1st Annual Camp Andujar

My dad pitched an idea of a family camp out where we would hike, sleep in tents out in our backyard, play games and most importantly, bond as a family. He wanted to make it as realistic as possible. So my fun little appetizers were out of the question :-/ and our stove and oven.  We all loved the idea and planned it for Labor Day weekend. It was SUCH A BLAST! We roasted hot dogs, cut up watermelon, made s'mores, went on a night hike until Ty freaked out because he thought all of the animals outside were trying to get him, swam in the lake (pool), played games and had a archery contest for 2.5 seconds (ahem, dad).  

 Welcome to Camp Andujar!

 Setting up the tents with their sons

 The boys set up their tents!

 Walkers setting up their tent!

 Gabs just chillin

 I must have snapped this picture accidentally, but it's absolutely beautiful. 

 Erick and Gabriella are by far the darkest in the family!

 Guys hanging out by the fire pit!

 She loves Auntie Mariah!

 And Grandpa!!!

I'm OBSESSED with this picture!!! :)

 Night swimming!

 Watching the kids swim

 S'more time!

 I had to sneak a picture of Ty sleeping in the tent :)

No TV means board games for the kids!

We all had a great time even though everyone woke up to rain and thundering (except Gabriella and me... she slept in her crib)!  It was such a great experience for the aunts and uncles to bond with the little ones and the grandparents to love on all of the grand kids. Family is so important and we have all decided this will have to be an annual event. We made so many fun memories and the kids LOVED it! 

Nicole's Baby Shower Diaper cake!

 I had so much fun making a diaper cake for Ty's teacher that I decided I wanted to make one for my sister in law , Nicole (click the link to hear her beautiful voice) who is expecting her first child. I used a different technique than the previous one and it was so much better because I didn't have to roll each diaper individually. Rolling each diaper takes FOREVER and I hate the rubber smell (from the rubber bands) on all 100 diapers. 

I LOVE baby showers and seeing the mama to be open the gift is my favorite part! So, any excuse to be creative and give a gift makes me a happy girl :) 

This diaper cake had a pair of baby shoes, 4 receiving blankets, over 100 size 1 & 3 diapers, 4 newborn socks, 3 bibs, 6 washcloths and a beautiful ceramic "M" for Baby Mira. 

I loved the way it turned out. Congrats Nicole and Brandon!! I can't wait to love on a new member of the family! 

Gabriella's 1st and Ty's 5th Birthday Party

I still remember the night I started feeling contractions, April 24th at 11:00 PM. The only thing I was thinking is how to get this baby out before the clock hit 12am on April 26th, Ty's Birthday. Luckily, she was born at 7:54PM on the 25th. 

Having their birthday 1 day apart has been something I dreaded. I knew I wanted to go all out for her 1st birthday and his 5th birthday. The thought of both of them sharing their special day stressed me out. However, as I started to plan I realized how much better this was. We now live 2 hours away from the majority of our families, so they only needed to come out once for both kids. SCORE! Also, it is definitely more cost effective (major plus for me) to have one party as opposed to two separate ones. 

I made sure that each child had their own theme, food and attention. It was very important for me to make sure Ty knew how special he was and he would enjoy it just as much! 

Ty was easy. He is a complete Star Wars nut, particularly Darth Vader. Gabriella's theme was a little bit more difficult. I originally wanted to do a pink, aqua and white theme for her. No special fluff just the colors of her room. Then, I went to Party City with my husband and he went crazy for Minnie. The big eyes, bows and dark complexion just drew him in. So it was then decided, about a few weeks before her party to change the theme. 

Their party was so much fun! Food was fantastic and everyone had a lot of fun! Plus, having the pool was amazing! We love our new house and we were so excited to share it with all of our family and friends! :) Thank you to everyone who made the trip to celebrate our kids! 

Invitations
 On one side was Ty and the other side was Gabriella!

Banner on our mantel

Ty's Table

 Light Sabers

White and milk chocolate dipped pretzel rods with blue and red sprinkles

 Storm Trooper Pops

Marshmallows dipped in white chocolate and covered with crushed oreos

 Death Star Donuts

Chocolate Donuts

 Jabbapeno Dip

My famous Jalapeno Popper dip

 Vader Veggies

 Darth Sidious Smokies

Bacon wrapped smokies

Vaderade

Fruit Punch Gaterade

 C-H20

 Ty's personal water labels!

Gabriella's Table

 Sweet Pink Popcorn

Popcorn with a pink sugary topping!

 Bowtique Pasta Salad

 Mickeys McNuggets

 Hot Diggity Dogs

Mini corn dogs

 Minnie's Marshmallows

Daisy's Deviled Eggs

Backyard fun! I just LOVE our backyard!

 Time for cake!

 Gabriella with her Great Aunt Milly, Grandma Sylvia and Great Aunt Ingrid! Seriously, how gorgeous are these ladies!

 Dinner

 Pulled Pork sandwiches

 Caesar Salad, Potato Salad and Baked beans

 Light Saber and Minnie utensils

Happy Birthday Kiddos!

Picture Collage

I wanted  to show off some pictures of each child but I'm not a fan of putting them into a number since I scrapbook so I didn't want them to be too manipulated. This worked out perfectly! As soon as each guest arrived they were able to see pictures of our cute little kids!