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!



what a sweet celebration for you dad!
ReplyDeleteand toby's pink cheeks + nose are ADORABLE.
You guys are too adorable!!
ReplyDeleteSeems you had a great time! lovely pictures,nice to see your great family!! kisses
ReplyDeleteWhat a great time! Thanks for sharing the pictures :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteWhat 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?
ReplyDeletetogetherinadream.blogspot.com
Sounds like the perfect family weekend! Happy Birthday to your dad.
ReplyDeleteToby couldn't get any cuter. He's an absolute doll.
ReplyDeletexox
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.
ReplyDeleteToby's got big glue eyes! He's going to be such a heartbreaker ;)
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
ReplyDeleteBlue*
ReplyDeleteLOVE, love, love these photos! (And the family resemblance between you, Toby, and you dad is awesome!)
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Sounds like you guys had a great time.
ReplyDeleteHelloooo gorgeous family! We love seeing celebrations of all kinds. Keep sharing yours!
ReplyDeleteawesome! and toby is totally cuteness!!! thanks for sharing. looks like a fun time had by all!
ReplyDeleteLooks like so much fun! Toby looks just like you!
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful celebration!! the photos are heart-warming :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like the birthday boys and the whole family had a lovely mini trip away. Ohhh I LOVE birthdays, especially other peoples xo
ReplyDeleteclaireplush.blogspot.com
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.) :)
ReplyDeleteso beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAw 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!
ReplyDeleteAlice
Just a Silhouette
Toby is beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteit looks like a weekend filled with love :)
ReplyDelete<3 steffy
Steffys Pros and Cons
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
ReplyDeleteJoanna,
ReplyDeleteSounds like a memorable time. Definitely special.
Love all the fires on the cake!
So sweet (love those over the chair pics!).
ReplyDeleteAnd Toby breaks my heart he is so cute.
looks like you had a blast! spending time with family is the best :)
ReplyDeletexoxo.
jana
he says. she says.
That is one crazy-amazing candle-lit cake! Looks like a lovely weekend and Happy Birthday to both!
ReplyDeleteI could go for a fireplace and some homemade lasagna on a frozen lake about now :) Sounds like a wonderful time!
ReplyDeletethe last picture of you & toby made me sigh(the good kind) out loud. too stinkin' perfect for words!
ReplyDeletexoxo
looks like fun! Who is the guy in the second picture with the stripes, he's cute! Single?
ReplyDeleteLooks soooo amazing!
ReplyDeleteTo more such happy moments!
What a sweet celebration! I am planning my dad's 60th in May. :)
ReplyDeleteWow those are a lot of candles! Looks like fun :) Toby is so precious... those eyes make me squeal :)
ReplyDeleteI love all the photos, but the ones of Toby are my favorite. He just keeps getting cuter and cuter!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteso incredibly sweet! beautiful family. toby and i would be fast friends. love no reservations.
ReplyDeleteOh 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. :)
ReplyDeletewait! how was the cake? lol Us foodies need to know!
ReplyDeleteSweet family!! Lovely photos!
ReplyDeleteI love how the candles were basically a fire hazard once they were all lit lol! Glad you have a fun weekend!
ReplyDeleteThat photo of you and Toby is just adorable.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a fantastic weekend and your dad had a wonderful birthday!
This looks like such a fun weekend! And man, is that baby gorgeous or what!?!? Xox
ReplyDeleteFun! And baby Toby is too sweet- what a resemblance to both of you!
ReplyDeleteThat little guy of yours is too cute!! They grow up so fast, so enjoy every moment with him.
ReplyDeleteI need to stop you're making me want another one!
The Cheeky Cafe
Sounds like a lovely weekend getaway with your family! Little Toby couch potato is just darling. xo Lola
ReplyDeleteP.S. We're hosting a swanky giveaway this week + you're invited!
aw, S., you are hilarious! i'm sure my dad will be super flattered :)
ReplyDeletethanks for all these sweet comments! nicole, the guy in the stripes is my cousin jeremy. he's single! he lives in pittsburgh :)
ReplyDeleteWhat 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!!!!
ReplyDeleteAw, yay! Looks like a swell time and the perfect birthday(s)!
ReplyDeleteand that's what life's about
ReplyDeleteLooks 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.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is so much fun to read.
THE CUTEST BABY EVER
ReplyDeleteLove that cake - the candles are hilarious!
ReplyDeletei second that your dad is good-looking and i will sign my name, LOL!
ReplyDeletethanks, 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
ReplyDeleteAw man.. I want to go on an equally adorable family getaway now! Hmm.. who's bday is next...
ReplyDeleteLooks like such a wonderful celebration!
ReplyDeleteadorable! :)
ReplyDeleteHe is absolutely darling!
ReplyDeleteThis post was so sweet and make me think about how much I love my dad and family too! Great post!
ReplyDeletexo
lj
http://jonesyloves.blogspot.com/
Cute pictures! It was my father's birthday weekend also, and his name is Paul! :)
ReplyDeleteOH, and my dad turned 50!
ReplyDeleteThe Goddard family is so adorable! Happy b-day to your dad and Lucy's husband!
ReplyDeleteoh 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteOh, and that Toby. What a heartbreaker!
You have a gorgeous family and even more gorgeous little couch potato!
ReplyDeleteFamily is the best- glad you got to spend some time with yours! and Toby IS THE CUTEST!! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday! What a happy looking fa,ily!
ReplyDeleteThese 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
ReplyDeletethe pictures of dad and Paul are hilarious and heart-warming!
ReplyDeleteit looks like you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteyour dad seems cool.
who's the babe in the striped shirt?
ReplyDelete(the one over 2 yrs old)
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!)
ReplyDeleteThat 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.
ReplyDeleteAND, Toby just gets CUTER every day! ;)
Hope
Holy moley! Your poppa is Dennis Quaid's doppelganger! Great photos :)
ReplyDeleteAw, 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. :)
ReplyDeleteyour dad is a real man *laugh* happy birthday to him. you`re looking so happy and sweet..
ReplyDeletehave a nice week, dani
What beautiful photos. It looks like you all had a fantastic time. Amazing how strong the family resemblance is!
ReplyDeleteI adore family get sways too.
X
Sounds like you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures of Toby make my heart melt...
windeater.blogspot.com
So cute!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a lovely time :)
what an ADORABLE family you have! Grandpa is rocking the cone hat look. Ahwn. now i miss my family!
ReplyDeleteOh 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
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed looking at the photos!
ReplyDeletehttp://momdaughterstyle.blogspot.com/
I love your photographs! Especially the portraits (and the ones of Toby, duh!) Looks like you had a wonderful mini break =)
ReplyDeleteLove 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
ReplyDeletethat picture of you and toby is absolutely precious. and i love those portraits. i am going to have to try that out.
ReplyDeletehttp://lachapstickfanatique.blogspot.com
looks like such a fun time!
ReplyDeleteGosh your dad is just so handsome..Love his smile! :) & Toby is adorable is always
ReplyDeleteyour dad looks young!
ReplyDeletewww.ThisIsAYes.com
haha, unicorn jones, that's my cousin jeremy :)
ReplyDeletehopeyt, 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!!!
ReplyDeleteAhhhhhh! Toby just gets cuter and cuter! And your cousin is a total babe.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh how precious! Seems like a great time!
ReplyDeleteSarah
http://www.iwishforcourage.com
So much fun. Makes me crave some time away with my family.
ReplyDeleteI 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. ;)
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteBy made up I meant staged or made to look internet beautiful. I did not mean false or fake!
ReplyDeleteaw, AJ, that makes me so, so happy to hear! thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great weekend! That looks like a wonderful time! Those little family getaways can be sooo much fun :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!
Beautiful partu! Congrats
ReplyDeleteawesome birthday pics...love the birthday cake! love it!
ReplyDeleteeverything is looks so cosy!
ReplyDeletesuch sweet photos!
ReplyDeleteToby's really starting to look like you!
xo
how funny is it that your sister and alex are almost wearing the same shirt!! viva la lumberjack. love it.
ReplyDeleteWHO is stripes?!? Hello, sir.
ReplyDeleteI will eat your baby up!
ReplyDeleteHi Joanna - these pictures are great. Do you mind sharing what camera you use? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteit 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.
ReplyDeletelove the cake! where is it from?
ReplyDeleteOMG I have never seen that many candles on a cake before that is hilarious! And a fire hazard? :)
ReplyDelete1) 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?
ReplyDeletethanks for these sweet comments!!
ReplyDeleteemily #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
Wonderful Dad, Happy birthday!!, loved the pictures...
ReplyDeletehelp for single Dads
Beautiful pictures, a usual!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, who's the handsome young man in the second picture? :)
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.
ReplyDeleteWas your mom there too? I see a woman older than your sister, but not sure if she's your mom.
ReplyDeletei loved this post; so very family oriented. made me miss mine back in dallas. great photos, looks like a fun time!
ReplyDeleteMiyan
www.miyan-overseas.blogspot.com
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!
ReplyDeleteOh! Hi, cousin Jeremy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pity I live in Argentina!
Your child is legit the cutest and it's so wonderful to see a family who loves each other the way yours does:)
ReplyDeleteAnd your pics are not cheesy! I love how you document life!
xoxo
Em
www.emilylospennato.blogspot.com
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!
ReplyDeletebeautiful post Jo! may y'all celebrate (and share, do!) many, many more! xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful baby, I would like to have some photos of my baby like your photos !
ReplyDeleteawesome birthday pics...love the birthday cake! love it!
ReplyDelete