Chloe's 1st Birthday!

We celebrated Chloe's 1st Birthday on Saturday.  This was the invitation, and also a small hint to the theme of the party.

I was greatly inspired by The TomKat Studio and Katie Grace Designs.  

I ordered the template from The TomKat Studio to make the picks for the cupcakes.

Gloria from GiGi's Cake Boutique did a FABULOUS job with the cakes!

GiGi's made a special Razorback cake for Shawn (Chloe's Uncle).  Saturday was Shawn's birthday, and he was nice enough to share his day with Chloe!

Chloe had to take a quick snooze before we kicked off the festivities!

Presents for the Birthday Girl!  The yellow & black dress is what I planned for Chloe to wear.  I found it on Etsy, but it was too big! She would have coordinated perfectly with her party!

Me and Chloe

Chloe & Shane

We also made an antipasto spread, chicken salad sandwiches & shrimp cocktail.

The beverage station also coordinated with the rest of my theme.  I made individual cups for all the kids, and served lemonade and sparkling punch.

What's a first birthday without a banner?

Blow out the candle, Chloe!

The most memorable part of a first birthday -the cake face, right?

As an activity for the kids, they made hats.  Each was personalized with their name and whatever they chose for decoration.  Then we paired the hats with wacky glasses.  I love this picture!

Then (of course) the adults had to have some fun too!

The Birthday Boy!

Chloe with her Poppa

Chloe with Big Brother Tyler

Chloe with Aunt Kary...Hello?

Monday Adventures with Chloe

Our adventure begins with lunch from a Taco Truck!  I had read an article in the weekly Sync paper that sparked my interest.  Here's the link to the article - Taco Trucks!

I had an authentic steak taco (steak, white onion, cilantro & fresh lime on a corn tortilla).

And 1 chicken tamale - I save the other one for Shane!  It was all delicious!

Then I took Chloe to the Wonder Place

There's all kinds of activities - things to climb, books to read...

Water to splash in...

Finger Paints...

and sand to dig in. Chloe had a ball!

Girls Night Out...and of course, a few pics of my girl!

Chloe on Saturday before going to Grandma & Poppa's house

Silly...or Scary?

Pretty Girl

Will the curls stay or will they go?

Girls night out Saturday night -me & Kelly

Ballhog! Click on the link to hear their music -good stuff!

Date Night Memphis Getaway 8-1-10

Every few months or so, Shane & I try to get away for an overnight date night.  The last couple times we've gone to Fayetteville, but this time we went to Memphis.  Chloe & I went to Ft. Smith on Friday to watch Noah's Band Camp Concert.  We were late to the show but got to watch the video.  Noah's band did AWESOME!  On Saturday, I headed back to LR for work, and Chloe stayed with my Mom & Bob.  On Sunday, Shane & I headed to Memphis & Chloe stayed with the Shankle's.  This was the first time I was away from Chloe for 2 nights.  I had a great time, but it was tough!

Shane & I stayed at the The Inn at Hunt Phelan

Click on the link for more details.

We had a delicious brunch at Restaurant Iris

The Chef, Kelly English, was named one of Food & Wine magazine's Best New Chefs of 2009.

Shane was embarrassed by me taking pictures, so I only got photos of our appetizer.  Shane had the Short Rib Raviolo (single ravioli) with mushrooms & vegetables.

I had the Sweet Corn Griddlecakes with Fresh Crab.

After brunch and a rest at the hotel, we made our way downtown.  

First Stop was Pearl's Oyster House.  They have the BEST chargrilled oysters with a chipotle butter sauce & Parmesan cheese.

It was well worth the walk in the 100 degree heat!

Our last destination found us at Rum Boogie Cafe where guitars played by famous musicians hang from the ceiling.  

Memphis - Home of the Blues & Birthplace of Rock & Roll!

The Blake Ryan band rocked some blues last night!