BOO @ the Zoo 2011

Emma attended her 2nd 'Boo at the Zoo' last night. Last year she wasn't that into it, but this year she was on fire! Oh my, what a difference just one year makes! She didn't know quite what she wanted to be, but we recently go into Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (like 10-times-in-a-row into it). She was most excited to get her make up and nails done, because all princesses wear make up. I have to admit it was a sweet mommy and daughter moment. It was like getting ready for 3yr old prom! As excited as she was to go, she did ask if the witch was going to make her eat a poison apple. And as any good parent would, I told her the witch would leave her alone if she listen to her mommy and didn't run away in the crowd. :)

"Snow White Emma" (as she requested to be addressed) at the

entrance to the "biggest Halloween party"

This was at the very beginning before she knew what she

was in for. Also the only time she would really hold still for pictures

Snow White Emma and her peeps

The sucker of her dreams....(from Candy Land)

Run Snow White Emma, Run!

Emma and her Prince, Renny (these two are double trouble)

my very brave (and childless by choice) friend Susan

braved the traffic and insane crowds of screaming, high on sugar,

misbehaving children with me

Who said "big bad wolf..?"

Family Vacation, Girl Style

My mom planned awesome vacation and rented a huge house in Duck, NC. Then came hurricane Irene, but even mother nature couldn't keep us from the beach! We lost 2 days of our vacation, but as soon as officials allowed people to get back on the island we were all packed and on our way. Some people couldn't make it so it ended up being a girls vacation with the exception of the very manly men, Dan and Mike. Mom and Mike came from VA, my sister and nieces from PA, and the Riggs from IN. We had a BLAST! I got in some much needed bonding time with my mom and sister, Emma got to spend time with her cousins, Mike escaped to lots of golf and Dan..well Dan endured the girls :)

Diva Maddy

Beach Bunny Emma

Gretchie Girl

Bubbles!

The ocean can be terrifying....

cousins that share ketchup will be best friends for life

Gretchie dressing up Dan...

The ladies of the house

I'm still the favorite :)

Mike surrounded by little ladies

Emma and Gretchie surfin' it up

The three amigas..

at the aquarium...instructions "smile"

instructions...."surf"

instructions "look terrified"-notice Dan expressions are all oddly the same ;0)

Emma loves to ride on her daddy's shoulders

Maddy

I think Dan is a natural with three girls....

surfing

surfing

REALLY surfing

The "Bouncy Place"

There is a local business that gets a lot of our business. It is a steal. For $6, Emma gets unlimited time to bounce her bum off and I get at least a 2 hour nap time after. Like I said, a steal. These pictures are from one of our trips with her besties, Renny and Ronica (Reynold and Veronica).

Field Trip

In July I was transitioning between jobs and had the opportunity to go with Emma's class on a field trip. As a working mom, it is a rare thing for me to be able to attend these activities. I think it may have been more fun for me than it was for any of the kids! We went to Art Sparks at the Louisville Speed Museum (a short walk from the Early Learning Center). Total chaos, but total fun!

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