Violet's 2nd birthday farm party

Violet's birthday party was supposed to be at an actual farm with kids rides, donuts, and a petting zoo. We were so excited this year to plan her party in Michigan since we planned a trip there for Mark's fall break from teaching. I know Michigan weather is unpredictable so I knew it could be a bust, but the venue had a large tent so I figured the worst that could happen is we would be cold and have to wear extra layers. WELL, the party was at the end of the week we were there. The whole week was beautiful, I mean unseasonably warm and just fall awesomeness. Then, when saturday rolls around they are calling for a huge storm at exactly the time of the party. Plus, the venue informed us that their tent was broken..whomp whomp. So we had no choice but to move it indoors. Luckily my fabulous friend has a recently renovated new house, perfect for entertaining. In the end, all the kids played, we had great hot dogs catered from The Corner Bar, and most importantly, our Michigan family and friends were able to attend. While there weren't any "real animals", I tried to play up the farm theme with the decorations.

Party prep, making the banner

Invitations by Minted 

Violet got a new car seat and the box became a barn 

loved her in "western" braids and her cow pants 

Fall Fun

The Fair

We had a blast at the Dixie Classic Fair this year. It rained for a week straight and this was the first beautiful day after that.  I think we spent about and hour and 100 bucks, but hey, memories, right? Harlow is really getting into the rides so that was fun to see and I always enjoy people watching. We will definitely make it a yearly tradition.

first day of preschool

Harlow started three year old preschool this year and Violet the "toddler" class. Harlow likes to say "I am three now so I'm in the three year old class" but still calls the two classroom her "regular class". They both are loving it and love to see all their friends at school. At the open house of course Harlow's teachers mentioned how much she likes to do art. They even saved some little scraps of paper that she cut up in a baggy (that one slyly went into the trash). I need to start taking photos of all her masterpieces.

2 year stats

I have lots of things to catch up on for the blog. A (short) camping trip we took, first day of preschool, the Fair, pumpkin patch, and finally our Michigan trip where we celebrated Violet's birthday. But first, before it's too far from Violet's birthday, the 2 year stats! She is:
35.25 inches 90% and 27 lbs 13 oz 65%. 

Violet makes us and herself laugh every day. She is goofy but also cuddly and sweet. She all of a sudden speaks in sentences and repeats everything we say! Whenever she sees a bus, she says "choo choo" and cracks me up every time. She is learning her colors and already likes pink. At dinner time she out of nowhere said "shark coming" and we all have to put our feet up and pretend a shark is coming to get us at the dinner table. Already with an imagination, we can't wait to watch you grow up Miss V! 

Ihop birthday lunch 

Beach trip 2015

We had another fun time in North Myrtle at Kingston Plantation. I had envisioned this princess dresses at sunrise photo op for a while but I wasn't going to wake up early on our vacation if I didn't HAVE to. Luckily the girls woke up early the first morning (that's what happens when we are all sleeping in the same room) and I lured them with new wands and tiaras down to the beach. It is so beautiful first thing in the morning! I so glad I got some good ones because the girls both got kinda sick with a stomach bug later on in the trip. We had our first public vomiting event (Violet. at a restaurant. right at the table).

Harlow's first dance class

Harlow did a summer dance class so we could try it out and see how she liked it. She loved it and is very good at following directions. Unfortunately, you only get to watch (or take photos ;-) from outside the window with blinds. On the last day we all stopped for ice cream on the way home so that was the bribe to get these photos. The girl loves PINK!