Father's Day 2011

On the morning of Father's Day we didn't do very much. The kids and I went out to get some Starbucks treats and Emily gave Daddy her present. It wasn't quite finished but we will work on that. :)

Then, Daddy adjusted Emily's bike so they could go out for a ride around the block.



Later that afternoon we went up to see some friends - many of whom were meeting Everett for the first time.

While Everett was being fed and then snuggled indoors I went out to check on Emily and Daddy. I found them playing hard.

And I couldn't believe it when Daddy body slammed Jack! Okay, not really, but it looks like that.
Emily met a new friend this time. It was Noah's cousin, Ella.
And as always, Grammy had wonderful things for the little ones. This time it was a chance to make a pet rock. Emily picked hers out of the bag,
selected some stickers,
and made her perfect pet.

We were very surprised that afternoon to learn that Pat had planned a little birthday celebration for Emily! She was pretty excited to see the cake come out...
because not only was it cake, it was BELLE!!

I think all of the kids were pretty happy to sing and eat...

but Emily seemed a little confused about why Belle had to be cut apart!
Before rounding up the troops and heading home we took a few pictures.

Daddy with his babies,
the whole family,
and ALL of the party-goers.
Finally, it was time to leave. Funny though, we needed some assistance and assistants to get ourselves and our STUFF to the car.
On the way home Emily opened her gifts from Dele...
and the Livingston family.
Thank you!

And thank you to Paul, the best Daddy for our family. We love you!

A New Beach Activity

On June 18th we went to the beach and Emily tried out a new beach activity! It wasn't running in the waves,

or building sandcastles with Daddy - she has done both of those LOTS of times!
Instead, it was being buried in the sand...
and being shaped into a mermaid!
Which, as you can imagine, she was pretty excited about.
She did have to find her legs again to walk back to the car though.

First Dental Appointment

We finally made it to Emily's first dental appointment on Monday, the 20th. It had to be rescheduled on May 4th because when the lady called to confirm I said, "uh, my water broke this morning..."

When we arrived Dr. D was very welcoming and nice to Emily. Then, right off the bat he went to get her a new toothbrush. She had three to choose from... Jesse (Toy Story), Belle, or Dora. No brainer... Belle was selected!

She was also pretty excited to see that Tangled was on the TV above her head but she only had a minute to enjoy before he started looking around in her mouth.
He said her teeth are very clean (yay!) and look really great and since she was so cooperative the hygienist came over to do a cleaning.
Emily was a little confused by the "straw" that sucks instead of you sucking on it.
Then she got a little fluoride painted on...
and was released to watch Tangled again.
But only for a second, she had to pick out a prize after all.
She chose a little horse and already had plans for the farmer to ride it at home. Then, we were on our way out and she stopped in to check out the video game section of the waiting room.
I think it was a pretty great visit and don't expect to have too much trouble getting her back there.

Swim Progress

Here are some clips from Emily's swimming lesson yesterday. First, is her in the little pool where she practices non-stop... she doesn't even want her toys in there anymore! Second, is part of her lesson with Miss Heather.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Emily's Birthday!

So I have shared the "pre-birthday" celebration - now it's time for the big day! The morning started with some proper princess accessories,

phone calls from her family and friends who couldn't be with her (she LOVED these calls!),
and a book and a new hat...
from Aunt Sarah and family.
Then there was a bit of coloring...
before we were off to the OC Zoo.

After the zoo we went over to ride the train...
(Everett too!)
during which Emily waved enthusiastically to everyone we passed...
and showed me how old she is now! Also, quite enthusiastically!
Finally, we went over to contemplate riding a pony for the first time.
This is not the first time Emily has contemplated the idea, it would have been her first ride! But, after some consideration she decided against it.
Or did she?! As we were walking away she was crying and wanting to go back to ride a pony. We agreed to one more try before we would head home.
She got very close and even pet the pony before saying that she wanted one that didn't have hair in it's eyes. Understandable, right?! I mean, who wants to risk life and limb on a pony that can't SEE?!?!
But, in the end (even after finding a pony with trimmed bangs) Emily touched the saddle with her hand alone. Poor girl. She REALLY wants to ride a pony but can't seem to force herself to do it yet! Maybe next time!

After leaving the ponies we went home for a nap. I think everyone slept a little that afternoon and upon waking Emily opened some presents. She got more princesses from Everett (this finally completes her collection),
a fairy costume from Aunt Sarah, Uncle Reagan, Lauren, Cole, and Cooper,

and a wagon from Nana and Grandpa.
Since we decided against going to the beach (It was a chilly afternoon. Plus, nap was late and long.) Emily helped assemble the wagon...
and then took it for a ride.
She even fluffed her fairy skirt out over the edges.
Grandpa, Daddy, and Aunt Sarah were nice enough to take it out on the open road...
and Everett enjoyed a little "down time."
That evening Emily ate pizza and listened to her new CDs... she got several for her birthday.
She had a great day and was pretty pooped.

*Wondering where Nana is? Unfortunately, she was under the weather and missed the festivities.