Emma is 3!

Today is August 15th, Emma's birthday! She is 3 today, and it's kinda a big deal around here. Emma has been waiting for her birthday for quite some time now. She is the youngest in her class of 10 and has had to endure/celebrate 9 other birthdays as she patiently waited for her own. She learned the month, then the day, and then we counted down from August 1.

On Saturday, Emma had a Toy Story themed birthday party complete with a foam "cheese" pit, trampolines, and giant inflatables. She and 12 of her closest pals had a blast. She also became hooked on the idea of "presents." Emma and her pals each got a cowboy hat just like Woody. (more pictures to come)

I am extra thankful on Emma's birthdays. Thankful she is here with us. Thankful for 3 amazing years with her. Hopeful for many many more. She has developed into a loving, funny, vibrant, stubborn, and determined little girl.

Emma's birthday 2008 (4hr old)

1 yr old

2 years old

3 years old (she was insanely happy to have everyone sing to her)

Thank you to Emma's Nanny Riggs for helping me with Emma's cake.

I am not, nor will I ever be, a fan of marshmallow fondant.

Bath Time is Fun Time

Panama City Beach, FL 2011- Part 2

Panama City Beach, FL 2011- Part 1

We just got back from a week in paradise. The weather and the beach was beautiful! The last time we were in Panama City Emma had just turned one. It was fun to see how much more she could do this time. One day we took a pontoon boat to Shell Island for some snorkeling and exploring...

Ernest showing Isabelle a sea urchin

Isabelle found a live starfish!

Dan and Isabelle snorkeling

starfish

There was no potty there......

she was willing to put just one toe in..

Emma was more comfortable on the boat

Even so, she looked great in her snorkel gear

It was about an hour boat ride to the island

We saw so many wild dolphins, one swam ride next to the boat looking up at us. He wasn't impressed with the cheerios we offered him so he left us alone.

Veronica, Renny, Emma and Isabelle

Silly girls

anchors away!

It was fun, but tiring for all...

really tiring!

We went to dinner one night at Mellow Mushroom. Yum.

check out those muscles!

Throwing Daddy under the Bus

Emma has learned that she can say "bad words" by telling me that other people, NOT her, said them (most of the time it is fabricated). Friday she told me her teacher said the "B" word (and I'm pretty sure she doesn't even know what the "B" stands for). She also told me her teacher hit her (her story, again, changed when I turned the car around to go talk to the teacher). Her current favorite is "shut up."

And then tonight, on Father's Day, she threw her dad under the bus...