Pumpkin Farm

Last Sunday was niece Kaylee's ninth birthday, and to celebrate we all ventured down to Wilton to visit Fog Willow Farms. I had never heard of this pumpkin farm before which somewhat surprised me considering I grew up near the Sacramento area and it's not really that far away. Everyone usually always talks about Bishops or Apple Hill, which are great spots but very, very crowded making it almost impossible to really enjoy if you have to go on a weekend. And even though Fog Willow was busy, there was still plenty of room without feeling like a sardine. The only line we waited in was for a tractor ride. Mallory was all about the tractors that were freely roaming around the farm; the whole time were looking at the animals she kept mentioning the tractor. As for the animals, she wanted nothing to do with them. She was somewhat afraid of the goats when we went in to feed them. She kept hiding behind my legs, but towards the end I was able to talk her into petting one for a second. When she realized there were fun horse swings on the playground, she of course didn't want to leave them. I literally had to pull her off and bribe her with some hay stack climbing. After playing in the hay and getting it all over ourselves, we went on the hunt for some perfect pumpkins. Pumpkins that were way over priced in my opinion, but it's all worth it when you know the kids are having a blast!

A Little Curious

My Birthday Monster

So unfortunately I had to leave early this morning to travel for an event, which means that I was only able to spend less than an hour with my birthday monster before heading to the airport. I was able snag a couple pics of the birthday girl as she was eating her breakfast, though it was early and she wasn't in the mood to pose for the camera. And when I started singing "Happy Birthday" to her, she cut me off and told me, "No mommy." That's my 2-year old!

Pancakes & Pajamas

We had Mallory's second birthday party on Sunday morning, where the theme was 'Pancakes & Pajamas.' I don't remember how I came across this idea for the party, but as soon as I did I was in love with it. I wanted a more toned-down version of her first birthday party, but I also knew myself well enough to know that I still had to plan a fun party. I mean, I am an event planner and all - and who wouldn't want to throw a party for kids!

I feverishly cleaned and disinfected the house a little more than usual on Saturday, feeling good with the fact that not only was I doing it for the kiddos but also to give the house one of those 'deep cleans' that I should be doing once in awhile anyway. Having a clean home makes my OCD happy. The decorations were simple - sheets for tablecloths, pillows and stuffed animals strategically placed, and lots and lots of balloons. I set up a kids table in the garage that acted as not only a place for them to eat, but also where they got to do arts and crafts.

The hardest part of the party was making the pancakes. I had waited until most people arrived before I started cooking them, and while my intention to have fresh pancakes was good, it required my full attention and took me away from having fun with the kids. I should've cooked them right before people got there and then put them in the oven to keep warm. Lesson learned. I also realized half way through the party that I hadn't been taking pictures, so there were some moments that I missed capturing that I'm a little bummed about. I'll just have to steal those pictures from those who did remember to use their camera.

Mallory was super sad when the last party go-er left, but nap time had already been delayed for extra play time, and sure enough she was out within minutes of putting her down. Overall, the party was a huge success and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Mallory have a blast with her friends. 

The invite

Arts and crafts

The pancake bar

My silly monster

Bubbles

Modeling her Minnie pj's

Annoyed that I wanted to take her picture

Being carefree

Playing with her presents

Birthday girl

Looking Forward

Life has been a whirlwind lately, both personally and professionally. I have never been so busy at work as I am right now. Between traveling, and overtime, and working from home, and crazy demanding clients with crazy demanding requests...it's unfortunately at the point now where it's invading my dreams at night or keeping me from sleeping. Stupid, evil work.

And to top it off our poor family of three has been super sick for the past month, just recycling each others germs. Mallory has been on three different medications since the beginning of September and honestly, I'm not entirely convinced that this new medicine is working all that great either. Poor monster. I want her so badly to feel better. And then there's me; I've been croupy for two weeks now which makes me wonder if my medicine even did anything.

Stressed to the max right now. Repeat after me: "God doesn't give us more than we can handle." "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger." The silver linings that I am so much looking forward to, and think about when I get way overwhelmed:

-- Mallory's 'pancakes & pajamas' birthday party on Sunday! I tried to keep it simple this year - and I still feel that I am - but it is becoming more involved than I originally anticipated. That's what happens when I start thinking creatively; I'm having fun with it though!

-- Baby #2. And no that doesn't mean I'm pregnant. But it does mean that I am ready to be pregnant. And the sooner the better, if I'm allowed to make any requests!

-- This might be weird because I was just complaining about work, but this is a work trip that I'm actually looking forward to: San Diego in the middle of November. Why? Because it's right after one of my BFF's due date which means I'll have the opportunity to meet brand new Baby D! (Baby D, that means you better arrive on time!)

-- And of course, Maui at the end of November! I don't really have to explain anything here; it's MAUI!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday; Happy Birthday Mom! I won't embarrass her by revealing her age publicly, though if I were her I'd be ecstatic to get the discounts that come along with 'senior citizen' status. Wait, that's sort of revealing her age huh?!

I need to make up for the fact that I didn't get a birthday card in the mail in time for her to get it today. I did send a cute eCard her way at least. I also figure that by posting this adorable picture of Mallory with her Mamaw, I can score some additional brownie points. Is it working yet mom? We love you and hope you have (had) a wonderful birthday!

Primping with Dad Video

Primping with Dad