The Present that Keeps Giving

With such a large family it is always hard when people ask, "What does Camden want for his birthday?" This year I went looking for alternatives to toys and found a great solution, Kiwi Crate.

Kiwi Crate is a great gift for families and kids who like to do craft project. The best part is all the prep work is done for you. There is no running to the craft store to purchase all the materials, it comes right to the door all ready to go. Directions for each project are colorful and easy to follow.

We have received two months of projects now and could not be happier. Besides the great projects, Camden is super excited that they come in a green box with his name on it.

Last month, we were able to work together to create two amazing projects, a nest with two eggs and a bird mask and wings. This month we created a lantern and outdoor explorer kit.

Below are some pictures of Camden creating his masterpieces. I suggest you check out their website as I'm sure you know a little person who would love this concept as much as my child.

http://www.kiwicrate.com/

 Yes, that is glue. Thank goodness the bowl kept it from going all over the place.

 

 

 This month we couldn't get out of our jammies before starting.

 

We are anxiously awaiting our next green box on the 15th.
Michelle :)

Patriotic Mantle

So my goal when we moved into our house was to create amazing mantles for each season. I was pretty impressed with the stuff I found to put this one together. However, when friends come over and do not comment on my creation, I start to wonder "Am I the only one who thinks this looks good?" So this month I am asking for your help. Too much? Not enough?

Here are a few photos.....

 Aren't these little ants the cutest?

 

 Who doesn't love a wooden Uncle Sam?

 

 Purchased this neat window at the Lucketts antique store in Lucketts, VA.

 

 Found this old Boyd's Bear in a box downstairs. The beans in the jar I saw on Pinterest and thought it was such a cute idea. Hopefully they will keep from year to year. I definitely don't plan on making bean soup with them.

I wish I could get a better picture but the glass had a horrible reflection on it so I had to close the blinds and back up.

Now that you have seen the whole picture....what are your thoughts?

Michelle :)

Race Extravaganza

Now that summer is here and my computer is fixed, I am so excited to share this year's birthday party with all of you even if it was a few months ago. Camden is absolutely in love with Cars and most importantly Shiny Wax. So when it came to planning a birthday party this year, there was no doubt what it would be. Here are some of the amazing photos taken by my friend Cortney Heykoop, of Heykoopphotography. I am so glad she was able to come and capture this amazing day with our friends and family.

Here are some of the amazing photos. Thank you to Pinterest for the great ideas.

 I purchased several race themed items from racepartydecorations.com

  Race car apples and grapes.
 

 Cone cups thanks to birthdayexpress.com
 

 This wall masterpiece was thanks to my wonderful husband and step-dad. Didn't they do a great job?
 

The cake that looked easier to create than it actually was.

 

 My mom's amazing sugar cookies.
 

The stop light cupcakes that were oh so yummy too!

 

Camden's favorite car in the movie or should I say not in the movie is Shiny Wax. I think it could be his color but I found some great clip art online and printed it on sticky paper. Worked great to jazz up the applesauce.

The pit passes that the kids each were given.

 

Our little photo booth that I created with help from my family. All of our guests were able to get their pictures taken in the photo booth. It was a great memento for us and them to remember the day.

 

 

Some more great photos of the day.

 

 

I created my stop lights with soda cases. Amazing what I little spray paint and colored circles can do.

 

Great birthday shirt purchased from http://www.etsy.com/shop/AChapmanCreations

 

Dad and I had some fun with the photo props.

It was a great day and I can't wait to plan the next party.

 

Michelle :)