I had so much fun seeing Cole again. I met him for the first time when he was a few days old. I saw him again learning to crawl while the fall colors changed. Lucky for me, I got to cover another season with Cole, Kelly & Tom. The spring season is in full bloom here and it comes complete with ladybugs.

I’m pretty sure these guys can’t take a bad photo.

Boy did we LUCK OUT with the weather.  I got so nervous on Friday that we would end up with a big rainy, sloppy mess and almost 40 people to have to entertain without the prospect of seeing any real farm animals.  Wouldn’t you know it, the skies cleared, the sun came out and it was actually quite warm.

6 months ago, Emma requested to have her birthday party at a petting farm.  It probably coincided with our trip to the best petting farm in the area – Clark’s Elioak Farm.  It’s a huge place, with lots of seasonal activities.  I knew it would be a fun place to have a party – if she didn’t change her mind.  I guess we’re risk takers when it comes to planning parties outside.  So far, we’re 2 for 2.  After all, we got married outside almost 7 years ago, and Lady Luck was on our side then, too.  She held fast to the idea, and I got to work trying to come up with fun ways to make a cozy party with some cute little vintage farm touches.

The party took it’s own shape.  Everybody gathered in the pavilion upon arrival, and we got started with the activities.  We handed out farm tattoos, we laid out some farm coloring books and do-a-dot markers, and some decorate-your-own-balloons.  After everyone had arrived, our farm hand Deb gave us a tour of the animals.  Next up was the pony rides, followed by a hayride, and a quick stop at the pumpkin patch where each guest got to pick their own pumpkin (which conveniently served as their party ‘favor’).  At the end, we enjoyed some food, farm fresh apple cider, and birthday cake.

We are so thankful to have such a wonderful group of friends and family who helped share in our celebration.  Only thing I would do differently?  Get someone else to take photos.  It’s just too hard to be party host and photographer extraordinaire.  Sadly, some of the party details didn’t get photographed because I was just too busy.  I tried to keep the focus on the experience and not on the decorations.  After all, that’s what it’s all about!   Enjoy!

a little sneak peek of one amazing party for a very sweet, happy, smart, funny, lovable little girl who is turning three this weekend.  More to come soon!

I had the honor and priviledge to get to know one of Emma’s classmates a little better.   Owen (the younger one) recognized me the minute I pulled up and flashed me that giant smile of his, and those brown eyes twinkled.

After we had a great evening chasing bubbles, playing leapfrog, and getting piggy back rides, my little friends were getting hot and hungry.   They knew that they had a sweet desert waiting for them at the end of the session, so we ended up the shoot  making family “ice cream sandwiches”.   Owen was chocolate and Aidan was vanilla.  Or was it the other way around?  I was so inspired by all the talk of ice cream, that I stopped for a little private sundae on my way home

Enjoy the sweetness!