Neil & Kindra: October 2010

Bailey found and fell in love with this old swimsuit cover-up top of mine, put it on, and asked if I could make it into a dress. This surprised me since I don't really know how to sew. But then I realized she had seen me on a sewing machine making these purses made out of an old pair of jeans of mine for her and Brooklyn. She must have thought it would be a piece of cake for me to whip out a dress for her, which of course, she wanted done that day. By the way, I got the idea for the jean purses from my sister Camie's friend Carrie at "This Mama Makes Stuff". My girls LOVE them, so thanks Camie for showing me her blog! Carrie also inspired me to go ahead and try to re-fashion this swimsuit cover-up. I ended up using the left over jean material from the bags as straps for the top and Bailey went Crazy for it! I decided to take pictures to show that I actually sewed. Here's how the photo shoot went.

Typical first pose. "Smile for the camera, Bailey."

Without me saying a word, Bailey starts busting out with all sorts of poses, seriously cracking me up.

This is kind of how she looks during her soccer games, just going to the beat of her own drum.

Stops for a second to count all the "bedazzled" jewels on her purse...

and then back to dancing.

Attacks the camera...

Okay, "I'm done."

Thanks for the laughs Bailey...you've got so much personality little girl!

We threw Luke a Pirate Party for his 3rd birthday, and it was sooo much fun! I'm not sure who had more fun..the kids or me. I really enjoyed getting into the whole "going overboard for a 3 year-old birthday party" and wouldn't have changed a thing! Here's how I (with lots of help) pulled it off.

Brooklyn took this picture. You did a great job sweetie!

First, there was the invitations. All I did was empty an IBC root beer bottle, print off a treasure map onto a brown paper bag, burn the edges of the map, roll it up, stick it into the bottle, and tie a homemade invitation around the map. Luke had a great time driving to his friends houses to deliver the bottles.

Here's what the treasure map looked like. I forgot to get a picture by itself, so here it is inside a frame. You can find it at FamilyFun.com and print it for free!

Second, you need a mother who knows and loves to sew! While I was in California, my Mom made these adorable "Loot" bags, and being a true southern women, monogramned each of them. I felt like Ned Nederlander from "The Three Amigos", "Sew like the wind village of Santo Poco!" We had only one night to make them all. My Mom was a real trooper staying up till one in the morning and then waking up before sunrise the next day to get them all finished. She taught me how to make the bandanas. They were very easy to make, and I loved how they turned out!

Third, decoarte. This realy got my creative juices flowing. I took down our tampoline net (as it had taken a great beating form the hail-tornado storm that past by a year and a half ago and needed to go) and turned it into the table covers. I got free sand from a local mulch store to use to decorate around the treasure chest. Put out some pirate decorations, yummy food, "rum" punch, lights, and wha-la..you've got a pirate cove.

Fourth, get a friend who knows how to make a totally awesome and delicious birthday cake! Thank you Andrea..the cake was amazing!

Look at the detail! Thank you Elena for being able to cut it!

And finally, put together a treasure hunt, and make sure there are foam swords and water balloons involved! This was hillarious to watch! A big thanks to my husband, Neil, and to Eric for being the "Bad Pirates" on the treasure hunt. The kids had so much fun trying to "sink your ship."

Chasing Neil and Eric who stole the "Loot".

Grabbing a cannon ball (water balloon)

Check out the water balloon in mid-flight!

This picture is my favorite. Look at Porter (the boy on the left). He is the youngest of Luke's friends, but wielded his sword like none other. With his pirate outfit and in full battle with the other buccaneers, Porter wins my "Best Pirate of the Night" award.