ZOO!

We took Emma to the Zoo on her birthday.  We decided last year to always take off on each other's birthdays from now on. I love the idea (especially since I'm off anyways most days!)

 

Emma did awesome, and she had a blast.  She rode well in the stroller when she needed to (I was worried she wouldn't want to ride and also be tired to walk...so a meltdown might occur...I was wrong!)  It was a warm day, but most of the park is in the shade, much to our surprise, and we really never got too warm. 

 

The best part, by far, was feeding the giraffes.  I would pay $2 all day to do that.

 

I'm going to be lazy and just post a bunch of pictures, and I hope everyone (all 5 of you) can figure out what's going on without a caption or explanation:)

 

 

 

 

It really was a fun day, and I think we will definitely be going back once the weather cools off some. It's 100 today...so I'm really glad I'm inside and not there right now:)

The BIG 3!

 

 

Today, my little girl turns 3 years old. 

 

 

Emma is full of love, energy, and personality.

 

 

 

She is sweet, and a bit sassy.

 

 

 

She is also strong-willed and likes to push my buttons.

 

She likes to color, and is left handed.  She loves to do crafts, especially beading on pipe cleaners and painting.

 

 

 

Her favorite phrases:

 

Whenever I do anything....."Can I come, too?"

Whenever we pull into the driveway, in reference to her friend next door......"Is Brooklyn home?"

Whenever anything is crying, or even shaking (as in the outboard boat motor)...."She wants her mommy."

When we are planning meals, and I pull out an item of food..."I want something to go with it."

Every morning during the school year when we walk in her room first thing.... "You got your jammies on?"

Whenever she does anything, and I have just down...."Can you help me?"

Whenever we listen to music...."It's my song! No singing!"

 

 

 

 

She is very smart and amazes me with the things she says and knows.  She is very imaginative, and plays really well by herself.  I often catch her talking to herself and playing out loud. 

 

Her new favorite shows are Curious George and Angelina Ballerina (courtesy of Netflix).

 

She carries a purse with her whenever we go anywhere....usually containing a book, her leapfrog, and a few trinkets.  Her binkie still comes with her everywhere, but I have noticed she has gotten a little less reliant on it.

 

 

 

She is potty trained for the most part.  She always pees on the toilet (which is a struggle at the lake where every red-blooded American knows you pee in the lake).  She has not pooped in a toilet since that one and only time -she still demands a pull up for that. I'm not worried though...she'll get it.

 

There are many moments when Brent and I look at each other just grinning with love, and in awe of who Emma is becoming.  We are beyond blessed and love watching our Emma bear grow and learn every day.

 

Happy 3rd birthday, bug-bug!!

 

 

Summer: Week 1 down!

Our first week of summer was uneventful.  Truth be told, I was a bit upset because it rained all. week.  The only nice day we had was Monday, and then for the rest of the week, it rained and was cool.  I had big plans all week to be outside and do all kinds of fun things.  So of course, I exhausted all our indoor activities in the first 2 days.  Ugh.

We did make it through and are enjoying some nicer weather now.  Here is our week in pictures...

 

My uncle was in town for the weekend, so we spent a lot of time hanging out with him and my parents.  Sadly, my aunt couldn't be here because her mother has been very sick (she actually just passed away a few days ago, and I'm glad she was in Maine with her).

Emma loves "Bambi" (as his grandkids call him)...and warmed right up to him.  We only see them twice a year, but make it worthwhile when we do!

 



 

 

 

Sunday, we went to the pool with the Winslows and their family that was in town.  Emma had a blast, and really loves the pool.  It was exhausting though, and Emma had a few metldowns:(  This was the start of a few difficult days of non-listening and stubborn-ness....

 

 

Monday, I stained most of the deck...after Brent had pressure washed it Sunday.  I should have had Brent move off all the furniture because it rained Monday night and didn't stop until Friday....ugh.

 

On rainy days, we did a lot of crafts (beading), watching TV (worst mom ever), and annoying the cats.

 

 

Wednesday was my dad's 65th birthday and Emma wanted to bring him flowers:)

 

 

We all went out to dinner that night, and Emma got to blow out the candles, of course.

 

 

We went to the grocery store one day, and Emma insisted on wearing her slippers....and carrying the basket....I had already spent 3 days inside with her, so I let this one go.

 

Friday, we were fed up with the weather and decided to head to the lake anyway.  It was cloudy and cool, but we had a blast anyway!

 

 

 

This was Emma's first time in the boat alone (without someone besides a driver), and she did really good.  She was scared at first, then warmed up and loved it!  Everytime I skied, she would clap.  And when we would sit down in the water on the ends, she would say "let's go again!!"  She wanted to help drive towards the end of the day, which isn't really a good idea, so we will work on that.  I did use a part of rope to hold her to the seat, so she couldn't get up and walk around the boat when we were going.

 

 We ended the day with beer and dinner on the dock...we had the lake to ourselves and it was heavenly!

 

Saturday, we spent the day cleaning and doing lots of yard work preparing for Emma's birthday party on Sunday!  So, of course, "Queen" Emma had a blast at Lowe's:)