We had a wonderful birthday weekend for Miss Emaline, starting with our usual 'Friday before your birthday lunch' at Chuck E. Cheese. The kids ran around like crazy and enjoyed our newly expanded local CEC. It has become a yearly tradition with the kids and they always love to play new games and eat pizza. Who doesn't? Then yesterday we had her big Ice Cream Social Penguin party. I know it is a mouthful, but hey, its what she wanted. We held it at Nana & Pepere's house because our backyard was completely torn up! Josh had grand plans to have it all done and ready for Em's birthday, but we hit a supply snag and ended up being no where near done when the date came around. I think everyone had a good time regardless! Thanks to Stephani and Nana for all their help and especially to Steph for making penguin cupcakes with me. I think they turned out awesome! We then had ice cream sundaes and cones, drumsticks and popsicles along with lots of other salty snacks (to go with the sweet!). Emaline had a great time entertaining and playing lots of fun outdoor games like bowling, ring toss and kickball with all her friends and family. The weather was also fantastic and the rain held off until later that night! We couldn't have asked for a better turnout. Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with my little girl! I can't believe she is four already. It feels like yesterday when I heard her first cries in this world and now there is no way we can imagine our lives without her and her sister! Now, I better save up and start thinking about next year! :-) See all the pics from her birthday here.
This year, Josh and I celebrated our sixth anniversary! I can't believe we have been married for that long already. I mean, its actually nothing compared to the 12 years we have been together. Now, that is a long haul. Probably longer than most marriages last! I am so blessed to have my best friend as my spouse and there isn't a day that goes by where he doesn't make me laugh (or experience other emotions!). For all our faults, we understand each other and make strides to compromise and communicate as much as possible. We love each other and are blessed with two wonderful girls that keep us grounded. Thank you Joshua for these many years of wedded bliss and hopefully many more of laughter and smiles. To quote Tammy Wynette: "I stand by my man". Thanks to everyone who helps us constantly with our crazy life! :-)
Last night we had a special "engagement" night at the Magic House with the REACH (PTO) group from Emaline's school. It was so nice to be able to run around the museum with only about 150 people there! No waiting for exhibits, no crowds, etc. I think it was well worth the money, it was only $5/ticket and my sister & her family and my parents got to come with us. I'm hoping they turn this into a semi-annual thing, because the kids love it (and so do I)!
Piper checking on the babies in the Children's Hospital
The kids silhouettes.
Uncle Adham, Emaline, Pepere, Emaline & Piper's Faces in the Pin Art Box
Emaline serving us up some piping hot pizza from the Village Pizza PlaceAunt Stephy playing river pirates with the girls. Lewis & Clark would be proud. Emaline coming down the three-story slide!
Emaline had her very first soccer game today! When I first asked her what she wanted to do this year, sports or dance, there was no hesitation: sports. Which actually surprised me because of her obsession at times with pink. Here was our conversation:
"Would you like to play sports or try dance class this year?" "Yes Mom, I wanna play soccer." "Okay, we can do that. Are there any other sports you'd like to try? How about baseball?" "No" "How about basketball?" "No. I want to swim. Can I swim in the winter?" "Sure, we can do that. Anything else?" "Yes, I'm going to play golf with Pepere"
I gotta hand it to her, the girl knows what she wants. So she was signed up for a six week soccer program where its 4 & 5 yr olds and they practice for 20-30 minutes, then play a game for 30 minutes. It is quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen. There are no goalies and all the kids just run around after the ball, usually going the wrong way. Such fun. So far everyone on Emaline's team is really into it and all good sports...well, Little Miss Sunshine had a moment where she was convinced that she would never play soccer again, but I have a feeling after a few days she'll want to get back into that saddle. :-) Here are some pics of the game! The video is of Em getting into the thick of it! She's the only blond girlie out there, just in case you need to double check.
Then yesterday we had her big Ice Cream Social Penguin party. I know it is a mouthful, but hey, its what she wanted. We held it at Nana & Pepere's house because our backyard was completely torn up! Josh had grand plans to have it all done and ready for Em's birthday, but we hit a supply snag and ended up being no where near done when the date came around. I think everyone had a good time regardless! Thanks to Stephani and Nana for all their help and especially to Steph for making penguin cupcakes with me. I think they turned out awesome! We then had ice cream sundaes and cones, drumsticks and popsicles along with lots of other salty snacks (to go with the sweet!). Emaline had a great time entertaining and playing lots of fun outdoor games like bowling, ring toss and kickball with all her friends and family. The weather was also fantastic and the rain held off until later that night! We couldn't have asked for a better turnout. Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with my little girl! I can't believe she is four already. It feels like yesterday when I heard her first cries in this world and now there is no way we can imagine our lives without her and her sister! Now, I better save up and start thinking about next year! :-)
See all the pics from her birthday here.
