Cait as a 10 year old- posing with Rachel

It’s surreal to think that 10 years ago I became a mother for the first time.

10 years ago, I was 20. I was young, I had no idea what I was doing and for the first 6 years of my daughter’s life, I was a single parent. When I look back those early years were really a struggle, I was totally winging it, but she didn’t know it and she loved me anyway. I think that’s how it goes with the firsts for everyone and that’s what makes first borns that much more special. As my Caitie Bug grew, I grew. As she learned, I learned. Now she’s 10 and I almost can’t believe it. Time goes by so fast.

My good friend Rachel, founder and director of the Old Glory Legacy Foundation provided the venue for an awesome party complete with horseback riding and a piñata. Side note: piñatas require LOTS of candy and I didn’t get nearly enough!

This was Caitlyn’s 2nd time requesting and having birthday party out at Rachel’s which I’m totally ok with because the photo-ops are always awesome. Caitlyn always goes with the same theme as well: mustaches and cowgirls (& boys). We grilled hotdogs and s’mores for the kids, not really my kind of food but birthday parties require exceptions. The biggest exception was the birthday cake, I love baking but ran out of time so we went with a Cold Stone Creamery ice-cream cake! It was amazing… I had two slices (another birthday party exception).

Below are some of the magical moments I was able to capture at the birthday party.

I have 3 other kids to throw parties for this year and need some inspiration for awesomeness so I’d love to hear some ideas and birthday stories in the comments below.

And incase you didn't know, I do offer birthday party and event photography services. Visit my events page for details!