MOST POPULAR POSTS

Monday, April 04, 2011

Dad's birthday weekend

My sweets, I'd love to share a few photos of my dad's birthday weekend, if you'd like to see...
We rented a big house on a frozen lake in the Poconos. My aunt, uncle, cousin, sister, brother, brother's girlfriend, and, of course, dad all piled in, and we built fires, played games and made lasagna. We also went for snowy walks (it was surprisingly wintery!).
We brought 60 candles for my dad's cake, plus another 34 candles for my sister's husband, Paul, whose birthday was the same day.
It was quite a feat.
The birthday boys.
The night of my dad's birthday dinner, I made everyone stand behind a chair to take portraits. A little cheesy, I know, but I love them. (Above is Alex, me, my twin sister Lucy, and our little brother Nick.)
Since we're usually squeezed into a tiny New York apartment, it felt awesome to hang out in a sprawling five-bedroom house. Even the sofa was enormous. Here, Alex and Toby chilled on Sunday morning.
(And one of them drooled a lot.)
Toby was visibly thrilled to be in a huge group all weekend. (One morning when I came downstairs after taking a quick shower, he was happily parked on the sofa between my dad and uncle, watching No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain, like a little couch potato. It was hilarious.)
It was such a great, cozy, relaxing weekend, and made me want to do these types of mini family getaways more often! xoxo Happy birthday, again, Paul and Dad! We adore you!

124 comments:

  1. what a sweet celebration for you dad!

    and toby's pink cheeks + nose are ADORABLE.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You guys are too adorable!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Seems you had a great time! lovely pictures,nice to see your great family!! kisses

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a great time! Thanks for sharing the pictures :) xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  5. What an awesome weekend! I love when birthdays allow for little family reunions, too. That's adorable that Toby enjoyed being surrounded by people! I wonder if he's a little extrovert?

    togetherinadream.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds like the perfect family weekend! Happy Birthday to your dad.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Toby couldn't get any cuter. He's an absolute doll.

    xox

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the portraits, as my sister and I get older, we don't have as many family photos, so I'll have to remember to do something like that this summer.

    Toby's got big glue eyes! He's going to be such a heartbreaker ;)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sounds like one fun party! We spent the weekend outside of Paris and I could tell Liam also loved being out of our tiny Parisian apartment. He was running in the garden all weekend with a big smile on his face. Our city babies need space! :) Happy 60th to your dad. Bisous

    ReplyDelete
  10. LOVE, love, love these photos! (And the family resemblance between you, Toby, and you dad is awesome!)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great photos! Sounds like you guys had a great time.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Helloooo gorgeous family! We love seeing celebrations of all kinds. Keep sharing yours!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Glenda4:33 PM

    awesome! and toby is totally cuteness!!! thanks for sharing. looks like a fun time had by all!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looks like so much fun! Toby looks just like you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. what a wonderful celebration!! the photos are heart-warming :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Looks like the birthday boys and the whole family had a lovely mini trip away. Ohhh I LOVE birthdays, especially other peoples xo

    claireplush.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. oh, the drool - so cute. ....how can something so unattractive on an adult be so cute on a baby? (i guess that isn't limited to drool, though...sort of applies to everything....ie, rolls of fat, toothless grins, etc.) :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Aw it looks like you had a great weekend, you're family looks so loving and kind. Also, Toby is just about the cutest thing ever!
    Alice
    Just a Silhouette

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous4:52 PM

    Toby is beautiful!!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. it looks like a weekend filled with love :)


    <3 steffy
    Steffys Pros and Cons

    ReplyDelete
  21. Awww..what a sweet family weekend:) I bet you all had tons of fun and the photos are beautiful! Toby is such a cutie and it looks like he really loved having all the attention:) Such a sweetheart! Kisses, Joanna

    ReplyDelete
  22. Joanna,

    Sounds like a memorable time. Definitely special.

    Love all the fires on the cake!

    ReplyDelete
  23. So sweet (love those over the chair pics!).

    And Toby breaks my heart he is so cute.

    ReplyDelete
  24. looks like you had a blast! spending time with family is the best :)

    xoxo.
    jana
    he says. she says.

    ReplyDelete
  25. That is one crazy-amazing candle-lit cake! Looks like a lovely weekend and Happy Birthday to both!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I could go for a fireplace and some homemade lasagna on a frozen lake about now :) Sounds like a wonderful time!

    ReplyDelete
  27. the last picture of you & toby made me sigh(the good kind) out loud. too stinkin' perfect for words!

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  28. looks like fun! Who is the guy in the second picture with the stripes, he's cute! Single?

    ReplyDelete
  29. Looks soooo amazing!
    To more such happy moments!

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a sweet celebration! I am planning my dad's 60th in May. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Wow those are a lot of candles! Looks like fun :) Toby is so precious... those eyes make me squeal :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. I love all the photos, but the ones of Toby are my favorite. He just keeps getting cuter and cuter!

    ReplyDelete
  33. How fun! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  34. so incredibly sweet! beautiful family. toby and i would be fast friends. love no reservations.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh we all know that Toby is cute. No one's saying how handsome your dad is...I'm not signing this with my real Gmail account. Too embarrassed. :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. wait! how was the cake? lol Us foodies need to know!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Sweet family!! Lovely photos!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love how the candles were basically a fire hazard once they were all lit lol! Glad you have a fun weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  39. That photo of you and Toby is just adorable.

    It sounds like you had a fantastic weekend and your dad had a wonderful birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  40. This looks like such a fun weekend! And man, is that baby gorgeous or what!?!? Xox

    ReplyDelete
  41. Fun! And baby Toby is too sweet- what a resemblance to both of you!

    ReplyDelete
  42. That little guy of yours is too cute!! They grow up so fast, so enjoy every moment with him.

    I need to stop you're making me want another one!

    The Cheeky Cafe

    ReplyDelete
  43. Sounds like a lovely weekend getaway with your family! Little Toby couch potato is just darling. xo Lola

    P.S. We're hosting a swanky giveaway this week + you're invited!

    ReplyDelete
  44. aw, S., you are hilarious! i'm sure my dad will be super flattered :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. thanks for all these sweet comments! nicole, the guy in the stripes is my cousin jeremy. he's single! he lives in pittsburgh :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. What a wonderful weekend! And what a wonderful family you have. Your dad looks so young! You all definitely have a happy vibe that's keeping you all young and beautiful...specially the mini couch potato! He is just beaming with life!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Aw, yay! Looks like a swell time and the perfect birthday(s)!

    ReplyDelete
  48. and that's what life's about

    ReplyDelete
  49. Looks like a lovely celebration weekend! I would love to know about the house you rented. I am always looking for good ones in the Poconos, because that's where my family likes to meet up.

    Your blog is so much fun to read.

    ReplyDelete
  50. THE CUTEST BABY EVER

    ReplyDelete
  51. Love that cake - the candles are hilarious!

    ReplyDelete
  52. i second that your dad is good-looking and i will sign my name, LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  53. thanks, elizabeth! the house we rented was nice, but actually sort of intense because there were about one million rules to follow. i wouldn't really recommend that specific house (even though we had a great time there). xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  54. Aw man.. I want to go on an equally adorable family getaway now! Hmm.. who's bday is next...

    ReplyDelete
  55. Looks like such a wonderful celebration!

    ReplyDelete
  56. He is absolutely darling!

    ReplyDelete
  57. This post was so sweet and make me think about how much I love my dad and family too! Great post!
    xo
    lj
    http://jonesyloves.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  58. Cute pictures! It was my father's birthday weekend also, and his name is Paul! :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. OH, and my dad turned 50!

    ReplyDelete
  60. The Goddard family is so adorable! Happy b-day to your dad and Lucy's husband!

    ReplyDelete
  61. oh that looks like the most fun weekend ever! So lovely. I love the mental image of Toby with his grandpa and uncle watching tv. Too cute!! Love the pic of you and Toby so much.

    ReplyDelete
  62. I can feel the loving energy in all of your beautiful photos! You've actually inspired me to arrange a family getaway in a rented holiday house with plenty of room for all of us.

    Oh, and that Toby. What a heartbreaker!

    ReplyDelete
  63. You have a gorgeous family and even more gorgeous little couch potato!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Family is the best- glad you got to spend some time with yours! and Toby IS THE CUTEST!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  65. Happy birthday! What a happy looking fa,ily!

    ReplyDelete
  66. These picture are WONDERFUL!!!!!!! The cake looks beautiful, even though on fire!!! paul and Dad look so happy. It looks like a wonderful weekend and I love th pic of Lulu and Toby!!! Love to you all!!!!!! Mama

    ReplyDelete
  67. the pictures of dad and Paul are hilarious and heart-warming!

    ReplyDelete
  68. it looks like you had a great time!
    your dad seems cool.

    ReplyDelete
  69. who's the babe in the striped shirt?

    (the one over 2 yrs old)

    ReplyDelete
  70. Love the family photos! Looks like you all had a blast. Toby is just a little porcelain doll! (I hope that's ok to say about a boy!)

    ReplyDelete
  71. That looks like a wonderful weekend! Where did you get the cake? I made one like that (with chocolate ribbons) for Christmas, but that one is SO pretty (and so spring-y)! I am glad your dad had so much family around, to celebrate.

    AND, Toby just gets CUTER every day! ;)

    Hope

    ReplyDelete
  72. Holy moley! Your poppa is Dennis Quaid's doppelganger! Great photos :)

    ReplyDelete
  73. Aw, those mini family get-togethers are the best! Food, laughs, dishing. I especially love it when cousins join in, 'cause then the stories get juicier. :)

    ReplyDelete
  74. your dad is a real man *laugh* happy birthday to him. you`re looking so happy and sweet..

    have a nice week, dani

    ReplyDelete
  75. What beautiful photos. It looks like you all had a fantastic time. Amazing how strong the family resemblance is!

    I adore family get sways too.

    X

    ReplyDelete
  76. Sounds like you had a great time!
    Your pictures of Toby make my heart melt...

    windeater.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. So cute!
    Looks like you had a lovely time :)

    ReplyDelete
  78. what an ADORABLE family you have! Grandpa is rocking the cone hat look. Ahwn. now i miss my family!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Oh this post is ADORABLE :) There really is nothing like the warm & fuzzy feeling that fantastic family get togethers leave you with! Glad you all had a ball x

    ReplyDelete
  80. I enjoyed looking at the photos!

    http://momdaughterstyle.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  81. I love your photographs! Especially the portraits (and the ones of Toby, duh!) Looks like you had a wonderful mini break =)

    ReplyDelete
  82. Anonymous6:47 AM

    Love love alex's new haircut! He looks so fresh with it. And also toby. He's getting cuter and cuter everyday. Hugs and kisses, michelle

    ReplyDelete
  83. that picture of you and toby is absolutely precious. and i love those portraits. i am going to have to try that out.

    http://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. looks like such a fun time!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Gosh your dad is just so handsome..Love his smile! :) & Toby is adorable is always

    ReplyDelete
  86. haha, unicorn jones, that's my cousin jeremy :)

    ReplyDelete
  87. hopeyt, my aunt got the cake from a french bakery near her in pittsburgh. :) it was vanilla cake with raspberry filling--sooooo good (and i don't usually like cake). xo thanks for these sweet comments!!!

    ReplyDelete
  88. Kelly R11:03 AM

    Ahhhhhh! Toby just gets cuter and cuter! And your cousin is a total babe.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Oh my gosh how precious! Seems like a great time!

    Sarah

    http://www.iwishforcourage.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. So much fun. Makes me crave some time away with my family.

    ReplyDelete
  91. I concur, cousin Jeremy's a cutie -- looks like a young Luke Wilson in that picture. What a good looking family you have... especially the bald one who drools. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  92. I believe the reason you are so loved (and 'viewed' onthe www) by so many is because you radiate pure joy. Your family is so normal. There was nothing made up about this post. It was pure, genuine, lovely. Thanks for sharing. You are a beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  93. By made up I meant staged or made to look internet beautiful. I did not mean false or fake!

    ReplyDelete
  94. aw, AJ, that makes me so, so happy to hear! thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  95. What a great weekend! That looks like a wonderful time! Those little family getaways can be sooo much fun :)
    Beautiful pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  96. Beautiful partu! Congrats

    ReplyDelete
  97. awesome birthday pics...love the birthday cake! love it!

    ReplyDelete
  98. everything is looks so cosy!

    ReplyDelete
  99. such sweet photos!
    Toby's really starting to look like you!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  100. how funny is it that your sister and alex are almost wearing the same shirt!! viva la lumberjack. love it.

    ReplyDelete
  101. WHO is stripes?!? Hello, sir.

    ReplyDelete
  102. Anonymous1:58 PM

    I will eat your baby up!

    ReplyDelete
  103. Hi Joanna - these pictures are great. Do you mind sharing what camera you use? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  104. it looks like you had such an amazing time! family getaways are the best. i feel like i appreciate them so much more now than when i was a kid.

    ReplyDelete
  105. love the cake! where is it from?

    ReplyDelete
  106. OMG I have never seen that many candles on a cake before that is hilarious! And a fire hazard? :)

    ReplyDelete
  107. 1) that looks like so much fun, 2) you + your husband + your baby are all beautiful (hells, your whole extended family is beautiful), and 3) where did you get your sweet shirts?

    ReplyDelete
  108. thanks for these sweet comments!!

    emily #1 -- we have a nikon d300.

    anita -- my aunt got the cake at a french bakery near pittsburgh. it looked like a present all wrapped up!

    emily #2 -- my shirts are from anthropologie and j. crew. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  109. Wonderful Dad, Happy birthday!!, loved the pictures...

    help for single Dads

    ReplyDelete
  110. Beautiful pictures, a usual!
    By the way, who's the handsome young man in the second picture? :)

    ReplyDelete
  111. So cute!!! Thanks for sharing. My fave aunt and uncle and my cousins love to go to the Poconos at the very beginning of Jan ... I can never join them (for school, now work) ... I hope I can someday. Looks like y'all had a blast. Congrats to your dad and BIL and best wishes.

    ReplyDelete
  112. Anonymous1:32 AM

    Was your mom there too? I see a woman older than your sister, but not sure if she's your mom.

    ReplyDelete
  113. i loved this post; so very family oriented. made me miss mine back in dallas. great photos, looks like a fun time!

    Miyan

    www.miyan-overseas.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  114. The lake wouldn't be Eagles Mere would it? My family spends our summers, and pretty much every weekend of the rest of the year there. Love northeastern PA!

    ReplyDelete
  115. Oh! Hi, cousin Jeremy!
    What a pity I live in Argentina!

    ReplyDelete
  116. Your child is legit the cutest and it's so wonderful to see a family who loves each other the way yours does:)

    And your pics are not cheesy! I love how you document life!

    xoxo
    Em
    www.emilylospennato.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  117. This is lovely Jo. You are so fortunate to have such a wonderful close family. Appreciate you sharing. Really lifts my spirits. If ever we make it to New York , can we call on you ... like far-flung. adopted Aussie relatives? My children would love you, and posing for photos behind chairs... on chairs, under chairs!

    ReplyDelete
  118. beautiful post Jo! may y'all celebrate (and share, do!) many, many more! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  119. What beautiful baby, I would like to have some photos of my baby like your photos !

    ReplyDelete
  120. awesome birthday pics...love the birthday cake! love it!

    ReplyDelete

Nice comments only, please! (That means you, anonymous.)

Site design by Apartment One
Federated Media Publishing - Style