Emily's First Birthday

I love being back home and getting to be there for family and friends' special events. Last weekend we went to San Diego to celebrate Emily's first birthday and I had the pleasure to capture it. 

Emily is just the daintiest, sweetest little thing. 

She wasn't a huge fan of her accessories.

The relationship between her and her older brother Owen is adorable.

She tried sharing her cake with anyone within reach, especially Owen.

I adore her sweet expressions.

Her little cousin's smile stole my heart.

Owen with his daddy. Pure sweetness.

This little guy was so tired but his mother's patience and love captured me.

Happy Birthday little Emily!

Mommy's Day 2012

Happy Mother's day to all the mom's and alike. Payton and I enjoyed a nice relaxed day. Some video chatting with the family back in California included. Being a military family and so far away, video chatting really helps get us through till we can see them again. We decided to get one more park trip in before I have foot surgery this week.

I love these moments with her. 

Payton is slightly (ha! understatement) obsessed with drums. If there aren't any around, she makes some. Luckily there are bongos at the park. Only way I can peel her from the swings.

My little pirate girl. Arrrgggh!

Can't get enough of this beautiful face. Happy Mother's day everyone!

Got the Fever...

Today was the first day in two and a half years I've had to pick Payton up early from daycare because she was sick. I'm quite proud of that little fact. Anyways, yep fever. Wasn't too bad but didn't take any chances. We got home and rested and her fever ended up breaking a couple hours later. (Thank you Tylenol) Since I noticed Payton cruising around my sewing room trying to get into things, I figured it was ok to get out of the house a bit. It was 80 and sunny on March 1st here in VA. I thought I was back home in Cali for a bit.

Mid word of screaming "mom!" 

Just let your hair fly free

Yep, feeling better. Ciao!

P & T Photos...

I was backing up my photos and realized I didn't share these from our trip to California. There's quite a few but they're so cute of Payton and Trent!

Oh yea and Diesel too. 

I love, love, love this one!

Payton is 36" tall here, just giving you perspective on how big Diesel is :) 

Payton never hides how she feels...

Who can resist Trent's lips? Muah!

Just veggin' out.

This was Payton's birthday outfit. I made a circle skirt with liner and just added tulle to the liner. Of course with matching belt and hair bow. She squealed when she saw it, so worth it!

Pattern Review: Olivia Pea Coat

Okay final pattern review for the Olivia Pea Coat from Peek a Boo Pattern Shop. I was really nervous about making a jacket, but it actually wasn't too bad. The annoying part was hand sewing the buttons on but that was my choice of buttons. :p

Sleeves were a little long but not too shabby huh? 

Pattern Review: Sea Breeze Dress

This is actually the first pattern I tested for Amy at the Peek a Boo Pattern Shop and used in the family photos back in Cali. Even though you've already seen the dress, I mostly just wanted to share from the photoshoot before we went on our trip.

She's quacking at the ducks to get them in position for this one:

Don't mind the droopy bow. I need to move the belt loops up and over a little... or maybe droopy bows will just be cool one day :)

But, I really enjoyed sewing this dress. It was pretty easy and really versatile depending on the fabric and how you tie the bow. 

Now that you've viewed some of Payton's expressions, lets view her strut. Oh yea, she struts.

The casual strut

The excited strut

I think this one is the best, the determined strut... Another review tomorrow. Ciao

Family Portraits Take 2

While we were in California (yes we're STILL recapping :) I tried again at taking some shots of all four grandkids again, at once. Remember last time? Ok so I didn't resort to photoshopping them all into one shot. They're not too shabby, considering two 7 year olds, a 1 and 2 year old were the subjects. :)

Denice came to help wrangle all the kids, and back up camera.

The boys...

Payton and her buddy Chase. She LOVES him... Can't you tell :)

My dad become a regular assistant of mine while I was home. :) Hello Kitty (aka 'hello meow) belongs to Miss P, not my dad. (Just a disclaimer :)

Ok, so what's so bad?... Ha! 

Payton's first big knee scrape. From the parking lot before we even got to the park. Then shortly after decided to sit in that big puddle right behind her :/

I think this is my favorite photo of the set. It just shows each of their personalities and stages so well... :) 

Chase and Connor were bribing the babes with goldfish to look at the camera. They knew better.

So all in all not too bad... each time is a learning experience and story.