at the Lee Martinez Farm for a pony ride.  Jordyn got to ride Midnight, a black mare with a mellow pace and a gentle soul.  A great end to the day for our city trip.

 On Sunday we relaxed at home...wandered the island...played the drum in the tepee and enjoyed the wildflowers that are finally starting to bloom.  I also captured this shot of the Spotted Coralroot growing by the tree hammock...its only the second time ive seen it since i moved here in 2003, so i was excited to get some photos again.  Happy Monday everyone!

2011 Photo of the Week : Week Twenty Seven

Week Twenty Seven : Saturday in the Park
Jordyn and her friend Andrea spin and spin and spin at a friends birthday party.  Digitally painted in Photoshop to have a retro look to it...and i also used some of Susi Lawson's techniques.  

I had sooo many ideas for this piece, i didnt know where to start.  

You may see it again in the future...painted completely different! :)

Happy Independance Day!

May you have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

2011 Photo of the Week : Week Twenty Six

 Week Twenty Six : Watermelon Summer

Here is a shot of Jordyn munching on a watermelon this week...she had a bit of the stomach bug, so this was nice and soft...and as you can see, she was thoroughly enjoying it!  I am officially half way through the year of my "Photo of the Week" project, and i really believe this challenge has made me grow as a Photographer as well as a Photoshop artist.  I hope you have enjoyed the journey so far :)

And here is a shot of me surfing on my porch today...its absolutely gorgeous out!