Summer Pool Party!

Dear Summer, please never end.  

Without a doubt this has been our most favorite summer ever. Every weekend seems to be jam packed with parties, trips to the pool, celebrations and more! This past weekend was no exception with back to back parties. On Sunday my friend Kristen had a bunch of us over for the most fun pool party.

 

There were SO MANY adorable minis floating in rafts. It was definitely cuteness overload mixed with mild pool-scanning panic to make sure everyone was constantly accounted for.

Everyone had so much fun splashing around and hanging out. 

Kristen, Tim and baby Hudson -- the very best party hosts/hostess!

The toddlers had the time of their lives although keeping track of them was like trying to watch half a dozen little drunk people. They were ALL OVER THE PLACE, cannon-balling into the deep end, splashing around and chugging juice boxes. It's no wonder Caroline keeps asking to go back to Hudson's house.

I love these little people so much.

And their mamas and daddas. 

For dinner Kristen and Tim made the most beautiful and tasty cookout spread!

 Kristen's serve ware is always so impressive too. I mean, look at that cute condiment boat, sea shells of salads and a whale vase filled with dessert.

 

 We picnicked in the yard which was so perfect. The weather couldn't have been better.

 

For dessert we had King of Pops popsicles and drumsticks!

We left with two exhausted minis, full bellies and hair full of ice cream for Matt. I'd say it was a pretty epic pool party!

Mini Confetti Cupcakes + Tom Tom's Class Birthday Party

For Thomas' class birthday party I whipped up some classic sprinkle cupcakes. There is just something so happy about biting into a confetti of colors that makes these treats perfect for birthday celebrations.

I've already shared my Homemade Funfetti Cupcake recipe with y'all before. However, I only use half that recipe these days because there is definitely no time to bake from scratch! Instead I swap out the homemade cupcake ingredients for the equally delicious funfetti boxed mix. Then I top it with my faaaaaaavorite classic whipped buttercream frosting:

Whipped Vanilla Buttercream 

From Carolina Charm

Ingredients
1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 lb confectioners’ sugar, sifted
3 tbsp. heavy cream
1 ½ tbsp. vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Directions
In a large bowl, whip the butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth (about 1 minute).  One cup at a time, add in the confectioners’ sugar and mix on medium-low speed until incorporated.  Add the salt.  Continue to beat on medium-high speed until smooth (about 1-2 minutes). Mix in the heavy cream and vanilla on low speed until well blended.  Increase the mixer speed and whip on high speed until light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed (about 4-5 minutes). 

Yields 2 dozen cupcakes

Thomas shares a birthday with his classmate Ellerbie so we threw a joint class party. I offered to make the cupcakes and baked half in pink liners and half in green liners to celebrate the birthday twins. 

Ellie's mama brought the cutest little party hats for all the babes! Of course Thomas was the only mini who refused to wear a hat. Womp womp.

This little man has been practicing all year demolishing baked treats in preparation for his first birthday cake smash. I mean...

Impressive grip followed by stuffing the cupcake it its entirety into his mouth.

We are proud of your accomplishments too, Tom Tom!

 

 The birthday twins.

Thomas Dean {12 months}

Happy Birthday Thomas Dean!!!

Today he is ONE. It's been a wild year with our littlest man and we couldn't be more grateful for the happiness he has brought to our family. My heart has been SO full since the moment our sweet boy entered this world...

 

My sweet, sweet Thomas Dean,

These past 12 months have been wild, challenging and even scary at times. But even more so, this past year has been the happiest time of our lives because of you. We have learned so much from you and you have changed our lives in the most unexpected ways. You have made me a stronger mama. You've helped me let go of things that don't matter, slow down and hold on just a little tighter to certain moments.

As I've walked alongside you through this tough eyesight journey, I have been so inspired and enamored by your strength and determination. Through each surgery, recovery and daily challenges, you have overcome each trial with enormous courage and strength. You have taught me to keep my head high and a smile on my face through the lowest of lows. You make me want to be a better, stronger mama each and every day and you know I would do anything for you. 

Oh how fun it has been watching you grow. Since the day you met your sissy she has been the true light of your life. You look to her for everything - help, hugs, laughs and more. You two are so inseparable that it makes my heart explode just watching you two together. When Caroline is away you look for her and it's obvious you are lost without her. You love her with the deepest love there is and she reciprocates that bond equally. 

Your giggle stops me in my tracks and makes me smile. When we pick you up from the floor, crib, high-chair, etc. you love to bicycle your little legs in the air so fast and it makes us laugh - every time. You absolutely love music and dance anytime you hear it. You love to dive into a sea of toys or plop yourself on top of pillows and lay there laughing. You are hilarious, little man. You are so much like your sister, yet uniquely perfect in many ways. You are our laid back baby.

Your daddy and I have never been more optimistic and positive about your future. We know without a doubt that the Lord is at work equipping you for big things ahead. Our hearts are full of hopes and dreams for you and we know you will be so successful in all of the dreams you chase. 

Thank you for being a mamas boy. You are an indescribable gift. Happy birthday, my sweetest little man.

Love,

Mommy

 

Twelve Month Highlights:

• Height: 28.75", Weight: 19 lb 8 oz, HC: 45.5 cm
• Waving bye bye backwards and saying "byyyyeee byeee!"
• No contacts lost!
• Still throws his cup repeatedly on the ground and says "uh-oh!"
• Loves: being outside in the water/pool/splash pad, throwing food and sippy cups from hi-chair, milk, Charlie's water bowl, toilet paper, smashing his face into pillows on the ground, bicycling his legs super fast when you pick him up.
• Still not interested in walking unassisted. 
• Hates: changing his contacts, the car seat, being hungry.
• Alternating patching between eyes as both are rotating turning in.
• Size 3 diapers; 12 month clothing

Twelve month favorites: Bath Color Dropz / Bath Seat / Wagon / Play Kitchen / Mickey Mouse Ride On Train / Bella Tunno Happy Knees / Wonder Bibs / Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cups / Hide N Squeak Eggs / Sit-to-Stand Walker / Aquaphor (for dry cheeks) / Refresh Rewetting Drops / Ear thermometer / Mustela PhysiObebe No Rinse Cleanser / Dohm Sound Machine / MAM pacifiers / Motrin / Bella Tunno Pacifier Clips / Hope Frog / Nose Frida / Boogie Mist Saline Spray / Eye Patches