30th Birthday Party

Josh and I turn 30 this year.  Our birthdays are 8 days apart...so we decided to "go all out" with a Roller Skating party.  We rented out the skate center and invited some of our closest friends!

Allison & Josh are turning the big 3-0!

Join us for the party or make a cameo.

Take a break from the boring work week...

Lace up your skates & roll around the rink!

The DJ will be spinning -you won't stop movin'.

80s Rock & Pop will keep you groovin'!

You can hokey pokey or play skee ball too!

Hope you can make it--it's not a party without you!

Here are some pictures of the night!

(we used our camera...but I think the awesome neon lights at the skate center messed with the quality)

Cake from Homestyle Bakery

The cake had lights and a spinning disco ball!

 The Thirty Year Olds!

Harper made a quick cameo! 

FRIENDS...

ah, couples skate to boys II men!

(Caitlin-thanks for risking your life to take actions shots!)

 Happy Birthday to Us!

Santa!

Over the weekend, we attended a Christmas party at the Blands.

This was Harper's first holiday party and first time to meet Santa.

We had such a great time seeing Santa, catching up with friends, and celebrating the holidays!

Thanks for a fabulous party Anna Clare and Derek!

Before the party

Hanging with Audrey

(really just getting a diaper change)

Lovely smile Harper

Kim, Anna Clare, Me, & Harper

SANTA IS HERE!!

Love these! 

Smiling with Santa! 

Santa and Mini-Santa 

I guess mom and dad ruined all her Santa fun!

Doesn't every child need at least one "Crying Santa" picture?

happy holidays!!

Harper on Etsy

Before Harper was born, I ordered the monthly onesie stickers from Baby Smiles Boutique on Etsy.  I thought they were super cute and affordable!  I also figured it would be a great way to capture her monthly updates!!

 A few days ago, I posted my feedback for the seller and attached a picture.  Well, to my surprise, I got an email (on my birthday) saying she had posted the picture on her site!

 I wasn't sure when I would kick off her modeling career...so I guess now is as good of a time as any.

JUST KIDDING!

She is pretty cute though, right?!?!?!

Check out her website...they have so many options for babies!!

(not being paid by babysmilesboutique for this post, just love their product and H on the website)

Birthday Tradition

Every birthday that I can remember, we had cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  My mom and Aubrie even drove up to Knoxville my freshman year of college to surprise me with them before finals.  It is just something my family did and I have introduced to my new family.  Well, teaching a husband family traditions isn't always the easiest.  Guess who finally got it right this year???

Happy Birthday To Me!

Thirty

Thirty years ago today, my memaw got a phone call from my uncle Tim letting her know she had a new granddaughter.  About 6 hours later, she got the same phone call from my dad, letting her know she had a new granddaughter.  Memaws response:  "I know, Tim already called a few hours ago".  Everyone was probably a little confused.  You see, my aunt LaDonna had given birth to Annie Elizabeth on the morning of December 6th, 1981.  About 6 hours later, my mom gave birth to me!

So not only am I turning 30 today, so is my fabulous cousin Annie!

Annie and I grew up in different states and have taken many different paths in life.

She became a mother years before me and has 3 beautiful children.
I, as you know, had my first baby this past September.

(Me with Harper)

But one crazy-very similar-life path Annie and I have taken during the year of our 30th birthday.

We both gave birth to daughters named Harper.

I don't think we have ever celebrated a birth quite on the same path in life (as adults) like our 30th!

Annie and Harper

(Her Harper was born about a month before my Harper) 

Annie and her family.

I cannot wait to have a belated 30the celebration with Annie at the end of the month.

We are so excited for Harper 1 and Harper 2 to meet!

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY ANNIE!!!

and

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY TO ME!

(More on my birthday week later)

Happy Birthday Taylor Grace!

Over the weekend, we attended Taylor Grace's first birthday.  This was the first birthday party for Harper to attend!  It was nice to be around Chris and Mary Elizabeth's family and a few friends. 

Singing to the birthday girl.

She went for the cake immediately!

Here are all the kiddos that attended the party.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR GRACE!

Church

Today was Harper's first day at church.  We picked the church service based on when she woke up and needed to nap.  We hoped she would sleep the whole time (b/c it was nap time), but no such luck.  She was very good...just chatty!  She kept making little noises and coos.  Then, I worried at any moment she would fuss or cry b/c she didn't get her nap.  We originally decided to take her with us b/c she still sleeps in noisy rooms/car seats/public,etc. really well.  After missing half the service b/c I was walking around with her, we decided to venture down to the nursery and enroll Harper. We filled out paperwork, got a tour, and feel really comfortable leaving her there next time.  

Sip'N'See

A family friend, Denise, hosted a wonderful Sip'N'See for Harper.  She was in such a good mood and we had a great time!  I only got a few pictures of the night. 

Harper and Bossy 

Bossy, Mommy, and Harper

The Guest of Honor

 

Our Fabulous Host!

 

Thank you for a wonderful party Denise!



It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

On Sunday, we decided to bust out the holiday decor. 

We had just come back in town and figured a rainy day was a perfect time.

We put away all our fall stuff and out came Christmas!

When we finished, we threw on our holiday hats and attempted a family picture in front of the tree.

ATTEMPT 1

ATTEMPT 2

The Tree

(instagram editing)

 Harper's Ornament

Trying to burp a sleepy baby!

We couldn't resist a picture of that face!

Our Mantle (stockings are red and not pink) 

I surprised Josh with the stockings...he couldn't believe they said Dad and Mom!

Happy Decorating!