Seri and I always have big ideas when we get the kids together (Seri being a party planner and all), but things don’t always go as planned. For instance, last week, we planned a 4th of July inspired picnic in Central Park, so Mazzy, Harlow, Gavin and Luke could model the adorable new Americana collection from Gymboree.
There was going to be watermelon, potato sack races, pinwheels and cupcakes.
WHAT COULD GO WRONG???
For starters, RAIN.
But do you know what is worse than rain?
It’s when your weather app says it’s going to rain, but it doesn’t really rain, and you realize a few hours too late that you absolutely COULD HAVE hightailed it uptown to the park, but you’re already way too far into your back-up plan of shooting indoors to switch courses.
And the kids are all like, “I THOUGHT WE WERE HAVING A PICNIC! THIS ISN’T NEARLY AS FUN. WAAAH.”
And then the photographer gets there (a very talented guy named Dave Robbins) and he says, “We can’t shoot a July 4th picnic indoors!”
And you panic like no one ever should over a picnic and say, “WELL THEN WHAT DO WE DO???”
And Seri suggests, all casual-like, “We have a pool on the roof. We could shoot there.”
And you say, “Okay. that sounds good. We could take the kids up to the pool and then— HOLD UP. YOU HAVE A POOL ON THE ROOF??????”
And then as you gather everybody up in the service elevator, you can’t help but think— WHY HAVEN’T I BEEN INVITED OVER TO THE POOL BEFORE?????” But you keep that to yourself, because you don’t want to ruin your chances of scoring a future invite.
Then you get up there and the kids are all, “YAY!!!!! LET’S GO SWIMMING!!!!!!”
And you have to tell them that no, we need to shoot the “picnic” but we can go in after, I PROMISE (knowing full well you didn’t bring any suits).
“Okay…” they say unenthusiastically.
Then you make a failed attempt to get everyone to stay in one place on a blanket.
SERIOUSLY. HOW HARD IS IT TO STAY IN ONE PLACE ON A BLANKET???
And then everyone gets to open their picnic boxes which is initially very exciting…
Until they discover inside are just regular lunch items like corn.
And that beautiful July 4th spread Seri made with a glass pitcher and berries?
Someone knocks it over and there’s glass and water everywhere and you have to scrap the whole blanket thing entirely.
CRAP. Nobody ever said blogging was easy.
But then, once you toss out all your preconceived picnic ideas, your pre-styled party platters, and your attempts to strategically pose the kids and JUST LET EVERYBODY HAVE FUN, that’s when the magic happens.
Plus, we broke out the ice cream cone cupcakes. Bribery is always a recipe for a good time.
The kids looked as adorable as ever, obviously.
Mazzy became OBSESSED with her one shouldered striped romper.
Making it very hard to convince her to change into the chambray star dress, which looked equally adorable.
You can see all the whole star-spangled striped collection here.
Harlow loved her little jean shorts with matching ruffled shirt but really came into her own when she put on her adorable swiss dot dress, making the wardrobe change without ever letting go of her ice cream cone cupcake.
Luke donned a baseball tank with belted twill shorts while Gavin wore an anchor tee with cargo shorts.
Gymboree’s Americana Collection for boys has lots of red, white and blue with classic plaids and patchwork, perfect for outdoor BBQs and backyard shenanigans.
Like the ring toss, which is equally as enjoyable on a rooftop as on the grass.
Harlow was a PRO.
Well, she needs to work a little on her aim.
To end the shoot, we took the kids outside with a big ol’ blue balloon with white stars, because there is nothing that stirs positive patriotic feelings more than a flag themed balloon.
And red, white and blue pinwheels. That’s a necessary element too.
The kids smiled, laughed, played and then asked if it was time to go into the pool.
That’s when I texted Mike to tell him to GET OVER TO THE ROOF POOL WITH SUITS IMMEDIATELY.
He texted back, “A roof pool??!!! How come we’ve never been invited before?”
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GYMBOREE GIVEAWAY:
Today, I’m giving away a $150 Gymboree gift card!
To enter, just check out Gymboree’s Star-Spangled Summer collection (boy and girl) and tell me the one thing you would pick for your kid’s summer play date in the comments.
For a second entry, tweet about the giveaway and leave a second comment saying you did so:
I just entered to win a $150 @Gymboree gift card from @mommyshorts! http://bit.ly/1IkCCQE #gymboree
Read the full rules here.
Winner will be announced June 25th.
Exclusive Offer:
Gymboree is offering Mommy Shorts readers $25 off purcahses of $100 or more! Just use coupon code: AMERICANA25 at checkout. Offer can be redeemed in-store and online, valid 6/17 to 6/25.
__________________________
WINNER UPDATE:
And the winner is… Stephanie, who loves the striped romper.
Congrats! Please contact abby@mommyshorts.com to claim your prize.
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This post was sponsored by Gymboree but all failed picnic plans are my own. All photos were taken by Dave Robbins.
I love the Star-Pocket Tank for my son and Striped Sundress for my daughter.
I love the Chambray Star Dress with the red Glitter Jelly Sandals! <3
I tweeted 🙂
https://twitter.com/heatherburdge/status/613228792501309440
I want that adorable star dress that Mazzy is wearing at the picnic. I love stars!
The patchwork shorts are perfect!
chambray star dress FOR SURE. perfect!
That one-shouldered romper! OMG LOVE!
Tweeted! @NicholeLesniak
Love the star dress for my daughter and the flag baseball T for my son!
My 4 year old son would absolutely love the star spangled pup tee.
I would choose the glitter star cowgirl boots because I might be able to talk my 4 year old daughter into tossing her old (and very stained) magenta fringe cowgirl boots out.
I think my 2 year old son would look hysterically awesome in the star pocket tank. And maybe the United States of Awesome hat just to complete the toddler bro look.
Lovin’ the dots dress. My 2 year old would look so cute in it!
Love the red glitter jelly sandals!
Tweeted!
https://twitter.com/stampedegirl75/status/614150360467406848
I like the dots dress for my little girl as well as the chambray dress and anchor tee and matching shorts and shoes for my son. Love the nautical theme this year.
I would definitely get my daughter the glitter sneakers, she loves shoes!
The patchwork shorts- I love them!!!
Dots Dress! OR the whole red, white and cute outfit!
I would have to choose the butterfly dress and flower sun hat.
The striped sundress is perfect for San Diego!
Love the patchwork shorts for my son!
My little man is obsessed with hats – the American flag baseball cap is perfect for him! Love the plaid flip flops too!
Oh! I love that Star Chambray Dress! I’d get that for my little girl.
I love the glitter shoes! And the swiss dot dress
I tweeted! https://twitter.com/iamahoneybee/status/614177811721531392
Holy crap this collection is so freaking adorable. My daughter only wants to wear rompers and Mazzy’s one shoulder number is the cutest thing going.
Tweeted!
Swiss dot dress!
I would get me sonow the Baseball American Flag Tee and the matching socks.
I love the red romper! Red is my daughter’s favorite color and it’s so hard to find girl clothes in red.
I agree with Mazzy, that romper is my favorite!
The sparkler girl tank and the adorable one piece bathing suit!