How incredible would it be to have a mom that planned parties for a living? Well, Miss Caitlyn is lucky enough to have a mom that does exactly that. Christine of Pure Joy Events has done it again and I was fortunate to have been asked to photograph one of the most creative 7th birthday parties ever. The theme was a "Vintage Sewing Birthday Party" and the kids had a ball doing sewing crafts and munching on creative sewing-themed treats. Christine found a vintage sewing machine to be the center piece of the entire party and spared no detail decorating it to perfection.

You can see Pure Joy Events Blog post here. You can also see a tutorial of the cake pops here. This party was a huge success and has been featured in a number of places, including: -Amy Atlas' Sweet Designs Blog -The DIY hoop design also on the Sweet Designs Blog -6 Bitter Sweets Blog -The blog of Celebrations at Home -The Honor Roll on Making it Lovely

I can't wait for more of another Pure Joy Events party!

-Becca

If you follow my activities on Facebook, you know that my summer has been SUPER busy! Both of my parents retired this summer so there have been parties, parties, and more parties. And apparently retirements bring LOTS of visitors! I am the youngest of five kids and my siblings are all now married and having kids - I have 8 nieces and nephews. In July, my oldest brother, his wife, and their 6 year old twins came to visit from Italy. They were followed by another brother from New Mexico, his wife, and their two kids, ages 3 and 5. I truly love my family, but having four kids under the age of 7 in one house is enough to make a person CRAZY. This was all compounded by the fact that Adam, my boyfriend, was away for an entire month and then had to move as soon as he returned.

Since the kids won't stay small forever, I made sure to have my camera out and about during the visits.

Right before all the little people arrived my sister's 10 year old son, Alex, came to stay with us for a few days. I decide to teach him about what I love to do most. So I got out my old D200 with a 35mm 2.0 on it and we headed out to nearby Frying Pan Park to take some pictures.

The smallest of the crew were Brydon (3) and his brother Colter (5) from New Mexico. Brydon was a total ham and loved to be in front of the camera, the little guy knows how to work his charm!

The whole crew went to see a Potomac Nationals baseball game. The twins, Marian and Christopher, are already professional travelers at 6 years of age. They come to visit every summer from the island of Sicily in Italy.

Later this summer, I will be sitting in Key West with a margarita for a much needed vacation. Trust me, there will be LOTS of photos from that!

-Becca