Miss Nellie had a little love themed birthday party this weekend. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with love themed. We tamed our party group to a small bunch and noticed how much better she did. A bit shy and easily overwhelmed, we were so happy to see her all smiles and owning her turf, even if she did end up wanting to ditch her friends for the babies. Always.
Romper: Etsy shop Rae Gun
Pictures make things look pretty and more time-consuming than they are. Really, this was a very simple party to put together. Got paper doilies? You’re all set. We taped and strung paper doilies everywhere, adding them to bagged lunches, take-home treat sacks and yarn lines tied between trees.
Martinelli’s apple juices: Costco. Eyelet skirts, courtesy of hot glue gun.
One easy craft: Valentine Flower Pots
We used $0.79 terra cotta pots–spray-painted white–which the girls painted (lay out some paintbrushes, a plate full of paint colors, a glass of water to clean brushes and baby wipes to clean hands) and added some lace embellishments (they brushed on Tacky Glue to adhere them). Pop in some pretty impatiens, and voila.
The kids took care of everything else.
Foam board painted with target; we used Hershey’s kisses to throw as “darts”
Parties usually end in our driveway, and I love it. A mess of trikes and bikes, sandals slapping fast against cement, little girls giggling as they chase each others’ bike trails, toddlers pulling wagons three times their size, mamas set up in beach chairs and the unspoken understanding that the party might be over but please, stay as long as you’d like.
Seems to be the year of the boy in our group. Ours will soon join these two new little loves, Thomas and Johnny Mac.
Nella sat in the driveway and fed her baby strawberries for quite a while.
…but ended up fascinated with new presents.
A pretend butterfly that realistically flutters in a jar…
…and a new bubble blowin’ car.
Oh, and for the record…
…I still got it.
Our weekend has nicely contrasted that of so many others’ in the country. I’ve loved seeing picturesque snow scenes on IG and hearing of cold cozy nights back home up north. I miss it but can’t deny the fact that our weather has been completely enjoyable lately–warm but breezy, plenty of blue skies and nights with open windows and happy cricket sounds.
And now we wait for baby.
Sarah Russell says
Yay for happy birthdays! Can’t wait to “meet” baby brother.
Jane MacDonald says
Happy 3rd Birthday to Sweet Nella!! Enjoy your week in sunny Fl. We just got 50 cm up here in Nova Scotia. 🙂
erin windon says
Love love love nellas outfit!!
Life with Kaishon says
It looks like such a fun party!
Why did you switch from calling her Nella to Nellie?
Happy Monday!!!
BLOOM - Parenting Kids With Disabilities says
Happy Birthday Nella! Can’t wait to see you and Lainey with your little brother!
Alli says
Great idea and decorations for a party! Nella looked adorable.
SmithShack71 says
I love every sweet bit of it. Happy~Happy~Happy
Go on, Girl with the hoop!
-Angie
Mere says
Love seeing such happy faces!! Your parties always ROCK!!
-Meredith
Annabelle says
Happy Birthday Sweet Nella! You bring so much joy to the world!
Babs says
Thank you for sharing your joy and anticipation.
Liane says
Aww! What an awesome little party!
Can’t wait to ‘meet’ the newest addition 🙂 x
Wendy says
Looks like she had a wonderful birthday! Happy Birthday to Nella! Love all of the pictures from her party — how sweet!
Big City Mom says
Happy birthday!
Love (party) wins!
Nancy Malone Waynick, M.O.M. says
Happy Birthday precious Nella! Such a cute party & girl. She’s growing & blooming!
Jen says
So sweet. Another fun party of yours for Pinterest! A treasure trove of ideas!!
Chasing Hazel says
Ok…Hazel needs to be friends with Nella and Lainey. She’s really nice (most of the time). Looks like it was a super fun girly party!!!
Candice says
Happy birthday, Nella! I left a little bday gift for you at your triple crown site. 🙂
Sue Alexander says
she is just the cutest! And I wish we were there, we are so full of snow it is piled higher then the cars most places.
Amy says
Thank you because my Monday is off to a dark and grumpy start and I needed something spectacular and special and sweet to change my direction…..you always deliver.
Jody says
How fun!! Love these pics. Random question – where did you get those silver shiny shoes? My son would love them!! (yes, he loves sparkly things!!)
karlamcurry says
Such a sweet party! I’m 38 weeks and anxiously awaiting our baby girl. *sigh*
{annie_loo} @ The Farrar Four says
That picture of you hoola hooping…looks JUST LIKE LANEY!!!! I love it! You look fabulous. Looks like a wonderful party celebrating a precious little girl!!! I can’t believe she’s 3! Time flies!!!! Been reading ALMOST her entire life!
Susan Martin says
It is no surprise Nella is such a good mama to her babies…I love the look in Lainey’s eyes in pic where she is holding hands with her friend. Wonder and delight! Lovely party, Kelle!
Rose says
mama tis always a pleasure stoppin’ by here. You are always an inspiration, what a gorgeous day and go you with the hula hoopin’! Thinking of you as you wait for your little one to join you earthside. love and light X
Lauren says
Hello! I read your blog and I just wanted to share with you that my Aunt (who I have grown up with and lived with most of my life) has Down Syndrome and will be 50 this coming summer. I cannot believe it. She is just a doll – surely just like your sweet girl also. Much love to you & your family. It is such a joy to follow you on your blog. Your positive and undoubtedly loving posts are a blessing to read. 🙂
Heather Carson says
how sweet!!
LOVE THE BUBBLE CAR. how cool!
and the pick with Nella feeding her baby the strawberry, dying.
xo – heather
This Life Is Yours Blog
Susi K says
Looks like such a fun little party. I like to keep parties for my kids small scale… it’s less overwhelming and more fun for the kids in the end. Happy 3rd Birthday to Nella!!!
Sian says
*sigh* such loveliness xxx
Magda E. says
That’s such a nice party!!! Loved everything and she looks so happy and cute with that romper. =)
Christine Case says
Cute romper! Makes her look you younger than 3 though
Angela says
Super cute!!! She looks so happy! Happy baby waiting, to you!
shellycoulter says
Good times! 🙂 Captured perfectly! Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie says
Our son has down syndrome and we too found that if we make the group smaller he enjoyed it much more. If we had to many people he retreated to a room by himself. Looks like you had a great time!
heather says
Such a cute theme for a birthday party and Nellie looked happy as can be.
Good luck with the home stretch Mama! Can’t wait to see the new little one!
jessica tregle says
Such a cute Birthday Idea…Love the outfit! Happy Birthday Nella:)))))
Kristie says
Happy, Happy Birthday Nella!
Raelyn says
Kelle….
What a sweet party for sweet little Nella!! 😉
Those apple juices are making me thirsty!! ;-D
Hey. Did you eat any of those Hersey Kiss “darts”? just wondering…. 😉
I love the bubble blowing car!! If only they made such toys when I was a girl…. 😉
You are ROCKIN’ that Hoola Hoop!! ;-D
I cannot wait for Baby Boy’s arrival!! So exciting!! I feel like I’m on “Kelle Hampton Baby Watch”!! ;-D
–Raelyn
Sandy says
Your post makes me look forward to spring…a happy read, with cheerful kids (mine are anything but today), sunny skies (contrasting our grey, wet, rainy, snowy day), and party fun (fighting colds here). A breath of fresh air. Thanks!
Happy b-day, big sis!
Shannon {ava_caitlyn} says
Look at Nella mothering that baby!!! So stinking cute. She makes my heart happy!! Lovely party!! XOXO
IRWSMom says
Happy Birthday to Nella~ Now that party planning is over, rest up for the big event 🙂 Best Wishes to you and excited for Baby Boy Hampton’s arrival 🙂
Michelle says
What a lovely party Nella had and what an amazing Momma you are to always create the most beautiful moments for your sweet babies. I LOVE Nella’s outfit and hope she had a wonderful time. Thank you for always sharing your heart and pictures with us. You inspire me SO MUCH!!
Sydney says
Could Nella be any cuter??? She’s so sweet!! I love the bubble-blowin’ cozy coupe, that’s a must have for this summer.
Bloggerina says
i am in love with nella’s romper!!
julia rose. says
This makes my heart absolutely swoon!! You are giving those girls such amazing lives and are providing them with memories they will NEVER forget. I cannot wait for little boy to enter this world and fall into place in your beautiful family!
esther says
What a fun party! I want to be your kids, you are such a fun and creative mom!!! yes, love.love. Nella’s rumper…oh so cute. Blessings~
Mandi Roach says
You’re a beautiful being, Kelle, and wildly creative and talented! I admire you in so many ways and I’ve never even met you. Your daughter and her experiences make me see things in such a different light than I did before. Love her!
Sabrina says
Adorable pictures Kelle! Love Nella’s outfit (and Lainey’s, too, love the color contrast), and all those Valentine goodies look so yummy and cute! Nella’s bubble car is so cool – I need to get me one, LOL.
Oh, and any time you’d like some of our NJ winter weather, you’re welcome to it LOL! We got about 8 inches of the white stuff here, and I’m so glad to see it melting. I hate cold – in fact, if you want to send me some of YOUR weather I’d be more than happy to accept it! I want summer – or at least spring – soooo bad!
Kym Fox @ Travel Babbles | Living the (hockey) Life says
These pictures are just so sweet. Your words and babies give me the warm and fuzzies 🙂 You are so blessed – thank you for sharing a piece of your world with us!!
Kelly Cach says
Where or where did you get the fake fluttering butterfly??!!!
Perfect little party to celebrate THREE!!! Can you even believe it?!
Kelly Cach says
Oh, and you look STUNNING in your hula hooping ensemble! So pretty and so YOUNG!
Megan Sandoz says
Lainey look so big in those last photos! I love how Nella loves babies. What a sweet heart. Happy baby watch!
melissa says
My word…I don’t know how on earth baby boy lets you hoola hoop!! LOVE Nella feeding her baby strawberries. Cute, cute party. Rest easy momma, hoping everything goes smoothly.
Tejas hugs,
Melissa
Leah says
Happy birthday Nella!
Debby says
So many beautiful and cute pictures, I couldn’t begin to pick a favorite. Nella loves her babies. I love that car bubble machine. How cute is that. I love that your parties start in your little woods and ends in your driveway. What a simple but sweet party. Your parties are so much fun. HOw can you hula hoop being almost ready to deliver. Love your outfit.
Bluegingham says
Happy Birthday Nella! Lovely.
Mandi Wolfswinkel says
Oh goodness! Way cute party. Props to you mama. I didn’t have much energy at this point in any of my pregnancies. Very good to hear you are feeling well this late in the game. Any day now! Yay for the Hamptons! 🙂
Donna O. says
Love, Love, Love the butterfly kiss photo. OMG – It could not be any cuter; seriously! In regard to the weather…You win! We are in Michigan with 50 mph winds today and have had more than enough white stuff this season. Thinking open windows and green grass cannot happen soon enough up here! Adorable party pictures – thanks for sharing. Happy Hearts Day to all ~
17enne says
The party was soooo lovely! Lot of beautiful ideas for a Valentine party in the weekend with my friends, even if they are a little bit older than Nellie’s ones 🙂
Can’t wait to read that the baby has arrived: I made some guesses about the names, and they all fits in the number of stamps you posted some weeks ago. Two of them begins with letter C 🙂
O, I’m so curious!
A 17-year-old girl from a snowing but very enojoyable Italy
meg bird says
your daughters are so beautiful! I can’t believe how grown up Lainey looks in these pictures. Which seems awkward to say since I’m a complete stranger.
Mary Ann says
The pictures are simply adorable. I LOVE Nella’s outfit for the party.
Can’t wait for the new baby to come. Hope you and he both “do” well.
Amy says
Happy birthday, Nella! Loved the valentine’s themes. Nothing better than pink and hearts in my opinion. The picture of Lainey and Nella side by side you posted at the end is the first time I’ve been able to see the two of them look so much alike! I’ve seen you in Nella but I’m excited to finally be able to see sisters in each other
Sarah Manson says
I am a new mama and I just discovered your blog. Where has it been all my life? I have spent the last two days pouring over old posts in my spare time.
You just make me want to love myself, my husband, my son and my life.
Thanks so much for that!
Reenie says
Very cute party. 🙂
SH says
This is a beautiful party! You are so ridiculously creative!!!
Sheree
The Hartungs Blog
thehartungs.blogspot.ca
Nicole Dianne says
lainey looks like SUCH a big girl in those last pictures by the swing set! i can’t believe it 🙂
what a fun little love party..can’t wait to throw my little love bug a love party someday!
Zella says
This blog brings me so much joy. Your photos are so full of life that I suck positive energy from them to my own mundane life 🙂 Thank you.
Betsi* says
That romper reminds me of Eloise Wilkins’ illustrations. Love it!
Farmgirl Paints says
you’d be such a fun mom to have. love your spunk girl. and that sweet little nella romper had me at hello.
Mark, Wendy, Dale and Rose says
Wonderful!
Yellow Finch Designs says
I am absolutely in love with this party!! And the fact you are still the hula hooping champion 😉
Rosie Keisha says
What is the secret to all your energy? You need to bottle it! When I was in the home stretch many years ago I didn’t have the energy to brush my hair..never mind plan a party. You are amazing!
Midwestgirl says
Oh goodness, I could just nibble on Nella’s knees. A. Is that odd? And B. nibble on Nella’s knees; say that 5 times fast.
robin says
Such precious pictures!!!! Beautiful party!
Chelsea Hanninen says
oh god that last sentence gave me chills!
Sharmaine says
what a fun party!! lainey looks so much older in these photos!
Megan Landmeier says
OK, this is so shallow and off the topic of the entire post, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE Lainey’s outfit, although I’m pretty sure it’s what I wore in third grade.
jane says
Fab. I like it when you’re keeping it real! The hula pic is truly lovely, nothing against your staged maternity pics but it is really a nice natural shot which shows your personality.
Romantic Savy says
Such a beautiful party for a beautiful girl!
Jolene - EverydayFoodie says
What a pretty party!!!!
Do you ever get to attend parties like this, or are you usually the one hosting?
mk says
Can’t wait to see how you ‘cutesy’ up your little boy!
Alex Sayre says
Such a cute love party!!! Loved it!
lindsey. says
Happy 3rd to sweet Nella! I am in love with the picture of her strutting across the driveway. She’s insanely adorable.
Erin Bettis says
Adorable romper! Love!
asbosma says
What a beautiful party!! I keep checking your blog daily to see if your little man has arrived yet. I can’t wait for you guys to have another little person join your family. Babies are such wonderful blessings. 🙂
~Sarah
LeiShell says
Even your simple effortless parties as you say, seem soo detailed. I envy your gift to throw parties. I made Valentine’s tonight with my little guy and that felt like “whoa”. I felt a little tear looking at Nella with her baby…soon she will have a little brother to care for!
Cassie says
Love the pics of Lainey and Nella side by side with the wind blown hair. Happy 3rd birthday to Nella! can’t wait to see your new addition!
notjustanothermom.com says
Love the Valentine’s birthday party! Reminds me of growing up and my sister and I (February babies with our birthdays a few days apart) having love/heart/valentines-themed parties. Such great memories. Can’t wait to hear of your little man’s arrival!
heidi-elizabeth storer says
Happy Birthday Nella! What a gorgeous party, it looks like she had such fun 🙂
http://Www.louiemummy.blogspot.com
medina family says
beautiful party. I love every detail!
Jude says
Belated Birthday Greetings to Nella. What a wonderful party…. Hula Hooping? I’m impressed – I couldn’t do that when I was 10. lol 🙂
I just love the adoration on your girls faces when they are with each other…. so very heart-stoppingly sweet. I bet they are very excited to meet their little brother?
Jude.x
Kaara A says
Happy belated birthday Nella! What a cute little jumper, I die! Beautifully captured the day, it looks so loving and relaxing!
Roksalanna says
Looks like Nella had a lovely party. Love the last picture of her in particular-such a gorgeous, beaming smile.
Kelle wishing you and your beautiful family much happiness as you await the arrival of Baby Boy Hampton.
xxoo
Mirella says
It really looks like a great party you did a great job
Rosa says
Man I miss the sun here in Vancouver, Canada. (rain rain go away). Happy birthday to Nella!
Trina says
<3
Sara Bell- The Traveling PhoBlogWriPher says
It definitely seems to be year of the boy! I am due May 1st and am being surprised by the gender. I have 13 friends or acquaintances with babies due in April or June and every single one of them is having a boy! I’m curious to see if they’re all boys or if I’m carrying their one little girl friend! =]
Lexie Loo, Lily Boo, and Dylan Too! says
What a great party! She looked adorable!
c.darwin says
I cannot handle Nella cuteness! She is beautiful and the party looks like so much fun.
J9's Happiness in the Every Day says
Happy Birthday Nella. Happy big sister Lainey. Good luck Kelle and best wishes over the next few weeks to you all. J9 x
Stephanie Precourt says
Oh, I love it all, Kelle. So sweet and it looks so warm there!
Love,
Steph
capturing says
So sweet! All of it! What a precious family!!!
Kinsley says
Kelly,
I love your blog and have been reading it for years. You helped me pave my way onto motherhood and gave me so much excitement to start my family. I have never before heard of a person with my name and when I was reviewing this blog I found my name on one of your beautifully decorated bag – there it was in bright lights, well maybe more bright felt “Kinsley”. I didn’t know I was invited to the party and let me tell you I would have been there with bells on! I would love to know if it is a boy or a girls name and where the parents found it! Please share if you have a moment!!! KInsley
Amy says
Kelle, I am so inspired by your creativity. I forgot about mine many years ago, but reading your blog inspires me now. In fact, I’m even creating the artwork for my second little boy who will be joining our family in May. When’s it’s finished I plan to share it on my tiny blog. If I have enough nerve, maybe I’ll try to share it with you.
Anyway, I’m so excited to hear the news of your new addition, and to read the words of other women in your life. Good luck, congratulations to Nella for turning three!
Jennifer B says
simply magical, exquisite little party. thank you for sharing, my life needs love and magic and simple and love right now. please tell: where did that adorable stripey romper come from, with tush ruffles? MUST. HAVE. NOW. :)thank you!
allison angel says
Party details are so awesome and have more fun and happy environment. Its so much important for attending
Birthday parties .
Sarah says
Oh my goodness, I wandered over from pinterest and read Nella’s birth story. It was so powerful. Then I jumped right over here to Nella’s 3rd birthday and I have to say how beautiful and loved your girls look. The joy on Nella’s face in the last picture is such a wonderful testament her parent’s love!
PS Her little red romper is ridiculously adorable!
Arielle says
Such a pretty party!!! :))
http://arielle-ellesentries.blogspot.com/
Kimmy says
Lovely party. I love Nella’s outfit, so cute.
Happiness is... says
You’re little Nella could not be any cuter of a valentine. I love the simplicity of the party, but even simple, it takes a bunch of effort. And in the end, it was all about the child and the other children.
Kudos that you got to celebrate before Dash’s arrival.
-Jennifer