Penny's Birthday!

3 years ago..... Bob was messing around on MySpace and left a message on a band's site (Widespread Panic)- something about how excited he was for the Chevrolet Theatre show. Aubrey was also messing around on MySpace and noticed Bob's comment. She then took a leap of faith and sent Bob a message introducing herself and hubby Sean. They were a couple our age, who liked the same music as us, have the same interests as us and just moved here from Colorado. Aubrey's message also told us that they were going to the same concert! She invited us to meet for dinner before the show.......Bob & I took a leap of faith and said - yes! What a great decision! We hit it off and with some sneaky ticket sharing, were able to spend the concert together. We had a booty shakin good time!
Since then we have seen many concerts together (both as couples and boy's / girl's night out). They have quickly become good friends.

When we first met Sean & Aubrey, I was 4 months pregnant. Shortly after Tripp was born, they became pregnant with a little girl. Today we celebrated the 1 year birthday of Penelope Orenstein.

What a cleaver, crafty and great invitation! Not only is it full of adorable pics of Penny, it also has a verse from a favorite Widespread Panic song!

"A little wrangler was born,

Saw her squirming in the saddle all wet and warm.

Such a change of form in her very first year"

We loved her invitation so much, it inspired our card. Adorned with pics of Tripp & Penny's 1st year of friendship.

The birthday girl

We arrived at the party early to install some Marisa Copley original paintings in their home. That's right! The Orenstein Family are the proud owners of Persephone & Artemis from my series of paintings - Mythological Women. Lucky for me, they are more than happy to let me borrow the paintings so I can show them as a series ... as long as some tasteful signs noting that the paintings are on loan from the Orenstein collection are displayed next to them!

Of course, the artist is happy to oblige :-)

These yummy treats were made in honor of Aubrey's sister, Robin... it's her signature dish. Pretzel rods dipped in chocolate and rolled in fruity pebbles - Yummy!

Tripp couldn't wait - he dove right in!

Tripp modeling his Keller William's onesie (another music favorite) - a gift from Sean & Aubrey

Bob gave Penny her lunch. Ahh, it feels like just yesterday he was doing this with Tripp....

Time for presents!

This rider was a huge hit! It's a bouncy toy that is good for kids of all ages!

Time to open your gift from Tripp

Wow! A cool wooden pull along toy!

From one of our favorite kid companies - Melissa & Doug

Tripp picked it out. He immediately was drawn to the smiling frog and started hopping and doing his best to "ribbet", as soon as he saw it in the store - sold! A present she will grow into as she learns to walk and then run!

Time for cake!

The cake was yummy!

Goodie Bags

Tripp, showing off his cool dude rub on tattoo from his goodie bag

More presents! A beautiful quilt made by mommy.

Shortly after Aubrey became pregnant she began plans to make a quilt for her baby. Inspired by Tripp's quilt - made by friend Amber Williams - she had a plan and was on a mission to finish this quilt by Penny's 1st birthday - Mission Accomplished!

Good job momma! It's beautiful!!!!

Opening presents with Grandma

A cool vintage toy from Grandma.

This is a toy from our youth. Sean's mom save a couple of spares to give to her grandchild one day - talk about thinking ahead!

It's a cool toy and Penelope instantly enjoyed playing with it.

Outside time!

Let's put that quilt to good use!

Back inside to clean up and say our good-byes

Penelope grew very fond of Bob during this visit.

She wanted to be held by him and when it was time to go,

she gave him a great big bear hug!

Bob is holding both Tripp & Penny because, Tripp is jealous.

Every time either of us held Penny he would whine to be picked up too!

It was a good day, full of good times and good friends