catching up :: the battaglias ♥

happy september! {gasp}

hopefully everyone is enjoying their first weeks of school ...I'm SO looking forward to seeing many of you over the next few months for Halloween Mini sessions and family holiday sessions -- it's going to be a BUSY season!

between now and then, let's get caught up on some slideshows - shall we? ♥

first up....the battaglias! be sure to scroll down to see their slideshow!






if you're just now thinking about booking a session before the holidays {holiday cards are just around the corner!} I only have a handful of sessions available....so touch base soon! For those of you inquiring about booking for 2012...I'll be opening the books SOON so watch your email. ♥

dylan :: ONE

I don't know about you, but I'm addicted to party blogs. Seriously. As if I don't have enough faboulous photogs to follow -- add in all the AHHH-MMMAAZING party planning sites and it's no wonder the mounds of laundry are overtaking this house.

And because I enjoy company in my addiction, here are few of my favs ::

One Charming Party
Cake
Bella Grace
Sweet Little Parties
Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas
Bump Smitten

And don't even get me starting on the time-wasting-deliciousness that is Pinterest. ♥

Having said all that, those of us who don't do it every day know that parties are EXHAUSTING. So, when it came time planning Dylan's 1st birthday I wanted to go simple. Given that Toy Story is now part of our everyday soundtrack, Woody, Buzz and the gang were among our VIP's.

Starting with a little birthday cake for the invites....

A few decorations....

Sprinkle in some fabulous food...

Add a few water games.....
and one HOT Mr. Potato Head....

 And a nice-friendly-non-competitive sack race ....{or at least that was the IDEA. ♥}

***Just a note that I can not recommend a sack race ENOUGH. It was the hit of the party...DESPITE the 95 degree heat.  And the sacks I found on Oriental Trading {12} for $14.00.  They aren't anything fancy....but they made for cute pics ♥ and held up surprisingly well -- even after the DAD's got into the action. ***

topped off with a showering of gifts for one spolied birthday boy = fun for all.

Until the next time....here's wishing everyone happy party planning!  You can find all my vendor resources below. ♥

:: Vendors ::
:: Happy Birthday felt banner via Etsy from the lovely {lori savage}
:: Paper Straws from Bibelot Shops
:: Vintage Wooden Blocks from Roberta Grove Vintage
:: Mini cake bunting made by me with the FREE PRINTABLE from TomKat Studios
:: Sack Race Sacks from Oriental Trading
:: Red Paper Lanterns from Oriental Trading 
:: Birthday Boy's T-Shirt via Etsy from Flyduds
:: Cake from Costco...decorated with Toy Story play set from The Disney Store and gum balls from Target
:: #1 Party Hat I used a plain paper birthday hat from anywhere, topped with a pom pom from the craft closet and cut out a paper 1 from red cardstock.  Easy Peasy.

summer lovin' :: mia

summer camp.
popsicles.
celebrating ONE!
swim diapers.
sprinklers.
plastic pools.
lots of bbq-ing.
chasing baby.
cuddling soon-to-be kindergartner.
purging toys.
find space for more toys. {sigh}
and lots of ice cream.

that's what our summer has been filled with so far....how can it possibly be mid JULY already!?!? not only does that mean family fall sessions are just around the corner -- including my favorite pumpkin patch minis ♥ -- but that also means katie will be starting kindergarten. {sniff} i need to take a deep breath and take it all in....because the time is FLYING by.

flying by so fast, i've neglected the bligitty-blog something fierce -- more slideshows from may and june coming right up. tomorrow. ♥

for now...big news in the ray house -- bunk beds!
katie SO excited about them I can only imagine she's forgotten that their arrival means dylan is moving into {her} room. i'm going to let her revel in their delciousness for a few weeks. no need to burst her precious pink bubble....yet. ♥

speaking of baby brother.
dylan turned ONE at the end of june. again -- how is that possible!!?!? {sniff}
my baby's number one pals {aside from big sister, of course} are woody and buzz. so, we celebrated, first, with a cake smash pbkisses style with his friends.

party pics coming up soon!

wishing everyone a summer filled with fun, family and relaxation. i'll be announcing pumpkin patch mini session info in the next couple weeks! ♥

introducing :: jace :: 3 weeks old

baby jace, thank you for finally going to sleep for your mama. ♥
it was work, but we REALLY wanted those sleeping shots!
janelle and jake, thank you for allowing me the pleasure of celebrating jace's much anticipated arrival with you. he is perfect. ♥

please join me in welcoming sweet baby jace to the pbkisses family. be sure to scroll down to view their slideshow!

oplove :: aaron + kara

for aaron and kara...
given to you with love
and a grateful heart for the sacrifices both of you make every day.
from my family to yours.
thank you. ♥

scroll down to see their slideshow!

for more information on OpLove, feel free to check out their website/facebook page facebook page and/or email me directly.

These images and/or other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation of the Department of Defense.

miss madison :: ONE

a beautiful day in the park with a tutu-wearing-cowgirl-boot-clad birthday girl and her proud mommy and daddy.....perfection! ♥ sending lots of hugs and a heartfelt thank you to the toussaint family for allowing me to share in miss madison's big day. may all her birthday wishes come true!

scroll down to sneak a peek at her slideshow!

introducing :: baby brooklyn :: 3 days old

please join me in welcoming baby brooklyn to the pbkisses {family}! may your heart be filled with all the joy and love that surrounds you today and everyday! and a special thank you to, big brother brendan, for enduring his second photo shoot in two months {see mama's maternity session HERE} ....you did AMAZING.♥

be sure to scroll down to see baby brooklyn's slideshow!