Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Emma, Happy birthday to you!

Emma,

From the moment we knew you were coming into our lives, we couldn't stop smiling. You are the sweetest little girl and we could not ask for a better addition to our family. It seems like it was just yesterday that you joined us. It is so hard to believe that two years have already passed since these pictures were taken...

TWO! - Take 2

Last week was Part I of Emma's birthday celebration. A week later, Emma got to enjoy Part 2! We met up with some of our playgroup that we used to play with all the time. It was so great to see them again! Martina and Christy - we missed you guys!

We went to the Science Center for their Winter Wonderland Exhibit.

While we waited for the rest of the gang, Emma entertained herself by watching the ball exhibit.

Then we were off to the snow room. This snow was so cool...it felt so weird, but surprisingly similar to snow!

Alli, Shepard, Eli, random other child that we don't know, Emma, Lillian, and me.

Alli, Eli and sweet little Shepard

Gigantic Light Bright

Emma and Josh playing - It's hard to tell who is having more fun building this.

She pushed this blue chair all over the place

Maybe this was her plan all along?

Then it was time for lunch - pizza!! I made Oreo Truffles for dessert. They were pretty tasty actually! The birthday girl certainly liked them.

We're doing "cheers" with our truffles.

Yum!

After lunch it was time to visit the aquarium.

This is her telling me, "I Emma." I would hope we know her name by now, but she insists on telling us multiple times a day that she is Emma.

She raced over to the fish tank to point out the turtle.

Emma and Josh petting the sharks and stingrays.

See the shark in there? Emma loves this.

Jellyfish

On the way out, Josh wanted to try this wind tunnel

Emma likes the wind apparently

Fun birthday! Can't wait for Part 3!

White Christmas Weekend

CHRISTMAS DAY:

All was quiet on Christmas morning...

Until Emma woke up...

A 4-Wheeler from Santa. She was so happy with this present that she literally didn't want to open any more presents.

She wanted to take it for a spin immediately. Unfortunately, Santa didn't realize that it took 18 hours to charge the batteries, so she couldn't ride it until after her nap.

She finally did open the rest of her presents - but she opened them while sitting on top of it

Then she spotted the half of a cookie that Santa left behind. THAT was a good enough reason to get off the 4-Wheeler...

This toy was $1 from WalMart...it was one her favorite toys she got!

Her we are coloring in her new Color Wonder book - the markers only color in that book. Genius!

Emma takes a moment to give her Nala a big hug. How sweet are they together?

This is a puzzle that JD & Honey bought her. This kept her intrigued for quite a while.

They also got her this headband and purse. Here she is prancing around with them while she is singing for me.

Time for breakfast - pancakes, eggs and bacon.

Emma insisted on sharing a few pieces of bacon with Nala. Nala didn't complain.

But Emma couldn't understand why Nala would not play with her new jack-in-the-box.

Playing under the tree

She would drive it by herself but she REALLY liked it when we would go behind her and make it go super fast. It was snowing on and off throughout the day but wasn't sticking much. It was still fun to have it snow on Christmas day though!

She loves this "go under the legs" game

We spent Christmas with just the three of us this year. We had the best time but we definitely missed all of our family.

DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS:

The Day after Christmas we woke up to huge snowflakes and everything outside covered in white!

We were letting the snowflakes fall on our tongues

Family photo

Emma making a snowball

Throwing the snowball
Doing a little dance after she successfully threw the snowball

Emma thought it was hilarious to get snow on her gloves and throw it on Nala...Nala did not find it as funny, but she tolerated it.

Nala hiding from Emma and her snowballs

After all the snow, it was nap time. Emma did not want me to put her down. She put her little hands around my waist and said, "No Momma no." Of course we all know how that little episode ended...

I closed my eyes for a little while with her while she drifted off to sleep. Josh came up and snapped this photo. Love it! I gently put her in the crib after about 45 minutes. She ended up sleeping for 3 hours!