Saturday, August 28, 2010

Stardust

It's about darn time I update my blog. Sorry, folks, but lately I just haven't been up to it. Not blogger's block or anything - I just haven't felt like it. But by golly, I have not poured myself into this blog for almost 3 years now just to burn out and stop posting. Never.

It's 10:30am. Eisley and I just woke up at 10. I went to yell at the dog's for barking - we have an unusually high number of pedestrians in this neighborhood, most of them walking their dogs. Our dogs have to bark & howl at every. single. one. of. them. But this time it was Justin they were howling at, he ran up the walk and presented me with a white bag, which can only mean one thing, kissed me on the cheek and said, "Have a good day, I have to go!"

Just like that he was gone again.

A white paper bag means: a croissant from Trompeau's Bakery. If you live in the Denver metro area and have never been to Trompeau's you're missing out. A little hole in the wall, right across the street from DU, run by a real Frenchman - thus, he knows how to make a croissant like nobody's business. You MUST visit the hole in the wall and delight yourself with a ham & cheese, or perhaps a pear & chocolate.

Or pick one up in the morning to surprise your wife with.

So, me with my warm croissant & Eisley occupied by playing the piano with her butt {a daily morning ritual}, I now have a chance to update my blog and I must do so.

I give you: Stardust.
{The small one on the left.}
Eisley's first pet. We spent some of her birthday money on this little setup. Of course, after the pet store I read online that 1/2 a gallon is far too small for a betta {then why do they market this tiny betta kit???} so we'll have to upgrade Stardust's house here pretty soon...
Which is too bad, because it's so lovely to have a tank that mounts on the wall. Out of reach for small, curious hands, if you get what I mean.
Eisley loves her new pet, and feeding him has become part of our daily schedule. Now that she's two we're trying to create more rituals & routines in her day, such as brushing teeth & Lord's Prayer before bed. Feeding Stardust is a pre-nap routine.
My grandmother gave my sister & I each our own pet fish when I was about two years old. It's one of my first memories.

Cheers! Let's see how long it takes me to post again...

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Eisley's Carnival!

Two years ago today my darling Eisley was born!

Above is the party invite, which I got here.

Today was Eisley's Carnival - to celebrate her 2nd birthday! Over 30 of our dearest friends & family were there to help us celebrate.

Kiddos got a bag for holding their treats, with a balloon to decorate.

Games were set up, at which they could win prizes:

Ring Toss prize was a "pet fish", or a gold fish toy in glycerin soap!

Spin-A-Prize treats included one of the following:

From the Duck Pond game they won a gumball machine.
A fortune telling booth -

- kids got a fortune cookie & mood fish.
The "Tattoo Parlor", with temporary tattoos!
And finally, we put up a photo booth! Complete with photo props.
Belle, our adorable neighbor:
Moriah, Ayla, & Indy - Eisley's cousins:
Peter & Angela - Eisley's godparents:

Friends Dalley & Aaron, expecting their own precious daughter next month!

For background music, I got this old timey carousel music on Amazon! Justin said it would drive him crazy, but it added so much to the atmosphere.Here is the carousel cake I made Eisley! It was made from chocolate cake, buttercream, marshmallow fondant, royal icing, and color flow horses I piped myself.

Cotton candy & animal crackers
Peanuts!

Piggy Pie:
Popcorn!
Circus peanuts, served on a ferris wheel.
We made about 35 caramel apples, and they were a hit.


The Birthday Girl totally pigged out on peanut M&Ms.

Eisley LOVED opening presents!



Both of her Great Grandmothers were there, which was really special

Happy Birthday Eisley! We love you so much, we hope your party was special for you, it was for us.

PS - Family & friends, I'd love some better pics of Eisley & guests if you have them!

Also - I wish I could take credit for all the ideas, but many of them came from these AMAZING carnival parties at Kara's Party Ideas & Under the Table and Dreaming.