There are a few things about the girls that I have told myself over the years that I need to document for fear that I would forget. These are just a few things I always want to remember.
3 Tips for Photographing Children
Back in May I got some pictures done of Olivia and Emery. I wanted to do something a bit different for this shoot. I wanted the pictures to capture their fun, contagious personalities at this age--I wanted the pictures to represent how they are in real life.
After such a successful shoot, I wanted to share some of my learnings from this no-tears session!
After such a successful shoot, I wanted to share some of my learnings from this no-tears session!
Pictures taken by the fabulous Callie Hobbs of Callie Hobbs Photography. If you're in Northern Utah, be sure to give her a holler!
Best of luck and happy picture taking, friends!
xo,
Jacquelinne
Best of luck and happy picture taking, friends!
xo,
Jacquelinne
Memorial Day Weekend Fun
We started off our Memorial Day Weekend by hitting it up at the splash pad. The girls had so much fun dancing, splashing and running through the water with their friends. And screaming. Lots of screaming. Afterward we went to a hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop and ate til I could barely move. Every holiday weekend needs at least one of those meals, right?
The girls were sick through the rest of the weekend so we laid low at the house and spent quality time together as a family. It was much needed. Lots of cuddles, giggles and relaxing.
The girls were sick through the rest of the weekend so we laid low at the house and spent quality time together as a family. It was much needed. Lots of cuddles, giggles and relaxing.
Hope you all had a fun, safe Memorial Day weekend, as well!
Tips for Planning the Perfect Birthday Party
Our little Emery is two years old! This girl keeps us smiling, running nonstop and very busy with her adventurous, curious, and spunky personality. I can't imagine life without this little stinker!
We just finished up a whirlwind birthday weekend full of nonstop partying and I wanted to share with you Emery's friend party!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
We had so much fun planning and putting on this party for our darling Emery. She has loved animals for a long time and I knew the theme "Party Animals" would be perfect. These kids were a riot and we had so much fun watching them run around in their animal masks, play with balloons, stomp on bugs--and nothing was cuter than watching them sit on the front porch feeling like a million bucks in these hilarious sunnies!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I have had a flood of people ask me about my birthday parties and I wanted to share with you some tips on throwing a fantastic toddler birthday party!
My Top Tips on Planning the Perfect Toddler Party
Theme. Picking a theme can be very fun, but keeping it simple and not going overboard with the theme is key. The rule of three can be a good rule of thumb. For instance, at Emery's Party Animals party, I mixed in a few animal print balloons with an array of other bright colored balloons, the animal masks dressed up the kraft paper lunch boxes, and the party favors were the animal glasses. These three items were the perfect amount of "animal" without it being too much.
Decorations. Decorations are my favorite part but, again, keeping it simple is always a good idea. Think less is more. I always try to have one or two statement displays at my birthday parties. For example, this can be a backdrop with streamers, garlands, and the food spread. Don't go crazy with the decor and stress yourself out, mamma! Been there. Done that!
Simple Menu. Those of us with toddlers know that they don't eat a lot. And having too many options and too much food is most likely going to go to waste. Even though a great variety can be very cute, keeping things simple and practical with toddlers is usually best. Think outside the box and try something different. Emery's doughnuts were a hit and easy to clean up because they were a finger food!
Keep Activities Short and Simple. It can be very hard to get kids to cooperate, especially if you have a large group. Most birthdays that I plan I try to incorporate favors for the kids that they can play with and enjoy during the party (ie: bubbles, hula hoops, jump ropes, etc.). Make sure that the activities are age appropriate and be flexible if the kids decide they don't want to participate. That happens a good majority of the time at my house.
Raising Fit Kids
There are several ways that I'm suggesting that we can promote fitness and living a healthy lifestyle in our homes. Biggest one--it all starts with us parents. Kids learn so much through our example. They observe and absorb everything we do. Now that nicer weather is just around the corner, I plan to get out and go biking with my family several times a week. My hope is to instill in my children that engaging in physical activity is normal--not sitting in front of the TV, watching shows together every night. We have been guilty of this.
Diet. This definitely is my weakness and I have so much room to improve, but something as simple as throwing out all sweets in the house is a huge start! I try to keep things very simple that I cook. I cook with lots of fresh vegetables and lean meats. As my husband says: "I like girl food." But in all seriousness, I feel significantly better when my diet is in check. I have more energy and I find that my girl's are more alert, more responsive, and happier.
It's never too early or too late to get started. Just a few weeks ago, I taught the girls about fitness at joy school. They had so much fun running, jumping, crawling, twirling, and rolling--I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that I broke a sweat just chasing them as we ran and danced in a circle to "We are Never Getting Back Together" fives times. *Those three year olds had me busting up at their song requests.
If You're Happy And You Know It!
These pictures make my heart sing of my little O clapping her hands! She brings so much joy and laughter into my life!
This little shoot inspired these happy printables for you today! These files are 8x10 and free for download. Download, print, and enjoy!
Cheers, All!
