Paxton turns TWO!

Yesterday my boy turned TWO years old!  We had such an incredibly busy day filled with tons of fun and friends.

I planned a pool party and had the back yard decked out with lights and lanterns, we rented and set up a bunch of tables and chairs, we had lots of outdoor games, the sprinkler, baby pool, sand and water table and buckets of squirt guns, bubbles, chalk and sparklers.  And of course it rained.  Thanks Florida. But, even though the weather didn't cooperate we still had a wonderful day celebrating our sweet boy!

First thing in the morning Paxton got to open up presents sent from friends and family.  He sure was spoiled! He got a ton of super fun new things!

I once again did not take pictures during the party, but here are some I took right before people started to arrive.  I forgot to take pictures of our pretty outdoor setup though.

On the entry way table I had a sign that said "Welcome to our pool party.  Please pick out a lei and jump in!" I had a picture of Pax from every month this past year.  And the party favors were a beach set, bubbles and a beach ball.

I have a major sweet tooth.  And I miiiiiight have gone completely overboard with the birthday cakes. I got not one, but TWO birthday cakes.  I made cupcakes, brownies and cake batter truffles as well.  

The bar.  We had prosecco, assorted beers, Jones sodas, Izzy's, and those blue pitchers are a cocktail I found on Pinterest made with vodka, blue curacao and lemonade.  Yummy! 

Food table!

Pax and his sweet friend Zach.

Happy birthday dear Paxton.  Happy birthday to you!!!

The party started at 4 and eventually the rain stopped around 7ish and we were able to go out back.  A friend brought their corn hole game and a few people even got in the pool.  After Paxton went to bed we all stayed up late sitting out back enjoying the nice night.  It was such a fun day!  

Kate's Glittery Gold Bridal Shower

As my best friends Matron of Honor I had the honor of throwing her a bridal shower while I was visiting.  My parents were gracious enough to open up their home for us and will hopefully forgive me for the gold glitter that will no doubt be in their house until the end of time.

I decided to do a Champagne Brunch with white, black and gold theme.

Bubbly Bar! I had orange, acai and orange mango juices to go with the bubbly and sparkling water.  I also had coffee and iced tea in a separate area.

The screened in porch, the best room in the house!

Living room and the mantle.  I spray painted frame and the K&P gold and I coated the vase with mod podge and gold glitter. 

This was the table as you walked in. My friend made the favors - black and gold chocolates in little gold bags.

Candy table, mostly because I wanted a reason to use those amazing blue bowls.


Glitter, glitter everywhere.  I glittered the flower vases and lots of little candle jars.


Gift table

"Love is sweet, please take a treat!" The dessert table had French madelines, brownie bites, pound cake, and chocolate covered strawberries. My friend brought an amazing Cheesecake Factory chocolate peanut butter cheese cake for that cake plate.  I glittered the food label frames for all our food items.

The menu:
Quiche Loraine - with turkey bacon and local, pasture raised eggs
Spinach and Ricotta Tart - with local pasture raised eggs
Veggie Breakfast Casserole (thanks to my wonderful friend!)
Raspberry, apple and cheese danish
Berry bowl with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries and fresh whipped cream
Panera bagels with berry cream cheese and wild Maine blueberry jam or wild smoked sockeye salmon, cream cheese, capers and red onion.

Even the cuttlery was glittery.

Another bridesmaid that lives far away and couldn't make it to the shower made a fun game for the shower.  She recorded herself asking Paul (Kate's fiance) a question then we would pause the video and let Kate guess his answer and then we'd press play again and Paul would answer.  Kate did amazingly well and got almost every one correct! The other bridesmaid made a game of each guest writing a story about Kate and Paul while Kate was opening up her presents and it turned out so cute and everyone got a good laugh.

I didn't get to take any during photos since I was using my phone to play the music, but I love how everything turned out and I think everyone had a good time. And most importantly I think my friend and bride-to-be felt loved and appreciated.

College lady friends.  Lauren, Aliya, the bride-to-be Kate and me.

Kate's bridesmaid, Tori, Kate and me.

My wonderful mommy and amazing hostess and party thrower extraordinaire, Kate and me. Couldn't have done it without you, Mom! 

I had so much fun putting this party together.  I think it turned out to be a sparkling success. And now if only I can get over the urge to GLITTER ALL THE THINGS! 

While the shower was going on at the house Brad, my dad and Paxton went out to the park and had a great time playing on the playground and riding the train and carousel.