{Family Fix} School's In

I can't believe it's that time again.

Summer is over and school is back in session.  Jae has started first grade and I just can't seem to wrap my head around it.  My baby... in the first grade!  Ugh.  I just want to dress him in a onesie, wrap him in a blanket and rock him to sleep.  But sadly those days are over.

 

~~~

 

On another note,

I have to admit it has been a beautiful summer around these parts and the sun is still shinning bright.  I love the fall but I'm not quite ready for the sun to leave us.

 



{Family Fix} Avon's Pirate Party

About 2 years ago, I found a bunch of pirate birthday party supplies on clearance at Michael's. Being the frugal gal I am, I snatched them up and stored them away in my storage closet. I originally planned on using them for Jaelyn's next birthday, but he wasn't feeling the pirate idea. And since I knew I wanted to have a Tye Dye theme for Avon's first party, I decided to use them for his 2nd birthday party, which was this past Saturday at my Mom's house.

Since my nephew Lincoln's birthday is also in August, I decided to do a combo party for the both of them.  I had so much fun with planning this party and got really into the pirate theme.

Party Decor

In addition to the food, I put out some snacks inspired by the pirate theme.

Dead Man's Punch

Cannon Balls

Pirate Rope

Ship Planks

Catch O' the Day

Each kid was given an eye patch and red sash to wear.  I also had pirate hats for each of them to decorate with markers and stickers.

For activities, I set up a "plank" for the kids to walk.

I made some telescopes and bought some foam swords for the pirates to play with on the plank.

Another activity I had planned was a Treasure Hunt.

I wrote up a quick little poem that led the kids around the yard from one clue to the next.



To find the treasure,

you must follow the map.

Put one foot before the other,

and don't look back.

Clue number 1,

is just beyond the gate.

Look in the flower pot,

and don't be late.

Clue number 2,

 will lead you to 3.

Walk to the front yard,

where you'll see a tree.

You're getting closer and closer,

the the treasure of sweets.

Return to the backyard,

to claim your treats.

While they were distracted with the clues, I had my dad sneak and put the treasure chest on the plank.  The kids were pretty excited when they opened it up and saw goody bags pirate loot.

The loot.

My Mom and Sissy made cupcakes that were so good.

To dress them up, I made some toppers and these cute little paper pirates to look like Avon and Lincoln.

The party was a success.  I think everyone enjoyed themselves, esp. the birthday boys.

Can't believe my baby boy is 2 already.

Happy Birthday Avon!

Mommy and Daddy love you!

{Fun Fix} Back to School Shopping

If you are anything like me, then you too dread seeing the "Back to School" commercials, store aisles, and coupon mailers.  It seems like every year they come earlier and earlier.  It's like the moment school lets out we parents are bombarded with the thought of preparing for the next school year.  I just want a moment to breath the fresh air, feel the sun on my face and relax without thinking about school supplies and backpacks.

But the truth is, the summer is only so long and the first day of school is quickly approaching.  And let's face it, as much as I dread seeing the "Back to School" ads, I love to shop more, especially at a great sale.

One of my first stops when school shopping is Old Navy.  I can always find great deals on the essentials and trends at ON.  Which is important, because sending a kid off to school is not cheap especially with the mile-long school supply list that is required.

Jaelyn has been developing his own style lately so I'm sure he will have a lot to say about what clothes I buy.  He's really into graphic tee's and hoodies.  So while he will be searching to find the perfect skull tee, I will be on the look out for a sturdy fall jacket and a great pair of jeans, all at the right price of course.

It's so hard for me to believe that my baby boy will be going into the first grade.  He's growing so fast. (tear)

Love this kid!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

{Photo Fix} Summer Time Pics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{Family Fix}Annual Heeps Family Picnic

This past weekend was my family picnic in BC.
It's an annual event, were the family comes together, catch up with each other, eat, compete in races, eat and eat some more.

I got my grub on all day.  It was shameful.

Here are just a few pic of what I ate.

 For lunch,
tuna wrap
thai chicken wrap
samosa
fruit
1/2 hot link

 

Dinner,
chicken leg
burger
bean salad
potato salad
baked beans



I also enjoyed an iced cold Red Stripe

A few more pics of the day.

Mr. A napping

Avon, Lincoln and Jaelyn

Sissy and I

Wynnie

Me with my cousins and brother

 My MIL bought us these shirts while on her vacay at Universal Studios so I thought the picnic was the perfect place to wear them.
Sometimes I really do feel like we are a family of Things.

 

Another fun family picnic.

{Family Fix} Backyard Summer

It's been so nice to have some beautiful weather around here. 
I love hanging out in the backyard with the kiddos and just lounging around.

Here are a few pics from the other day.

Mr. A and cousin DaeShon

The Hubs and I

Pool time fun

Wynnie Pooh enjoying the beautiful weather

The Boys

{Love Fix} 7 Years and Counting...

Hello Peeps.

It's been kinda busy around here so I haven't had the chance to post.  Lots has happened in the last couple weeks but one thing that I did plan to share was my 7th wedding anniversary.

Yup, the Hubs and I have been married for 7 years.  It definitely doesn't seem that long, but when I think about all that we have done in those 7 years it puts it all into prospective.  Of course the most important things we have done together as a married couple was have our 3 beautiful kiddos.

Anywho, we kept the celebration low key this year.  In the past we have taken romantic road trips for weekend getaways but not the last 2 years.  I've either been pregs or breastfeeding, which makes it hard to getaway.  So this year the Hubs and I (and little Wynter) decided to stay in town and go to the Pacific Science Center in Seattle.  They are showing the King Tut exhibit, something I've always wanted to see.

It was amazing!!!
I was in awe the entire time.  Just looking at the artifacts and knowing how old they are and where they came from.  It was hard to believe they were real.


The gold and jewelry... so beautiful.


If you ever have the chance to go see this exhibit, do it.
It's pretty spectacular.

After checking out King Tut and his Royal Companions, we decided on a delish dinner at Indochine, a hip and fun Asian restaurant.

A little bubbly for me.

Chicken and Shrimp Spring Rolls

Basil Beef for me.

With brown rice.

Sichuan Beef for him.

 Everything I've had at that restaurant is so so good. 

 

Another year for the photo albums for us.