at what's been going on here at Hootenanny Studios. 
(Mermaid denim jacket~Peasant Skirt~Flower Cap)
I found these yummy fabrics that are tie dye~Batiky~oh so bright and wonderful and I knew that they had to be included in the new spring line of children's wear.
(Close up of the details on the jacket...rick rack, buttons & flowers...oh my!)
Of course there are a few other things to include as well...Denim jackets, cool peasant skirts, crocheted caps and yummy embroidered t-shirts will also be appearing. I worked on this set yesterday and, by the end of the day, my daughter decided it would be the perfect outfit to wear to the big President's Show. (more on this later) Being a shameless self promoter...I let her!
(Mermaid closeup...)
Of course...she refused to wear the actual t-shirt that went with the outfit and chose, instead, a gymboree shirt. If you have ever tried to argue with a 3 year old girl about her choice of outfit...well...then you know why she went out looking like she did.
(Flower cap)And don't even look at those pastel socks that she chose to go with my nice, beatnik-bohemian outfit. It took everything I had to let her leave the house with that delightful combo on. Three year old girls are a tax on the delicate sensibilities of their Mothers.
But she's so darn cute!
And then there's this guy. I didn't notice until I uploaded the photos how very tall he seemed standing next to the Cricket. When did this happen and how did I miss it???
I like it better when he bends down to be level with the other two so I can delude myself into thinking that he is still that little 6 lb 4 oz baby I brought home not that long ago!
But...anyway...last night was the big President Show at school. The entire 2nd grade participates. They sing a whole bunch of patriotic songs and, with the state of the world right now, I have to admit that seeing these little guys up there singing about being proud to be American just about brought me to tears. It was seriously cute.
As were these two buddies who enjoyed the show together.
My daughter did not quite make it through the entire show. I realized she had fallen asleep when I felt her drool running down my arm. Delightful.
After the show we went back to the classroom and had a chance to visit with our friends.
My son wanted to show us his desk and how he had decorated it with his drawings. (Yes...I know...he is just like me...poor guy)
And then there's this guy. I didn't notice until I uploaded the photos how very tall he seemed standing next to the Cricket. When did this happen and how did I miss it???
I like it better when he bends down to be level with the other two so I can delude myself into thinking that he is still that little 6 lb 4 oz baby I brought home not that long ago!
But...anyway...last night was the big President Show at school. The entire 2nd grade participates. They sing a whole bunch of patriotic songs and, with the state of the world right now, I have to admit that seeing these little guys up there singing about being proud to be American just about brought me to tears. It was seriously cute.
As were these two buddies who enjoyed the show together.
My daughter did not quite make it through the entire show. I realized she had fallen asleep when I felt her drool running down my arm. Delightful.After the show we went back to the classroom and had a chance to visit with our friends.
My son wanted to show us his desk and how he had decorated it with his drawings. (Yes...I know...he is just like me...poor guy)And then he wanted a picture with his teacher. Of course my husband wanted to know why the teachers back in our day did not look like the teachers today...Nice honey...real nice...
It was good to hear see everyone back after the long winter hiatus.
of a Cricket.
I tried that today but then we went out in the afternoon and I missed all of those.
Off to school on Tuesday to hang out Valentines. 
When I asked you what kind of decorations you wanted, you said "flowers". You love flowers. Every time we go to the store, you have to stop and smell the flowers. I hope you always remember to do this as you grow older.
You helped me make your goody bags. I was going to put a "G" on them for Gabriella but you insisted that your name is Ella and therefore they needed an "E" instead. You are very opinionated about things these days. A strong woman at 3.
I tried to get a photo of your whole birthday outfit but you did not want to sit still long enough for that. You had a party to host after all.
You were so happy to see all of your friends. Especially Sara and Matt. (OK, mostly Matt I am sure...haha) There is that cheesy grin again!
And speaking of cheesy grins...Austin was showing his stuff.
Everyone had fun taking their frustrations out on the princess pinata. Of course we had to do this one in the basement thanks to the wetness outside. 
Austin got attacked by the pinata...
And...in the end...since we are all about recycling around here...Tim thought the pinata would make a nice hat. Stylish.
You loved your "beautiful cake".
Then you devoured your cake and declared it the best there ever was.
Our babysitter backed out at the last minute so we took the whole gang. Luckily...Ashley came long to keep on eye on the crazy Cricket. Austin was his own man...lots of sibling friends to play with so I barely saw him all night.
Like jumping off of the stage 100 times.
Luckily...she landed every one!
Shawn came in second place out of 38 cars which was pretty nice. He got a trophy. Since Tim is the Cubmaster, he got to hand them out and he was very proud.
Here he is with Jared, who won first place, and Ashley clowning around.
And...I couldn't leave this one out. Love ya Brenda!!