Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Birthday Extravaganza!

This year we had a birthday party for Emma, but we tried to scale it down a little bit from last year. On Sunday we had all her grandparents, her aunt and her uncles over to celebrate the big two.



She was very excited to open presents and didn't know where to start.


Welcome to toddler hood- can you say, "Bi-polar"?


This gift caused the prior melt down. Daddy got her new high chair together quickly and it was put to use right away.


We had cupcake bar for dessert where everyone got to decorate their own cupcake.


Emma prepared to pray before she ate her cupcake- the singing confused the poor girl :)




On Monday, we headed over to play with our buddies Aiden and Gavin for the day. Emma was so excited to see them. She definitely missed them this summer!

She started loving on Gavs the minute he woke up. It's blurry, but still too cute.


I decided to take the kids to Deanna's Playhouse to continue the birthday celebration. It's one of Emma's favorite places to play. She loved doing circle time and singing songs.


After a birthday lunch of PB & J (Emma's choice) we had more birthday cupcakes. Aiden's birthday was earlier this month too, so they both got to blow out candles.


When we got home Emma wanted to color at her new table that I made for her while we waited for daddy.


It was a big hit! I used chalkboard paint on the table top so she can color right on the table.


Showing us how old she is- guess four is the new two :)


We had a birthday dinner at Micky D's. Don't worry, she had some nutritious food at home before the fat laden chicken nuggets and fries.


She had a ton of fun playing with daddy in the play place.


Emma enjoyed a kiddie cone before we left.... she ate most of the ice cream off the top before she dropped it on the floor.


A big thank you to all the friends and family who helped to make Emma's birthday special, whether it was a gift or some kind words. She definitely understood the birthday concept a bit more this year- she informed everyone while we were out on Monday, "Emma two. Happy birthday!"

Monday, August 30, 2010

Happy Birthday Princess!

I can't believe my baby is two today! How in the world did that happen??? Everyday she says something new or does something new and I am blown away. Even though we have officially hit the "terrible" twos, I wouldn't trade them for a minute. They may be some of the most trying times, but they are also some of the most precious as Emma continues to become more of an individual each day. She may be stubborn (I'm sure she gets it from her father), but she has the a very tender heart as well.

There are times I get choked up- when I hear her say, "God bless you" when someone sneezes, or listen to her little prayers, or watch her care for her dolls so sweetly, or when she says, "I love you mommy" at night. I knew she would be receiving another doll for her birthday so I thought we would get rid of a few that we already have. I told her to pick out one doll to give to our friend's daughter who doesn't have any dolls yet. Emma willingly picked one out and we set it aside. Later that day, I was getting her out of bed after nap and she handed me her woobie and told me that was for our friend's baby as well! How sweet is that? I explained to her that was very nice of her, but she didn't have to give up her woobie too.

A few nights ago Emma came into the room, walked up to me on the couch and said, "Momma not cool"! Excuse me? When did my toddler turn into a teenager? I know I may be in for it when she's twelve, but that's a ways down the road. I look forward to every new day with our little princess. I need to remember to cherish every moment because they are fleeting. We may lose our temper and we may have meltdowns, but at the end of the day every ounce of time and love I put into this little person is totally worth (notice I said WE :) I'm not perfect and neither is she, but we make a great pair and I wouldn't trade her for the world.

Mommy and Daddy love you Emma Grace and we thank God everyday that He has entrusted us with your care. We pray that you continue to follow His path and that we are there to help nurture and guide you as you grow. Our love for you can not be put into words. Having you for a daughter has been one of life's greatest gifts- we can't picture life without you! We treasure the little glimpses we receive of the person you are becoming and can't wait to see what God has in store for you. Happy second birthday baby, we love you!

**I am having computer trouble... birthday pics to come**

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Four Years Ago Today...


Loved you then, love you still
Always have, always will


Happy Anniversary my love!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Farewell to the Camping Season

We have now completed the final camping trip of the season and while it was bittersweet to know this is our last expedition for the year, it was a ton of fun. Our group consisted of six families with ten kids all under the age of five (plus one due any day now)! The numerous children have a blast together and the mommies enjoyed some time together as well :)



A very thoughtful neighbor allowed the children to use her pool and sprinkler. They loved it and we were able to watch from a distance while staying dry- major bonus!


Emma decided to boycott naps while we were camping. You'd often find her like this, sans clothes, goofing around and looking for any attention. She drove her momma crazy playing with the thermostat and wreaking havoc on the trailer when she was supposed to be napping.


Last year Emma was nicknamed 'Dirt Nugget'. While she did get a bit dirty, nothing held a candle to these guys...

They were filthy!


Jason had a lot of fun entertaining everyone, young and old, with his remote control cars. Later in the week he hooked his truck to the wagon and gave rides, including himself! Sadly, I did not get pictures, but my buddy Lynds did.


Emma spent a lot of time following 'Auntie Val' and her girls around. First thing every morning, she wanted to know where Ellie and Aubrey were. When I tried to put pretties in her hair one afternoon, I was informed that I couldn't. She wanted Auntie Val to do it. How do I rate?


Emma and Macy playing on Maxer's JD tractor- farm girls at heart!


It was another successful trip, even if Lyndsey was still pregnant when we came home :) Thank you to all the ladies for the great times, good talks and lots of laughs. You are all wonderful and I feel blessed to call you each friend. We can hardly wait for next year!