Nina's Princess Themed Third Birthday

This year for Nina's birthday I asked her what kind of celebration she wanted. To my surprise, she said a princess party... this is from a kiddo who loves watching Monsters University whenever we ask. Also, I'm not overly into "princessy" things so I knew I wanted pink with touches of Disney princess. See below how I incorporated it all... I think she loved it!! :)

Free bunting printable found here

Cupcakes from our local bakery

For a little activity, the girls decorated crowns with markers, glitter glue and jewels!

We didn't manage to get one single photo of us as a family or with the birthday girl, so here's the best I have... haha. It's a terrible photo but you get the gist. It's more for my memory than anything else. :)

Here was the super simple menu!
Jasmine's Princess Punch
Ariel's Dinglehoppers (forks) :)
Fairy Godmother Pretzel Wands
Olaf's Nose with Hummus
Snow White's Apples with Caramel Dip
Cinderella's Cheese Platter
Sofia's Sandwiches and Salad

In addition, for a special breakfast that day she had a donut - see below! How cute!! :)

P.S. Check out Nina's first birthday and second birthday parties!!

Ironman Spectating

Early September means Ironman! We spectated, as usual, and cheered on our friend Ken! To see the video from when Mr. Evans became an Ironman, click here (it's so awesome)!!

Each year, we get up at around 4:30 am and hit the road to Madison. We like to make it in time to see the sunrise and swim start. There is nothing like it. It gives me chills every single time! The girls also LOVE it... luckily... :)

Nina loved cheering on the helix. From there, we went out to the bike course in the scenic farmland that surrounds our state capital. :)

Later that afternoon back at home, little Mae decided to flex her muscles for us... hehe! Future triathletes in training I tell you!

Sisters!!

Dear little sweet sisters,

At 3 years old and 4 months old, you are the best of friends! You make each other laugh, kiss each other, share your toys, love your momma, enjoy being in the same room (really, the same square foot) and genuinely love each other. I hope and pray this never changes!

Now, I didn't grow up with a sister (or any siblings for that matter), but I sure relish seeing you two together. My little girls. My proudest accomplishments.

Just remember this... when you are 13 (or 7 or 27), remember these innocent and loving and candid and silly photos below. Purity of heart. Born to be friends. When you are fighting over clothes or friends or boys or what song to listen to in the car or what to eat for snack or who gets to drive the car or whatever... remember these moments. I'd like to think you'll always be this close or closer as you age, but that may or not be the case. And that's ok. But just remember, be kind and have respect for one another. Think of the other and wish the BEST that this world has to offer - even if you don't see eye to eye all the time.

Nina, when Mae was born you got an automatic best friend for life. As you grow, your friends will come and go but your family will always always always be there. Watch over Mae. Be a leader and a good example, but let Mae be her own person. You can both SHINE and make the world a better place than before. Your curiosity, humor and gentle personality will serve you well!!

Mae, we got so lucky with you. You are tiny, but mighty. You were only born 4 months ago, but already we know you are a content, happy, observant and strong little peanut. You are easily entertained by your sister ... always giggling and watching to see what she'll do next (your daddy describes you like how your Aunt Bessie was towards him). :) I cannot wait to see how your relationships and personality grow!

I love you girls more than anything. I am so lucky to be your momma and raise you to be confident, smart, kind, polite and funny (actually, your daddy will teach you that!!) little women.

Always yours,
Mommy

29

via

There is something about 29.

The last year of my twenties.

One year left until I'm 3-0.

Today is my birthday. But, I'm not big on celebrating it necessarily. I like a low-key, normal day with maybe an extra special few things thrown in - a thoughtful gift, tasty dinner with Mr. Evans, kisses from my girls and I'm set.

But this year I feel some sort of added pressure (anxiety?!) because I feel the need to get the most out of my last year as a twenty-something.

However... my perspective shifted.

I thought about making a 30-by-30 list, a bucket list of sorts for all the things I want to accomplish by next year. I started to make the list and you know what? I couldn't think of one important thing I want to do that I haven't done. Sure, I could come up with some silly and fun items to tick off another to-do list. But, I'd rather focus on this...

my blessings, of which I have many.

I've accomplished a lot these past 30 years and lived a life I'm proud of... so when I really sit back and reflect I wouldn't change a thing. There isn't a thing I wish I would've done or somehow have put off. Here's just a few (I'm so glad my blog documents these things for me):

Marrying Mr. Evans
Nina Lorraine 
Mae Frances
Graduating with my Master's Degree
Buying two houses
Ireland
Being an Ironwife
Mission Trip to Kenya (I've never blogged about this. Should I?)
Being a daughter and friend

So 29. I'm ready. Let's kick off a great year, just like the ones before and the ones still to come.

Just because...

I mean... doesn't this just brighten your day?? :) Happy Thursday!

Nina - 3 Years

Just a few days ago, my little baby turned three!! I cannot believe it. She is such a gentle, caring, kind and HAPPY little (tall) girl. We are so so blessed to have two amazing little girls in our life. I wouldn't trade Nina's smile and infectious energy for anything. Stay small sweet thing. Don't grow up too fast. :)

Happy Birthday Nina Lorraine!

P.S. Here are her 1st year month-by-month photos and her second birthday white chair photo!

Evans Family Letterpress

One of our favorite things to do is letterpress. There is something about the tradition, simplicity and rhythm of the 1920's Chandler and Price that just makes me happy!

Read my last post for more details on what I mean:
http://rhubarbandlinen.blogspot.com/2013/01/lunch-and-letterpress.html

It's the best to watch my husband and his dad do this together (Mae liked watching too). Mr. Evans has a LOT to learn from Terry who can do this stuff with his eyes closed. No doubt. My father-in-law learned to letterpress and Linotype at age 12, so he's an expert! I just love to pick out the type, designs and dig through his Hamilton cases FULL of vintage logos, pictures, icons and more! Here are a few photos from our most recent adventure.

All in all, we printed nearly 400 cards by hand, a few posters (as shown above) and experimented with a few other things. Fun fun!!

Mae - 4 months

Our sweet little string bean is 4 months! She's long and lean - 10% for weight and 90% for height! :)

We love her more and more every day and cannot wait to see her little personality grow!

Nina's 1st Day of 3K Montessori

Throughout the week Nina and Mae attend our local Montessori school. Even though last week could have been just another week, since it was technically the beginning of the school year the teachers change up the rooms a bit, redecorate, and start fresh. So, we did the same! A new backpack - from Herschel Supply - and a new lunchbox were the perfect start. Add in a big hair bow and her favorite dress ... one happy little girl!! :)

P.S. Here was Nina's "first" day last year.

Lately...

As usual, I tend to a random photo dump everyone once and awhile. Here's just a small sampling of what's been going on lately around here. :)

We've attempted to get Nina into tennis and golf this summer. Got to start 'em young, right? Thanks to our sweet neighbors who own our local tennis club for her racket! :)

What a little ham! :)

Friday dinner on the WBCC patio with my favorite date. 

For better or worse, Nina has ALREADY picked up on my organizational habits. She insists on keeping the shoes straightened in our mudroom closet, and when they get out of order she tells us it's messy. Silly girl! I couldn't resist this photo... you dont see Nina but she's jammed in the closet on the right hand side behind the door. :) Haha. At least she takes care of and respects her belongings. 

We didn't make our County Fair this year due to the weather, so we made sure to go to my in-laws. Here is my father-in-law, Mr. Evans and Nina. :)

Nina and I rode the teacups right before the rain hit.  She hated it, no? :)

Meanwhile, little Mae honey is all smiles and giggles. She honestly could NOT be a better baby!!!

Almost 3

Can you believe she'll be 3 in a few days??!! That's all for today... :)