cute surprise...

I was emptying the little video camera in preparation for Hudson's Christmas program tomorrow, and look what I found. Enjoy.

Accessories Party!

I had the most fun on Saturday morning....

We pretty much turned my house into a boutique...

with all of my favorite things...

Jewelry...

(here are a few of my faves)

Shoes, handbags...

...And friends! Thanks to all who came!

(Lisa-Marie, hand-stamped jewelry artist and also one of Hadley's biggest fans. Also creator of Hadley's cutest zebra outfit! Love these two!)

If you couldn't make it, it's not too late!

Go to MyCentsOfStyle.com for shoes, handbags, jewelry (put in "chambers" for your coupon code by the 17th for 10% off!)

Go to www.alittlewhitehouse.etsy.com for custom hand-stamped jewlery by Lisa-Marie

Happy Birthday Huddy Buddy!

I can't believe my little buddy is four today. Doesn't four seem SO much older than three? He is just about the funniest person I know. He has me cracking up all day...when I'm not REALLY mad at him. I swear, there is no middle ground with him, we either LOVE him or want to put him in time-out forever. His cutest-little-face-ever saves his life constantly.

What a kid!

He was so excited to have his first "friend party" and he picked "How to Train Your Dragon" for the theme. It was so fun! Here is the invite I designed for him:

I've not done anything like it before and it was a fun challenge for me...I know, no picture of him...not like me...

Lisa-Marie, one of my BFFs, VOLUNTEERED to make him a dragon cake. Yep, you read that right, volunteered. Yes, I love her too. Isn't it amazing? Hudson was thrilled.

And just in case that wasn't enough, she also brought these darling little cupcakes. She's amazing, did I mention I love her?

At the party, we had gorgeous weather, lots of pizza and lots of friends.

Luckily, some of Hudson's friends are also some of Kennedy's.

And are also Hadley's...

Thanks so much to Lisa-Marie, Aunt Trina, Aunt Cristen and Grandma Marcia for helping with Hadley, running the camera, and making the party just plain run a little smore smoothly. Isn't it funny how, with 13+ kids around, and few extra grown-up hands can make all the difference!

We played "Viking Says" (simon says) and "Red Dragon" (red rover)...

And opened LOTS of fun new stuff...

Notice the wrapping paper flung everywhere and the kids swarming in to see the loot.

I love it.

All in all, it was a great day! Hudson was so excited that a few family members could come up, especially Trina in her "sweet race car." (I can't believe I didn't take a picture, its a super-hot new Camaro.)

Dustin was happy to do some actual racing. I was thrilled to do 5 over down Main Street while completely some fast lane changes, but when Dustin got behind the wheel, he put me to shame. Lets just say, had he been caught doing his top speed, he probably would have spent Hudson's party in a cell. Yes, good times. Thanks again, Trin!

Special thanks to Aunt Jami, and the hours spent playing with the moon dough...every kid should have an aunt Jami...may you never, ever grow up. Love you all!

Not to brag...

But DANG. She's cute when she smiles.

And when she doesn't.

And even when she cries.

You are a pretty girl, Hadley Jo.

*Thank you to aunt Trina for this darling outfit...and for thinking she can pull it off. :)

Also, sending birthday wishes to my sweet neice Tayler-tot...

We did a baptism dress photo shoot while she was at my house this weekend, and I have about 70 absolute favorites. She is so pretty!!

Happy Birthday, Princess Preslie!

Isn't she the cutest thing?

Today is my little niece Preslie's third birthday, and in honor, I'm giving a quick preview of her Big Sister photo shoot I did Wednesday with her and her new baby sister...

Pretty girls...

And here she is on her own, miss Tenlie Mae Russell, born July 22. She couldn't be more precious, we are so glad she is here!!

Sweet Hudson...

Both of the older kids are absolutely captivated by sweet little Hadley Jo, but Hudson's fascination is the most surprising to me. He loves to see what she is wearing and look at her little feet and hands. He just loves to be near her! Kennedy was at a friend's house (rare these days...she always wants to stay home to be with the baby!) yesterday afternoon, so he had the baby all to himself. It was so sweet the way he was talking to her and being so gentle.

"Mom, she likes to watch Diego with me!"

He loves to give her "smoochies." He stops to give her one every time he walks past.

"Hello little fweetie (sweetie, he has trouble with s-words sometimes)! Mom, she is SO adorable!"

He's definitely still a three-year-old boy. There are times that it's not worth washing his hands ("why AGAIN, mom??!!) to sit down and hold her for a minute, and we've had some near misses with a flying toy or excited jumping around, but I'm so thankful that he loves her so much and tries so hard to be soft and gentle with her. Tries, but he still scares her a little, I think. Even so, she's a lucky girl to have such a cute big brother. I have loved watching it.

And here is just a cute one of Hadley. This is her absolute favorite way to be held, it always settles her down.

I just wish I could hear what she is thinking.

We always say something like "she's remembering heaven," but honestly, it's probably more like, "Where is Hudson? It's a little too quiet."

I know.

Welcome to the family, cupcake.

WARNING: Will make you baby hungry

Or want to drive to Rexburg REALLY bad!

(that's kinda my point...)

Hadley Jo, 3.5 weeks

Bringing Hadley home...

After riding home in her awesome, stylish new car seat, (one of the things I occupied my time with while on the couch with my laptop during bedrest was finding the cutest one possible), Hadley had quite a few visitors over the weekend.

Proud Grandparents!

Grandpa Jay

Grandma Josie...

And Grandma Marcia.

Excited cousins!

Preslie, getting ready to be the big sister herself...

and sweet McKenna.

And happy aunts...

Aunt Trina and McKenna...

Aunt Jenna... we are so excited for your sweetie to come any day!!

Aunt Jami came too, I'm not sure why there is no picture...

And of course Daddy, Hudson and Kennedy love holding her all day. We almost had to write up a schedule so it's fair and we don't fight over her...good thing I have to feed her or I might not get a turn :)

Hudson is just fascinated by her tiny toes and fingers...its so sweet.

She had some jaundice, so we had to bring her home with a bili-blanket for phototherapy for a few days. She was our little glow worm! We are so happy she is here and healthy. Who needs sleep, anyway? :)