DJ's 30th Surprise Par-tee

My husband turned the big 3-0 while we were on vacation this summer. To celebrate, his family and I decided to throw him a surprise party. This was probably the most difficult party I had to plan because the party was going to be in Arkansas, and we're 12 hours away from there.

Thankfully, my husband trusts me, and I know his email account password, and facebook allowed me access to his friends, so I was able to send out e-vites! And, a big shout out to his mom, sister, and sister-in-law for helping me to communicate and find local bakers, caterers, and so much more! We set up the food inside. Has anyone ever spent a summer in Arkansas? It's hot! And, where they live, the mosquitos are AWFUL! I think mosquitos should truely be the state bird.... We served homemade chex mix (a family favorite), a layered taco dip, spinach dip, and salsa, as well as a few veggies, and yummy chocolate covered peanuts! Our main course was brats and baked beans that were catered by my husbands favorite local BBQ joint.

I decided to use a golf theme, since it's been his favorite activity this summer!

I found the plaid fabric at Hobby Lobby, and decided that I would make golf flags as the table centerpieces. I had to make the flags here, and pack them in the bottom of the suitcase. All the while, my sister-in-law and father-in-law had to figure out the bases for these! When the flags were in placed, we hot glued green crinkle grass around the base of the stand and a little on the table (so the wind wouldn't blow the grass in the yard)We used the colors in the flags as inspiration for everything else, and used red tablecloths and I found little golf ball stickers, that we let my neices place on the tables.

I ordered personalized golf tee's as party favors and set those around the tables as well.

I also made the birthday banner at our house, and shipped it to my mother in law before we left on vacation!

I wasn't sure what type of cake I wanted, but Jeny's Cakery did a fantastic job! I swear, this was the best taking cake (even a few days after the party!)

We also filled containers of DJ's favorite candies that guests could munch on- snickers, twizzlers, peanut m&m's (in the parties colors), and peanut butter cups. -yummy!-

My husband had a great birthday. I think he was very suprised at the party, and I know he enjoyed seeing old friends, and having all of his family celebrate with him!

Too Pooped To Eat

We took Gretchen shopping on Tuesday, as one of our last things to do in Little Rock, and little miss did not have a nap that day. We sat down to eat dinner- and this is how she reacted... too pooped to eat, or she was just really bored with her fod!

A Family Pic

DJ's mother always requests that we get a family picture while we are visiting. Her son and daughter live in the same town with their families, so they get to see her often. I must say that to DJ and I this is almost always a dreaded event- trying to coordinate AND to get the kids to cooperate, but this year, it went so well!

Because she told me in advance, I was able to make sure that DJ and I had the required khaki and white, and I even packed something for Gretchen. However, we decided that all of the cousins, could wear something else. DJ and I went shopping earlier in the day and picked out the adorable green zebra that Gretchen is wearing. We also prepared by taking fruit snacks to bribe her with!

So, do you guys take family pictures? It seems this trip we've taken a lot of them.

Today is our last day with his mom, and then Gretchen and I will be headed back to visit my mom for another week! I'm hoping that DJ will survive the drive home and enjoy his week to himself!

She Thinks She's a Model

Gretchen is becoming quite the little ham prancing around like a super model. We can now tell her to "Strike a Pose" and this is what she'll do!

I think she likes showing off for her family here in Arkansas!

Does this ever happen to you?

I've been visiting my mother for the last few days, and we decided to go shopping on Monday. Our rooms are on the opposite side of the house; she walked down to our room as I was fixing Gretchen's hair and I looked up in shock that we were ALL dressed the same! We had to snap a quick picture and then I quickly put on a different tank top before we headed out.... As my husband said, I "am that vain."

At least we have a great picture for the website and facebook page!

My Little Dare-Devil

Gretchen became quite the little dare-devil while we were at the lake last week! All of the big cousins were tubing, and she decided that she wanted to go too. So, we jumped on and DJ pulled us around the lake on the tube, and she loved it! I will add that we were the only lake on the boat and he went very slow! I was pretty nervous about her wanting to tube, but decided that she'd be okay.

She went again, the day after, but really wanted to go by herself! I drew the line here, and told her that she could go by herself when she learned to swim!

DJ swears that she'll be on ski's by the time she's 4!

A Day at the Farm

We took Gretchen to the farm today to visit her great-grandmother, and to see her cousins. It was so nice to see my grandmother today, since we haven't seen her since March. And, my grandmother made us the best peach cobbler and we had homemade ice cream!

Gretchen had fun keeping up with the boys running around the farm! Chase took her on a John Deere truck ride!

She loved this!

He was kind enough to let her drive, but she ran straight into a bush!

Later, the boys took off without her, and Gretchen ran after yelling, "stop!"

They decided that she could drive again since the batteries were running low, and gave her a push.

DJ said that Gretchen might have one of these sitting in the garage for her when we came home.... until I told him the price of them!

We also got to visit her new baby cousin, Shane. She held him for a few seconds and then decided he was too heavy. But, she was very gentle and even gave him a little kiss.

I was shocked the Gretchen cooperated for a minute to get a picture with her Gee and Great-grandma. She jumped right up there though and put her arms around them both.

I think she enjoyed playing with Chase, since she gave him a tight hug at the end of the day! I'm not sure he's as thrilled though.

This is where I've been....

for the last few days we've been at the lake visiting my husband's family. We've had a wonderful start to our vacation, but tomorrow, we're off to see MY family and I'm so excited!

Hi-lights from Central Ark.

We're leaving today to visit DJ's mom and his brother and sister for the next few days. We've had a great time at my parents, and I wanted to post a few hi-lights from this visit! We took Gretchen to feed the catfish in the pond.

Gretchen helped Gee fix breakfast.

I was able to celebrate my birthday with my husband and sister-in-law. (We all have July birthdays.)

DJ and I visited Blanchard Spring Caverns with my brother and sister-in-law.

Gretchen was able to play with her cousins.

And, Gretchen enjoyed a homemade popsicle!

We've had a great trip, and I'm excited to visit DJ's family before Gretchen and I head back down here for another week!