Flashback Part I

I'm going to have to catch up somehow after taking such a long hiatus, so here are some highlights to get us back to the present.

In September, my mom and I went to see Garth Brooks in concert.  It was great!

Me and Josh on his birthday.  We actually went out by ourselves which makes it noteworthy for the blog.

We went to the zoo with Rachel!

Could she be any more in heaven?!?!

In October, Emma took part in Boosterthon.  Here she is with her friend, Sam.

She successfully ran all of her laps.  So proud of her!

Water break with Sam and Anderson after the big run.

Emma's class

My happy boys!

My Dad was mystery reader for Emma's class.  He read Giraffes Can't Dance.

In December, I went to visit my cousin Emily and her husband Neal who just had their first baby!  I know I'm biased, but she is super cute!!

Little Annie sleeping soundly.

Neal ate his entire meal with Annie sleeping while strapped to himself...that's talent.

Christmas Tree lighting in D.C...

On my last day we finally made it to get some sipping chocolate...just as it sounds, it was delightful. 

I was sad to say goodbye to them, but I was missing my little ones for sure.

Presenting Mr. & Mrs. Montanaro...

This post is only about 9 months late...but better late, than never.  If it makes it any better, I do feel like this happened just the other day.

August 2, 2014...Alison and Tony's BIG DAY!  Emma and I traveled to Russellville, Alabama to watch Alison marry Tony. 

Emma was a flower girl...

...she felt like a princess in this dress!

The Bride & Groom

Both flower girls

The photographer told the girls to look up at Alison and Emma took her literally and looked straight up.

LOVE this picture of Emma looking up at Alison as she looks down.  So sweet.

After all the pictures were taken, we had quite a bit of time before the wedding started.  Emma made friends quickly with all of the bridesmaids and started trying on all of their high heels.  She put on a little fashion show for us.

Fluffing the bride's gown...she takes her role as part of the wedding party very seriously.

Pre-wedding selfie

Emma with some of her new bridesmaid friends

Cake time!

 Dancing with the ring bearer, Dayton.

They had sparklers as Alison and Tony left and Emma had a fabulous time with them.

Mr. & Mrs. Montanaro

Such a lovely wedding and a beautiful bride.  Thank you for including Emma in your big day...she had a ball!

Two!

On James' actual birthday, we celebrated again!

He wasn't in the mood to have his picture made...until we let him climb behind the wheel.  He was all smiles then.

That night we went to Chuck.E.Cheese to play and eat pizza.  What better way is there to turn two?!

His favorite ride...with Chuck.E. himself.

The day after his birthday, we went for his two year check up.

Mommy and James waiting for the doctor.

His stats:

Weight:  30.8 lbs (75th percentile)

Length:  37 inches (97th percentile)

He had a great check up and didn't even have to get any shots.

One of his favorite things lately is grilled cheese and tomato soup...evidence:

On September 10, Emma lost her fourth tooth.  Now she has a big gap on the top.  At least her bottom two had time to grow in a little bit before her top two came out.

Happy second birthday to James - we love you!  Can't wait to see how your personality progresses in the year ahead. 

Buzzing Around

My baby boy is turning two on Thursday!  To celebrate, we had a birthday party today at the park.

The plan was to play at the park until around 11:00 and then walk next door for our scheduled visit with the fire station.  That would be followed by lunch, cake and a pinata.  

James is obsessed with Buzz Lightyear...so naturally, we had a Buzz theme.  He has Buzz night time diapers and he will NOT let you put any other kind on him.  He says, "Buzz, Buzz" and if you try to put another kind on him, he will literally rip it off.

The Buzz party favors.

Having fun on the playground.

 

Juice break {it was so hot}.

 

See-saw with Emma

 

The other half of the see-saw.

After all the kids played for a while at the park, we headed over to visit the firemen...BUT halfway across the lawn, we saw them pulling out with their siren blaring.

And here we all are walking back to the park.

So we went ahead and had lunch.

He looks so grown up here.

He loves a bottle because it means he can put the lid back on himself.

The crew eating lunch.

Then it was time for everybody's favorite part...CAKE!

Blowing out his candle...

...licking his candle...this was right before he ate a chunk out of it.

 

Enjoying his cake.

Adorable.

Time for the pinata...instead of hitting it with a stick, each child pulls a string.  One string opens up the bottom.

Emma's turn.

After about four or five children, the bottom fell out and it was a scramble for who could get the most pieces of candy.

It was a great party and we all had so much fun!  After everybody left, me and Emma headed out while Josh and James went to the store.  Before they made it to the store, they spotted the firemen coming back.

So they went to the fire station to climb aboard and meet the firemen.  Josh said the firemen felt terrible for having to leave right as we were scheduled to come over but obviously they had to take the call which we obviously understood.  They were so nice to let him come over once they were finished.

Christian still hadn't left the park, so he was able to join them!

He was so happy.  He loved sitting behind the wheel.

After a much needed nap, we opened his presents and then headed to dinner.  We let James and Emma have milkshakes because they both ate so well.

He.ate.every.bite.

So.did.this.one.

My boy is growing up and I am enjoying every minute of watching it happen!