Happy Lil' Hoedown, Small Style

I had to use restraints in order not to do a total photo overload here. I have a ton and a half of happy photos from Stella's second birthday party last weekend. It was a western theme which was a blast for me to plan and watch unfold. One kids and adults can get into! Mr.'s Mom is a party planner and went ALL OUT with caramel apples, popcorn, balloon sculptures and decorations. The entirety of my immediate family traveled here to attend and spend the weekend which was extra special! Stella had all of her cousins, both grandparents and all but one uncle present. Seriously. How often does that happen?



Stella's outfit was a group effort between myself, my Mom and my Mother in Law. It came together super cute. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of the fringed cowgirl vest my Mom made to go with it. 

Stella's Outfit:

Shirt- ChiTown Boutique, skirt- made by my Mom, boots- hand-me-downs from Joaquin, hat- Disney, gifted from my MIL & SIL

We celebrated twice, once on Stella's actual birthday and once for the big bash over the weekend. I have a pretty sweet/funny video from the first party I'll share soon!

Linking up for Small Style!!





Two

This bit of spark and smile joined us two years ago today. My life forever changed!

 A seriously good time is in store starting today and continuing through the weekend as family arrives to celebrate.

Too Stella Anita & my Grandmother Elizabeth Anita before her.

Happy Birthday!

It's Your Birthday!

So let's keep celebrating! Here are a few images from this weekend. We spent it in Long Beach and Los Angeles. We visited the Aquarium Of The Pacific with familia, spoiled ourselves with a couple nights at the Westin and dinner and drinks out (Thank you Abuelita Teresa!). The kiddos loved the heated pool and seeing there cousins! Then it was off to a baseball game (Stella's first not counting the many she attended in my belly).

 Tonight we are celebrating again. Love you so much Henry!

Happy Day Joaquin!

Three years ago today I had the most life changing experience of my life. One that I am still completely in awe of as well as proud. Now I get to watch this beautiful boy grow and add to my life even more. 

For his "Happy Day" we decided to surprise Joaquin with a train ride and party. Luckily, the Fillmore & Western Train Co. offers a weekend scenic train ride. So with a car full of Joaquin's primos, tia & GiGi & PopBee we headed out for the 4 hour excursion. I'm pretty sure they all loved every bit.

When we returned to the house Joaquin's Abuelita had decorated it top to bottom with balloons, streamers, a pinata and a house full of guests. Pozole and a Thomas Train Cake waiting for him as well. Una verdadera fiesta Mexicana!!

Happy Birthday Joaquin!

We love you more than we can say(or write).

Linking up with Unknown Mami for Sunday's In My City

Small Style-Winter Sun

Someone is going to be three years old in a month. That someone warms my heart even on the coldest of winter days and it is about to get a bit colder.

Today we will follow the train tracks east past the citrus orchards and fields of celery and chive. Then north over most of the state until we reach Chico, home, for the holidays.

Warmest wishes to all the sweet Small stylers and their savy stylista Mamas!! 

Linking up for Small Style once again.

On Joaquin: 
Flannel-American Living
Jeans-Gap
Shoes-See Kai Run 

The Post

This past weekend was my birthday which usually kicks of a two month long love affair with the mail. Beginning a week or so before Thanksgiving it begins with hand written notes and packages from my family and friends with birthday wishes and sweet sentiments. One card from my Gram this year made me tear up. Love you Gram! There is something to be said for a good handwritten note and seeing a loved ones own handwritting... Soon Christmas and holiday cards (and packages!!) will start trickling in. I am especially eager to see all the family photo cards each year. This week I received all sorts of goodies some for me and some for the kiddos. It was a good mail week! One package had a sweet surprise which Miss Stella is wearing. Thispink and white elephant shirt from Colorland & Friends Shop! I guess I am still just a kid when it comes to getting mail even if its not for me. I am also still the first one up on Christmas morning, what can I say?!

On Stella:
shirt, Colorland. ruffle bloomer, Rae Gun on Etsy. sweater tights, Old Navy. rain boots, thrifted

This year I decided to do something just a bit different for my own holiday cards. Instead of a family photo card I had a personalized family portrait created! Seriously I could not be more excited about them. The box from Dear Ida Cards came in the mail yesterday and I can hardly wait to send them out. Do you all still send out holiday cards via post? What type of greeting do you typically send?

Today is Thanksgiving and Mr. and I are hosting at our new place with some of his family. There are a bunch of cousins headed over for Stellita and JQ to play with and a hole lot of good times too.

We are linking up with Morgan for Small Style because damn nothing can brighten my day like a bunch of cute little ones!!

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll!

Stella's "Small Style" Birthday

Stellita's birthday outfit turned out so cute. Her party theme was Watermelon so naturally she was decked out in that color scheme. It was 100 degrees and I was a bit worried but we stuck to the shade and if not in the shade we were in the pool so it all worked out. She was so cheerful and happy, full of smiles all day. I think she new it was her "Happy, Happy" as Joaquin calls it.

I am still sort of in disbelief that mi chiquita Stella is a year old. Maybe when she starts walking it will be more "real."

Things were a bit rushed in the morning before the party so I did not get pictures of the birthday girl in the yard as planned but I managed to sneak in a few in between swimming and cake. Which by the way in our family the little ones usually get to take a bite out of the cake after blowing out the candles. It usually ends up all over their face....For Miss Stella though she just stuck her foot in it (my fault actually) But she laughed and ate the frosting anyway which was adorable.

 

 

I love that you can see some of the little heads and hands of  her cousins looking on as she blew out the candle and licked frosting from her toes! So fun! And there you have it, Stella turned one and in style of course!!

We are linking with Mama Loves Papa for Small Style again.

The Birthday Girl Wore:

Shirt- lisagorno

Ruffle diaper cover- RaeGun

Shoes- Bobux

Hairclippie- bowsosweet

Stella's 1st Birthday & Independence!

While we are still recovering from the past few days, TODAY is very special. Stella turns 1 year old today! We celebrated over the weekend with familia, swimming, food and a whole lot of fun as well as celebrating Independence Day. The little ones had a blast with almost all of their cousins (a rare occasion!). Stella was in such a cheerful mood all day and even well into the night...regular party girl this one! As it was her 1st birthday we kept it mellow with just family,...much like Joaquin's 1st. Still with just family it adds up to more than 20 people! Needless to say we did not quite make it to watch fireworks last night but heard them from our cozy beds. Her are a few pictures of the festivities and more to come ...!

Henry's Feliz Dia

Today my handsome husband celebrated another year. Thanks to all our friends and family for celebrating with us.

Happy Birthday Joaquin!

It is official. I am no longer a mother of two, under two. Joaquin is on his way to three years old as of yesterday! We have had a fun filled few days to celebrate all that is our busy, happy, mischievous baby boy! A Friday morning playgroup party with all of JQ's little friends and a Disney Car's theme kicked things off. Crazy and fun as always we are so happy to be part of such a "flexible" and joyful group. The little ones enjoyed snacks and playing and us moms get to chat a bit too!

Joaquin's cousins, Abuelita Garcia and Aunt made the eight hour drive to spend the weekend and celebrate the big day which was a pleasant surprise.When Saturday evening rolled around it was time to paaartty with the fam! We filled the trampoline with balloons, choo, choo trained "out" the house and had a menu of JQ's favorite foods. It was a wonderful time and truly a great way to celebrate our this quirky little guy and all that he loves.

Turning Two! Toot, toot!!

Joaquin is going to be two years old in exactly one month. He has gone from infant, to babe, to little boy so quickly it seems. We are all looking forward to celebrating his birthday, hearing his laugh and seeing him race around with his little friends.

Yeah... Can't Wait!

Party planning is in full swing but I have to admit I have to keep myself from getting carried away with the excitement. After all, he is only turning two right??!! ...and as much fun as a big birthday party would be I am going to tone it down a bit and be practical. Joaquin will be able to enjoy his day better anyhow with just a few friends, family and a hole lot of fun! He is super into cars, trains, Buzz Light Year and his new boots so  ...can you guess what the party theme will be?

Well actually we are going with a train theme although I love this picture of my little man in his boots and PJ's. There are such adorable party decorations and ideas on Etsy.com. I think I will be getting the decorations, invites and cake topper all from this site. Love that!

photos

Another Reason To Celebrate

So it is my birthday on Saturday and although I am usually a bit reluctant to be on center stage this year I am excited to have a weekend of festivities. As a Mom of two, under two, my everyday life is typically far from glamorous. So the thought of having a glamorous dinner party is really very appealing. I came across these old photos of just the thing. See Frank Sinatra?? How fabulous would it have been to be there. Look at the ladies outfits, jewels and coats, Swoon!

photo credits here

Although there will be no masquerade parties for me this weekend we will be celebrating none the less in style! Friday my handsome husband and I are going out on the town. Saturday it is coffee, the farmers market, the park and pictures with Santa for the kids. Then some pampering for me before a dinner party with friends and family at our home. Sunday brunch, rest and recuperation. Happy Birthday to me! 

Happy Birthday Henry

Happy Birthday Henry

...We have so much to celebrate this year! You are a fabulous husband and Dad. Joaquin adores you and so do I. We love you, miss you and wish we could give you a BIG hug and kiss on this day!!!

So consider yourself warned when you arrive home!!!!!