Catching up- July 2015

July 2015

Rylan and one of her favorite cousins on the 4th of July.

She couldn't get enough of those glow sticks.

I had the awesome opportunity to visit NY for 8 weeks. I hadn't been home in over 2 years so it was so much fun to catch up with people. 

My BFF Kaitlyn met us at the airport under funny circumstances. She was on her way to CO and ended up taking the plane we had taken to SYR back to JFK. 

It was a great start to our trip.

The main reason for our trip was to celebrate my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. 

They held it at Moravia State Park?! 

It was a state park in Moravia... I know that much.

I hadn't seen my aunt Janice in almost a decade! It was so great to chat with her and catch up.

Rylan tuckered out at Costco. But we had to get things for her birthday party.

I can't believe my little bean turned one! She is so big and learning new things everyday.

I also want to add that the Terrible Two's have begun early...

We took Rylan to the zoo for her birthday. I think we had more fun than she did but it was still a great time.

The monkey was touching the glass and playing with Rylan. Too bad the glare is in the way :(

My BFF Rachel got Rylan this super cute elephant. We named him Horton and thought it was fitting that we take these picture. Love it!

Rylan petting Curly, the Guinea Pig

I don't know why but there are no bucket seat swings ANYWHERE near where we live.

Rylan had a blast swinging by herself.

We took Rylan out for her 1st birthday to this yummy little cafe called Asti's in SYR, NY.

She had a great time. I loved loved loved my food!

Getting Coy.

We went to see the Minion movie. Whenever Rylan would start talking or screaming, no one even noticed because she sounds just like a little minion.

Rylan is definitely my seed. She loved the beach just as much as I do. We literally went there every day.

Rylan photo bombed us.

We went on plenty of hikes in NY.

I love this sweet picture of Rylan and my dad (aka Pop Pop). She seems to be saying,

"Hiking isn't that bad. All you need is someone to carry you. Can you find someone to carry you pop pop?"

We took Rylan to get her very first build a bear.

I think she likes it.

On the last day Brian was with us in NY, we decided to take a trip to Alexandria Bay to see the Boldt Castle. It was super fun and completely gorgeous there. I want to go back already!

A gorgeous view from one of the castle's (many) balconies.

This is the castle's boat house but I'd live there if they let me!

We also decided to go berry picking. We picked red and black raspberries. Delicious!

One of my favorite things about going home is visiting the Farmer's Market any chance I get. Rylan really enjoyed it too!

I don't know where my mom gets the energy but she is great at playing with Rylan. They always have so much fun. She is a very good Lita.

We found this basket while my mom was unpacking and decided to do a photo shoot.

Last time at the beach. Waaa!

Winter Onederland - Rylan's 1st birthday!

We celebrated my daughter's first birthday by throwing a Winter Onederland party in her honor.

But who are we kidding? The party was for us so we could spend time with all of our friends we haven't been able to see because we've been raising a baby this past year, lol!

My daughter recently turned one.

In my family we go all out for first and fifteenth birthdays.

So I had been planning this party for months in advance.

I decided to go with a Winter Onederland theme because my daughter, even as young as she is, is obsessed with Disney's Frozen. I didn't want to do the trendy Disney thing, so I decided to go with a theme that was a bit more timeless and classic.

I initially decided on the colors white, gold and silver. 

The addition of pale pink made my color scheme complete and more representative of a one year old's birthday party as opposed to a wedding or anniversary party.

It was a lovely party and clearly one we'll all remember, well,

except for the birthday girl... But that's why we took pictures!

Most vendors are located in the Central New York and Northern Utah area. Some links for items/ services will be found above the photograph. If a link is not specified more information can be provided upon request.

Dress/ Sash: Ava Madison Boutique (also available in ivory)

My Top: Banana Republic Factory

Photography: Sami

These stunning photographs were taken by a dear family friend. We are pretty lucky to have a friend with such amazing talent.

If you live in either the Central New York Area, or even the Northern Utah Area (as she visits there quite frequently) you need to hit her up 

and have her capture the beautiful memories of your next event.

More information can be made upon request.

Smash Cake & Cupcakes : Robyn 

If you are having an event and you live in the Central New York area, you need my girl Robyn.

She is just as invested in your event as you are. Her attention to detail and flavor profile cannot be beat.

Don't even get me started on how delicious her baked goods are. 

Let's just say I ate one of the cupcakes for breakfast the next day and I am not ashamed.

More information can be made available upon request.

Cake Stand: My awesome mom and Dad contacted a lumber jack and cut these wood slices themselves. Contrary to my initial belief, this option was more affordable than purchasing them. However, if you don't have the time or tools to do this alone Bed Bath & Beyond provides a great alternative.

Letter "R": Hobby Lobby (then painted white)

Custom Birthday Hat: Amalia. 

Want an easy and affordable way to make your child's next birthday one of a kind?

Amalia's customizable birthday hats can be made in a variety of colors and sizes.

It's the simple touches that really add uniqueness to any party.

More information can be made available upon request.

Custom Gold Name Cake Topper: Blessed Blondies

Snowflake Sugar Cookies: Keeley 

If you are living in the northern Utah area you need some Keeley in your life.

She is a Guru of all things delicious and beautiful.

Her culinary finesse is, simply put, out of this world.

I would have never been able to make these myself. 

Glad I never have to!

More information can be made available upon request.

Cupcakes & Smash Cake: Robyn 

(see above post about smash cake)

Now for the fun ones:

Smash Cake Aftermath: 

Hot Cocoa Favors: I just saved up/ asked people for baby jars. Cleaned them with boiling water and scraped the glue off of them.

I then filled them with hot chocolate powder, shaved chocolate and mini marshmallows. I then attached 1/4 inch pink ribbon and used a snow flake cut out to attach to the ribbon. It was a very simple and affordable favor that I loved because it tied in with the Winter Onederland theme.

We had a wonderful time celebrating our little bean on her first birthday. While next year's party will not be as elaborate as this one, I had such fun putting this party together that I've already started pinning and researching for her 2nd birthday! I am so grateful for family and friends who were able to make it and celebrate my daughter's special day with us. How did we get to be so lucky?!?

I hope you all have a wonderful day.