Name: Alice (1)
Location: Concord, CA

As soon as I started thinking about Alice's 1st birthday party, I knew it would be circus-themed. From the day she was born (she's the 2nd child) I referred to our family as a circus. It seemed life became a crazy juggling act; who knew who was going to be the ring leader on any given day! So, it just seemed to fit naturally that Alice would be the ring-leader on her special 1st Birthday.

Family: Amanda, Marcos, Gavin (10), Dylan (8), Emily (4) and Melia (1)
Location: Winter Springs, Florida

My husband Marcos made a back yard splash pad for our four children. It is made out of beautiful (non slippery) Travertine tiles…

Name: "Baby S/Bubs'
Location: Brisbane, Australia

I wanted a room that we could all feel relaxed and calm in, but also a little bit fun. Being a rental property meant no nice wall colours, decorations or curtains, which is why I decided on the beautiful bold rug. The size of the room also didn't leave much to be desired, which is why I wanted the furniture white, bright and fresh.

Modern Nesting Dolls
• $28 (pre-order price)
• Wee Gallery

I love modern updates to traditional toys and these nesting dolls are right on the money. Designed by Wee Gallery in their signature black and white, the nesting lion, cat and owl are made in Russia.

Name: Juliet (5)
Location: Atlanta, GA

My daughter requested a "doctor party" for her 5th birthday earlier this year. I tried to find other party inspiration out there, but didn't have too much luck. We ended up making it sort of a red and white old-school infirmary theme--which she and her friends loved.

My parents always shooed us outside in the summertime. We'd come in for lunch and the occasional popsicle, but we otherwise lived outside. If you're planning the same for your kids, here are ten ideas for making your outside space more appealing, more fun and more memorable.

If you were an alien visiting from outer space perusing kids' stores you could only arrive at one conclusion: all human boys love trucks, robots, pirates and dinosaurs. And human girls love butterflies, flowers and fairies and princesses. And all children love owls.

• Paint By Number Artwork in the Nursery
• Magnolia's Old, New & Handmade Room
• Homemade Donut Crayons
• Wren & Owen's Happy Striped Room

I made a covered wagon out of a shoe box in the 4th grade and this project by the Dahls of Built By Kids reminded me of it. Theirs is a much tastier version.