Pool Day

We couldn't squeeze Ava's little sausage legs into her 6 month swimsuit and she's ready to start enjoying the pool so I picked up this little number and matching headband on sale at Janie and Jack.

There were so many precious suits to choose from, but I loved this one's burnt orange color and geometric pattern... and the sweet ruffles just make me happy.

Looking fierce practicing her strokes on the bed before braving the waters.

Photobooth Fun

Our friends James and Emily recently snuck away to some amazing tropical island in the Caribbean and eloped without telling anyone, then had a casual outdoor BBQ to celebrate with friends and family at home. It was really nice to finally catch up with so many of our friends we haven't seen since before baby.

The Wives (and soon-to-be wives) Club

Everyone had such a blast taking pics in hilarious poses in the photobooth... except Ava. (I don't remember why we decided to take pictures during the only time throughout the day she wasn't her happy, laughing, smiling self.)

Photobooths are such a great memento to send guests home with. Jordan Ferney has a tutorial on how to make some pretty awesome cutouts I'm excited to try for the next shindig we throw.

Twinsies

My baby sister (who I used to call "my baby girl" so who is now "my original baby girl") was sweet enough to ditch her awesome college life in San Diego and watch Ava while I work for the summer.

It's given us all lots of time to bond. Plus, Chelsea has mastered that casual, beach-sexy So. Cal. summer look so she's motivated me to wear something other than my PJs all day.

On this particular day, Chelsea showed up wearing the exact same colors I had Ava dressed in.

We're going to miss you like crazy when you go back to school, Chelsea, but we promise to visit soon!

Happy Birthday My Love!

For his birthday, my husband didn't want a big party with all his friends, he didn't want to go out to an expensive restaurant, he just wanted to have a nice dinner at home with his immediate family.

Since he is the birthday boy, I made him the dish he requested using a recipe from the Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook (which I highly recommend) -- Linguini with Scallops, Spinach, and Bacon in Champagne-Cream Sauce (similar recipe here).

For dessert, he asked for the island treat we had during our honeymoon in Hawaii -- hula pie. It's easy to make; I just filled an Oreo cookie pie crust (just mash up a package of the cookies with half a stick of butter) with macadamia nut ice cream. You can top with hot fudge and whipped cream if you like, but it was already plenty rich without it.

Thank you, Alex, for being the best husband and father your girls could ever ask for.

Red, White, and Blue

We just finished cleaning up our yard a bit (the pool is finally blue again for the first time this season!) so we wanted to have our friends over to help us enjoy it. But I was feeling a little overwhelmed at the idea of prepping for another party. So when any of my friends offered to bring something, I decided to take them up on it. And I'm so glad I did because I wouldn't have been able to pull off anything as even remotely close to Martha Stewart worthy as this:

Kristen's festive and delicious yogurt-covered strawberries could have been on the cover of MSL.

Jenne topped these confetti cupcakes with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and chocolate mint leaves... all from her own garden!

Happy 4th!

The Ballerina Photo Shoot

Ma Petite Danseuse woke up early this morning so while Dad was still asleep I was suddenly inspired to pose her as a ballerina before she outgrew her adorable pink tutu and ballet slippers.

Being a prima-donna.

Removing her dancing shoes.

"Alright, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up."

I think Ava found artistic inspiration (literally) listening to "Dirty Dancer".
(Hey, even ballerinas have to do the business sometimes.)