Christmas with the Ericksons

This year we got to celebrate Christmas with my parents, my brother and sister-in-law, and my niece and nephew. I was so excited to celebrate the special day with all the kids. We had a blast being together and watching the kids enjoy their gifts. It was very difficult getting pictures this year b/c the little ones could not sit still. They were too anxious to play with all their new goodies.


Christmas Eve, all dressed up.


It was very hard making the kids happy to take a pic. Candy canes were the answer, except for Emma who just wanted her finger.


Cousin Nolan, ready to ride on his new fire truck.


Kate, ready to open some gifts.


I have to brag about Andy for a moment b/c he did a good job this Christmas at gift giving. I have been complaining forever about how my old MAC computer was just no good anymore. Well I think he got the hint!





Emma going through her new tunnel.


Help me I am surrounded by presents!

A Cupcake Celebration

To celebrate Emma's birthday this year we decided to have two parties. One small family party and then a large party with all her buddies. Both were fabulous and we thank everyone who came out and helped us celebrate her very special birthday.

Her first party took place downtown. We had pizza, since that is Emma's favorite meal and then went and checked out the mini Trail of Lights. Emma had a blast. She loved chowing down on pizza and then taking in all the lights. The trail was the perfect size for her. The thing I think she liked most was the huge tree at Zilker. She was in awe of all the twinkle lights.


The birthday girl!


Getting ready for some birthday cake.


Strolling with cousin Kate on the way to the lights.


Family picture. It was hard getting Emma to look b/c she very interested in the tree behind her.


Spinning under the tree.

The next day we headed to the park to party with our friends. Emma had a blast running around and swinging before blowing out the candles on her cupcake.


The birthday girl, again in her cupcake outfit.


The party goers.


Attempting to blow out the candles.


Family pic.

Happy Birthday, Emma!

Today is Emma's special day!! She turned the big 2 today! I cannot believe it. She is such a special little girl and we are so blessed to be celebrating another wonderful year with her.



Right now she can't go anywhere without a necklace on. She loves to go into my drawer and find my necklace collection. She is very good at picking one out that matches her outfit.

*There will be more birthday blogging later, after we have her parties.

Date Night

As a Hanukkah gift to me, Andy surprised me with a date night to the Melting Pot. It was so nice to get out and enjoy a meal together and there is nothing better then melted cheese and chocolate to dine over. Yum!

Happy Hanukkah!

We have been celebrating Hanukkah for the past three nights (five to go). Emma has been getting a kick out of watching Andy light the menorah and singing the prayer. She has also enjoyed opening up her Hanukkah presents (one for each night) from her Yaya and Grandpa (Andy's parents). Emma sends them a big thank you for all the goodies!


The first night.


Emma watching Andy open her first gift. What is it?!


E-i-e-i dough. Emma is going to love playing with this.


We even opened a gift from our friend Julianna. Thanks for the super cute tutu!!


Night two, Emma got these dogs you clean in the bath. We gave them a test run tonight.
Do you recognize her dress? She wore it for her 1st birthday party a year ago. Can't believe it still fits!


Night three, Emma entertained us with her new tambourine.

Laundry Day

Emma's New Kitchen

Emma received her birthday present early from her Yaya and Grandpa (Andy's parents) so we could not wait to put it together and start playing with it. It was a tough job putting the kitchen all together but the final product is awesome. We are so thrilled and look forward to many activities in the kitchen.


The beginning.


Andy organizing all the parts.


The finished product, almost. Emma likes taking the sink out.





Kenzie came over to check out the new kitchen. I think she likes it!

Snow & Santa

What a busy day for Emma today. While eating lunch today it started to snow. I quickly put some winter gear on Emma and we headed out to the backyard to check out the white stuff falling from the sky. Even though it was not Emma's first time to see snow she was still curious to know what it was. After about a minute she had enough of it and wanted to go inside.


Emma checking out the snow.




Watch out there is white stuff falling from the sky!

Later on in the evening we headed over to a community church to have cookies with Santa. Emma's therapy program hosted the event and it was fun to watch the kids run around and tell Santa what they want for Christmas.

Reverse Psychology

Too bad it didn't work!

Trot Trot to Turkey: Year 2

Once again we started our Thanksgiving day off by waking up early, strapping our shoes on, grabbing our ipods and child and heading off to run 5 miles at the Turkey Trot. We tried to head to the back of the pack since we have a jogging stroller but the back of the pack soon became the middle since there were around 15,000 people lined up. I think it was more crowded than last year. We competed well and the whole time I only managed to get tripped by a dog once and literally ran into one person, who decided to stop running and walk right in front of me. It was a very fun race and I was proud to be the family winner this year. Though I am sure Andy would have won if he did not have to navigate the stroller through tons of people. So I guess I had a slight advantage. My parents did well too. It was great running along side my dad since I have never done that before. As a kid I used to cheer him and my mom on as they competed in races and now it is fun to join in with them. Now it is time to rest the feet for a bit and then start working on the next race.



The runners!




Emma and me after the race.


Andy, Emma, and my dad after the race.


Emma stretching her legs after the 5 mile run.


Is this Easter or Thanksgiving? Emma was in love with this Easter egg that spins around like a top.



Emma pushing around a duck that my brother had when he was kid.