Introducing...

Bennett Layne Goldman

born 9.6.2013

5 lbs. 7 oz. - 18 in.

100% perfect

I can't believe it's already been over six weeks since our sweet Bennett was born.  She is such a joy and the perfect addition to our family.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our stay in the hospital.

Needless to say, we are all smitten with her... but her big sister absolutely adores her and we could not be more proud of them both.  

Thank Heaven for little girls.

Wordless Wednesday...

The Big Party!

I really don't know why it's taken me so long to post pictures from Leighton's 2nd birthday party... but the time has come!  Despite a few sprinkles and a very cloudy day, the party turned out SO well.  We had L's cowgirl party in the saloon/courtyard at my parents' dance hall.  It was the perfect setup because we had all the tables and food in the saloon, but there was plenty of room for the kids to run around outside... and what better place to have a cowgirl birthday party, right??

(my absolute favorite picture from the party! notice the upside-down gun... she has no clue!)

In the days/weeks leading up to the party, we went back and forth on whether or not to rent ponies for pony rides.  I, obviously, thought it was a must but Lyn, as the voice of reason, said that we should probably hold off because L would likely be scared of the ponies and wouldn't remember the party anyway.  So, it broke my heart, but I told the pony lady that we were going to do without.  Two days before the party I asked Lyn if he would be upset if I called the pony lady (who actually does have a name) back.  Because he loves me (and knew that was coming), he agreed.  Lucky for us, she was still available... and I sent her a deposit the next morning!  Talk about the best decision EVER... our little girl took one look at the ponies and fell in love!

(please pardon my expression, but this was her first time to ride. i was holding on to her for dear life, but by the end of it, she was pretty much riding by herself!)

She rode "Chippie" and (I forgot the big horse's name) like she'd been riding every day of her two-year life!  And when she wasn't riding, she was either petting the ponies or holding their ropes or crying because she wanted to ride.  

 Just look at that smile... she was so happy... and we were too!  Money. Well. Spent!!

 (I just love this picture)

And here are some other pics from the party (thanks to Ann for capturing everything)...

 

As for the food, my dad (A.K.A. "Pops") grilled hamburgers and hot dogs on the pit.  I kept everything else simple and served chips, fruit, veggies and dips.  Then for the desserts, we had cowboy boot cookies, cowgirl cupcakes, and an ice cream bar for the kiddos (and grown-ups... who are we kidding).

The birthday girl with her cupcake...

For each of the kiddos we had a hat, a bandana and a sheriff badge... 

 And for favors, we had paper bags to fill with candy in the "General Store"

 And what party would be complete without a hay ride...

... and a photo booth (I was super pumped about this)...

 It was tested out by the daddy, of course...

...and maybe a few of his friends...

And here are some of my favorites from the little folks...

 

And guess who figured out how to hold the gun the right way...

 (she's concentrating so hard!)

So there you have it.  It was a lot of work, a ton of fun, and I was very glad it was OVER.  The best part was every time we asked Leighton if she was having fun at her cowgirl birthday party, she said "Yes" with a big smile on her face!  So worth it!!

Happy birthday to my BIG, sweet two-year-old girl.  We love you to the moon and back!  

Calling all cowgirls (and cowboys)!

Geez, Louise... in less than a month, our sweet little girl will turn two!! To celebrate, we are rounding up all of our favorite little cowhands and having a party...

Obviously, I am a little sad that my baby is turning two... but I could not be more excited about the celebration!  The invitations were created by Mel at The Larson Lingo, who hosted quite the cowgirl party for her daughter's 3rd birthday!  I will definitely be borrowing a few of her ideas!  I just hope that my little Leighty-bug has half as much fun at her party as I am having planning it!

Happy hump day... hope you are having a great week :)

The last few months...

Bad, bad blogger.  As if you couldn't tell... I've pretty much done away with Leighton's monthly posts.  They started to become a daunting task that took all the fun out of the post.  Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I hope to blog more often and enjoy sharing more of our day-to-day activities (New Year's resolution?).  So, here are some photos from the last couple of months to get you up to speed.

In October, we took a trip to a local pumpkin patch.  I tried my best to use the tricks I learned in my photography class and snap some good pictures of (a very busy) Leighton.  A few tears and a frustrated mommy later, Lyn asked for the camera to try his hand at it.  Result: the cutest pictures ever.  See for yourself...

In November we were busy getting ready for Aunt Erin's wedding (pictures to come)!  The wedding was perfect and Leighton did a pretty great job in her debut as flower girl.  The next week was Thanksgiving (my personal favorite holiday), so we were back home for some more food, family and fun.

At the end of the month, our playgroup took a trip to a bounce house. Leighton and I had never been before, so of course I was the crazy mom trying to get pictures of her kid in action.

Overall, I would say that Leighton had a good time... but she was definitely more comfortable when she was on her own.  Any time other kids were around, it usually resulted in some unwanted contact (falling, pushing, kissing - yes, a boy kissed her in the Dora car above)... so we both felt better when she was by herself. 

 She looks SO big in this picture...

And December brings us Christmas :)

We had so much fun during the month decorating, reading "The Night Before Christmas",

looking at Christmas lights, watching Frosty the Snowman on repeat,

crafting, making fun Christmas treats, and we even did an art project!

 Here was our family Christmas card picture...

And, of course, Leighton got WAY too many presents from her grandparents and her aunts... but last year she was too young to get excited about it, so this year was like her 2nd First Christmas.

Here she is opening presents at Grandma and Grandpas on Christmas Eve...

And here is the motherload that awaited her at Mimi and Pops' on Christmas morning...

Here we are making the grand entrance (bed head and all)...

Her letter from Santa.  When I asked Leighton what she wanted Santa to bring her for Christmas, every time she would say "tookies" (read "cookies")... so by golly, my girl got some tookies...

 She spotted her kitchen right away and made a run for it...

 Sharing her cookie with mom...

 Then she found the trampline... and it was all over with.

 Sweetest face ever.

I said earlier that Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday... and it is... but let me say that Christmas made a comeback for me this year because I was able to see the magic of the season all over again through the eyes of this beautiful little girl.  We are truly blessed.