Party of 5

Some patriotic swimwear to kick off your holiday weekend...as well as some fun news - we're expecting! Shuffler child number 3 will join us this November. Remember when I didn't blog at all in April? #firsttrimester But it's over and I'm feeling much better!

So cheers to my growing family and a fun holiday weekend ahead with lots of pool time, friend time, and family time. See you next week!

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Friday Crush

Cheers to my tiny bread-lovers...they take after their mama. 

Ana Claire and Mac are all joy and light, folks. I know Sunday is about me and my attempt to be winning at motherhood, but it really boils down to these two. And their bread chomping. And those little faces that I could squeeze all day. And I do - squeeze. A lot...and they don't like it.

Hope you are celebrating the mothers in your life this weekend. Enjoy it. See you next week!

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Nutcracker Birthday Party

The bright spot of last week's madness was Ana Claire turning three.

I have yet to figure out when our little lady grew so much. But denial aside, three has arrived ("Mommy, I'm not two I'm THREEEE!") and after our Nutcracker-inspired Halloween costume, we (I) decided to continue the theme for her birthday party.

My dear friend and photographer Crystal was in attendance so I am BLESSED with some beautiful pictures of the event to share with you:

All photography by Crystal Downs

SO. MUCH. SUGAR.

Ana Claire had two pieces of cake, a cupcake, and a marshmallow pop. And I said not a word because it's impossible to indulge too much on your big day.

The party menu included ham and cheese sliders, broccoli casserole, a potato chip bar, honeydew melon, strawberry cupcakes, pink lemonade, and peppermint fudge favors to take home. These homemade birthdays are a lot of work, people. I always regret it when I'm in the thick of favor-making/cake-baking/lantern-hanging, but then when I look back on darling photos like these my heart surges with pride that my little girl had a pretty, sweet birthday party at her house.

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Happy Belated Halloween

Just a quick Monday hello to show you the Shuffler children in all of their Halloween finery. We opted to mix holidays and went with a Nutcracker Ballet theme - Ana Claire was Clara and Mac was her nutcracker.

Ana Claire's eyes have been opened to the world of candy. And we can never go back.

Hope your holiday was wonderful!

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Beach Trip Photos

Ready for a recount of our beach trip according to my phone? Which is essentially only pictures of my children. This is why you read my blog, right??

^^Not a beach pic. And it's blurry. But he's so cute.^^

We Shufflers come alive at the beach. And in the mountains. Don't be fooled - I am not outdoorsy, but I like to be in these places. Sitting. Watching. 

Ana Claire had just about the best time a two-year-old can have. So much ice cream. A constant wet bathing suit. A non-existent bedtime. Driving the golf cart with daddy. And so many cousins to play with.

And little Mac just relaxed and enjoyed many LONG naps that he is unable to take at home with his sister's busy library-storytime-music-class-playdates schedule.

We are refreshed and happy to have had some much-needed quality time together and with extended family. 

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Snapshots from the Beach

Sun, sand, and pimiento cheese can do wonders for the soul. We are back from a short but lovely trip to the beach in South Carolina and we are ready to go back! Here are some snapshots from our weekend (see how big Mac has gotten??):

Our trailer park is situated on a canal and at dusk, the egrets swoop in and settle into the trees for the night. It's quite the sight and a great excuse to get out for a post-dinner walk. This evening, AC was already in pajamas but that didn't stop us:

"Look, Tibi! A BIRD!!!" Tibi is Carter's mom. In the real world she is known as Janet. She makes the World's Best Pimiento Cheese TM.

We are relaxed and ready to get our summer going...here's to counting down the 8ish weeks until we're back at the beach for a whole week.

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Easter Joy

Our Easter was joyous. The day was beautiful allowing a pause for spiritual reflection and quality time with family. And we had baskets, bonnets and so much candy.

My table was a bit last minute so it wasn't as layered as usual, but I did get some close-ups to show you the bright combination I settled on - Scalamandre's China Rose with Caspari's Garden Follies:

 The kids donned their first set of matching smocked outfits and let me tell you, my heart was full:

Ana Claire's Easter bonnet (from here) was just about the most precious thing I've ever laid eyes on. My phone blew up with all the pictures I took yesterday. Indulge me for a moment:

Holidays around here are ramping up in their excitement as Ana Claire gets older. She is just a joy to watch getting excited over special celebrations (and stuffing whole chocolates into her mouth like her father). And having Mac on hand to celebrate his first holiday doubled the fun. These kids...what a gift.

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Friday Crush

Thought you might like to check in on our little Mac. I can't BELIEVE he is two months, y'all. His newborn phase is just flying by me.

Like his sister, he has turned out to be a relatively easy baby and, as you can see, he doesn't hold back with his smiles. He also has the longest eyelashes I have ever seen. And two dimples. Basically, he is delicious.

Ana Claire is doing great in her big sister role. Overall, she is a big fan of Mac and loves bouncing him in his bouncy seat and popping his pacifier back in (which is incredibly helpful when I'm otherwise engaged). Here she is enjoying the snow we've been having:

Looking forward to thawing out a bit this weekend...hope yours is a good one. See you next week!

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