Gatlinburg- 2012

I had fall break a couple of weekends ago, so we decided to take Annaleigh to Gatlinburg to just relax and enjoy fall.  One of the first things I wanted to do was go to a pancake house for breakfast and get some delicious pancakes and bacon.  We went to the Log Cabin and it didn't disappoint!!!  

Sweet Annaleigh and her adorable new hat.  

Sleepy girl after breakfast one morning.  

The last morning we went to this cute little place called "The Village" .  It's just a bunch of little shops with a small little courtyard and fountain in the middle.  They had a bunch of pumpkins and scarecrows set up, which made for a good picture spot.  

On the way home we stopped off in Maggie Valley to visit Jonathan Creek Inn.  I spent alot of time there as a little girl.  It was nice taking a walk down memory lane.   Annaleigh loved the creek and all the rocks.  

I am so glad we got to get away.  It was so nice to just be together.  And the leaves and mountains were just gorgeous!!!!   

Pumpkin Patch

I couldn't wait to take Annaleigh to the pumpkin patch this year.  Last year she was too little to go, but this year I knew she would love it. 

My sweet girl is such a busy little thing.  She ran around from pumpkin to pumpkin. 

After about ten tries we got her to pose for a picture standing on a pumpkin. 

The petting zoo was a big hit.  She loves our cat and dog at home, so we knew she would like seeing all the new animals. 

These pictures crack me up.  She was acting like such a little grown up,  picking up her brush and brushing the animals.

We laughed and laughed at Annaleigh's pumpkin turtle neck and overalls.  Kale said she looked like an 80's school teacher.  But she sure did look adorable!!!

Annaleigh's First Birthday

Blogging...here we go again.  Hopefully this will be a fresh start for "Strength in Forever"...fingers crossed.  :0)
  Annaleigh's first birthday was such a special day.  I started planning it this summer and knew I wanted it to be a milk and cookies themed party.  Thank you Pinterest!!!  I found a ton of good ideas and went from there.  I loved how it tuned out.  It all started with the colors pink and brown and some help from my cousin's wonderful wife who did all the invitations and paper printing for the party.  Here is a link to her Etsy shop.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/TigerLilyInvitations

 

Annaleigh was so cute the entire party.  She just walked around and took it all in.  I got her adorable milk and cookies shirt from Muskeroo on Etsy. 

 

 

 The cake and cupcakes came from a local bakery called Truelove's Creations.  For the party favors my mom helped me make the cookie mix in mason jars.  I got the recipe off of Bakerella.  So good!!!

 

 

These sugar cookies were made by a sweet local lady who can make just about any kind of cookie you want. 

High Tea Cookies

Our sweet girl was spoiled rotten with all the fun gifts!!!  Her favorite was the pink car her Papa got her. 

Photo booth fun complete with milk mustaches!!!

Annaleigh, you have no idea how much you are loved my sweet girl.  Everyday with you is so special.  You are growing so fast and are one busy little bee.  You started walking at 10 months and haven't slowed down since.  You have such a sweet personality.  Your curiosity and determination to figure things out is a joy to watch.  We can't look at you and not praise God for all that He is.

Party hat came from Shoplissy.

Cookie Swap

I know it's January, but I wanted to remember the first cookie swap I hosted at my house.  I invited all the ladies from my small group at church.  Everything turned out so good.  

I ordered a cookie swap package from Etsy for all the paper goodies.  It came with invitations, labels, a banner, and recipe cards.  

I loved this cute banner.

For the center piece I had a cute little Christmas tree and put cookie cutters on for the ornaments.
I served monkey bread and breakfast casserole and my friend Mary Kathryn brought blueberry crunch.

For drinks we had orange juice, coffee, coffee punch and water.

All the cookies were delicious!!!

For thank you gifts I got everyone a red mixing spoon.

  

This little cutie was so good the entire party.  I started planning the party while I was on maternity leave and had such a fun time putting everything together.   Can't wait until next year!!!