Pinwheels & Pearls Party

The theme was pinwheels and pearls. I had this party planned in my mind since I saw it online at The Party Dress years ago. Once I knew I was having a girl I knew this would be her first birthday theme. I wonder how many other decisions in my life resulted from this party theme. Doesn’t the name Samantha Mae sound like someone who would have a pinwheel and pearls party? Maybe that is where the name Mae came from. Or maybe not.   

To prepare for the party I taught myself how to make paper pinwheels, which is relatively easy enough to do. I hung them on our fence for decorations. The birthday girl wore a homemade dress with pinwheels that we ordered from Bugs and Beez boutique. There was a table with a photo book to sign and party favors for the guests. Above the table was a photo personalized birthday banner.  

 

For food we did a burger bar and snacks. Sarah made pink and green cupcakes and a small cake for Sammy that had little pearl candies on them to tie in the theme. I made clam cookies with pearls (yogurt covered raisins) in their mouths. We stored drinks in Radio Flyer wagon packed with ice, an idea I saw once in a book or magazine ages ago. 

The weather was great- we were worried because the forecast called for scattered thunderstorms, but thankfully they held off. Grandma and Papa brought a canopy to keep everyone shaded outside. Sammy held court from her highchair for most the time under the canopy – getting the adults clap their hands, learning to say the word party, and eating her cake like it was what she was put on this earth to do.

 Happy Birthday Sammy Cakes! 

This Summer (2)

This Summer I'm ...

Taking the time to admire our shadows

Sneaking in a promised camping trip with Matthew on the basement floor

Bringing Sam along for our bike rides

Throwing both children in the bath at once

Celebrating the 4^th of July poolside along with an early birthday celebration for Sammy

 Thinking Sammy and Matthew inherited my love of dogs  

Hearing all about Matthew and Grampa’s trip to Higgins Armory on Thursday!

Finding watermelon to be the perfect summer snack 

Considering the possibility that Matthew has super powers when it comes to obtaining new Lego sets. Or is it super parents and grandparents? 

Watching Sammy walk and (try to) climb stairs all by herself

Listening to Matthew make up the words as he sings, “I like to eat, eat, eat apples, grapes, and Oreos..”   

More:

This Summer 1

http://capesandcupcakes.blogspot.com/2012/05/this-summer-1.html

Matthew the Ring Bearer & Spy

Last night Uncle Tim and Stephanie tied the knot! They had the cutest ring bearer if I do say so myself. He loved his tux because it made him look like a spy. The wedding was a very memorable and playful evening with a photo booth, flash mob, brunch buffet, and candy bar. Everyone had a great time!

He's got the moves like Jagger

The (Preschool) Graduate

I’m so proud of my little graduate. Matthew will be officially starting Kindergarten in the fall now that preschool graduation is behind him. I’m also proud of Sammy who clapped for every single kid receiving their diploma. I became a little teary during the graduation but not for the reason one might think. Each graduate received one of the helium balloons used for decorations as the party was ending. Matthew promptly let go of his by accident resulting in a loud crying tantrum. One of his best friends Tyler then let go of his balloon and told Matthew it was so they could be fair in square. At the age of five he already has the best friends that he could ask for. 

This Summer (1)

This summer I'm..

Celebrating: Uncle Mike's 21st birthday, The end of the T-ball season, & Father's Day

Staying cool during the heat wave

Exploring old battleships in the company of good friends

                            

Taking bike rides after dinner whenever we can

Tadpole

At eleven months old Sammy has a new word. “Water!” she exclaimed when I put her down on the beach. “Water!"  Not minding the rocky sand under her feet she walked in up to her elbows, holding onto my hands for balance. “Water!” it sounds like "Waga" coming from her. 

“What about clams?” Matthew asked. 

“Clams live in salt water,” I assured him the same way I had with sharks and sea turtles. Neither of us mentioned his newest fear of late which is sea stars. According to him they eat baby sea turtles.  He reminds me of this “fact” every time he uses the bathroom because we have a dried sea star in a frame on the wall. 

This was our first trip to the lake this summer. We swam and splashed for nearly an hour and a half. “Look at me!” Matthew called every time he bravely went in the water past his waist. 

“You  guys are my two little fish,” I told them. 

“Can we be your Cheetahs instead?” he asked me.  

“Sure, ,” I humor him.

A few minutes later he must still be thinking it over because he says, “Actually I am your frog. And  Sammy is your tadpole.” 

I like that.   

Farm Frenzy

Five is a fickle age as summer is a fickle season. These two together make add lots of excitement wherever we go. Matthew, Sammy, and I went strawberry picking a few days ago. In the middle of picking berries we heard a rumble of thunder in the distance which set Matthew on edge.

“We need to leave now!” Matthew said nearly cowering in the bushes.

“We’re fine,” I assured him. “Keep picking.” 

Once our tray was full of strawberries we heard a second distant rumble of thunder on our way over to the playground. The sky began to grow dark and Matthew came undone. 

“We need to go NOW!” He shouted at me. “We have to leave!” He started to run the couple of feet to the car but then ran back to Sammy. “Get Sammy in the car!” 

Despite his public meltdown over a non-issue it struck me as sweet that he cared enough about his little sister to not take cover without her. I was unable to rationalize with my little thunderstorm diva so it seemed best for all to pack up and head home. 

The sky brightened up as we drove away. Matthew and I dropped Sammy off at home and went to the courts at a park nearby to play tennis. While there we found the perfect spot for a picnic dinner and then went back home to collect Bob and Sammy. It was the perfect way to end a tremulous day.