Last Day of School

It is hard to believe that a whole school year has come and gone. Emma has grown so much during this school year. We started the year off with big tears and ended it with her walking through the class door like a big girl. I am so proud of the strides she has made. She tells us about her favorite things at school (through signing). They are going down the slide, driving the cars, playing on the playground, and having music time. She is the class favorite and her teacher always tells me she wishes she had 8 Emma's in her class. Aww, makes my heart melt. We love you Emma and are so blessed you are ours!!

Now what to do with our Wednesdays?



Emma on her very first day of school.



What do you mean this is my last day of school?!


Emma on her way to her last day of school. She was too busy watching everyone walking into school to look at the camera.

A Big Night Out

On Saturday night, Andy and I headed downtown to celebrate our wedding anniversary at Sullivan's Steakhouse. This is the place where we had our first date, where we went the night we got engaged, and where we have celebrated past anniversaries. The place has special meaning to us and they make fabulous macaroni and cheese (I know that might seem silly but I love the stuff). We had a great time relaxing and enjoying a delicious meal and wonderful company. It was so nice be able to focus on us and our conversation.

On the other end of town, Emma had her first sleepover at Gammie and Papa's house. This was very hard for me b/c I have never left her overnight, except for when she was in ICU recovering from her surgery. But even then she was never alone because everyone took shifts to be with her at all times. So I was nervous being away from my little girl overnight. I am very proud that all of us did well. Emma had a blast playing at Gammie and Papa's. I think her new favorite activity is sitting in Papa's Jeep and pretending to drive it and beep the horn. I think she has inherited the car gene from the Erickson's. We all love cars!


Andy and me on our way to a wonderful dinner.


Emma driving the Jeep.

24 weeks

Today we went in for our 24 week appointment for baby and me. Nothing too exciting is going on, which is probably a good thing. The baby is measuring normal and I am just growing. I really feel like since the last appointment that I have just popped. You can definitely tell I am pregnant. I did finally get some maternity clothes. Thank goodness for our trip to Jersey, because every baby Gap up there has a maternity section. I really think Austin needs to catch up.

At the next appointment I have to do the glucose screening. Fun, fun! I am looking forward to that lovely orange drink. At this appointment they already gave me my third trimester checklist. Wow, hard to believe that is only three weeks away. They also started talking about delivery and my birth plan. Umm, can we slow it down a bit, I am only 25 weeks pregnant tomorrow. I still have some time, right?! I did inform them I want to go natural again and that I am concerned about making it to the hospital on time since I never dilated with Emma until a few hours before delivery. So they started talking about induction and once again I am like it is too early to be having this conversation. Lets hold off until we are 36 weeks along. I mean I know I am a planner but I am not thinking about delivery right now, I am thinking about getting everything ready for Emma and baby.

As for Emma, her big girl bed came today and we got her nightstand yesterday. Now we are waiting on the dresser and we need to pick out her room decor and get all the goodies. Hopefully in late June we can start working on that transition.

In the meantime here is a pic of me and my growing belly.

Giggleberry Farms

Last week we headed up to New Jersey to celebrate Nana Solomon's 90th birthday. I have to first say that I am bummed b/c half of the pictures we took while visiting some how got deleted. The only pictures I have are a few from a place we took Emma to called Giggleberry Farms. I was so excited about all the photos and was looking forward to putting them on the blog, especially one of Emma with Nana Solomon. It is not everyday we can capture a picture of the two of them. Oh well. =(

We did have a great trip and it was wonderful seeing everyone.



Andy putting on a puppet show for Emma.


Driving the fire engine.


Emma in her slicker. She is getting ready for some water table fun.


Playing at the water table.

Happy Anniversary!!

Another year has already gone by. Crazy!! I am thrilled to be celebrating another magical year with my wonderful husband. It is hard to believe that 4 years ago today we were walking down the aisle. Oh it was a beautiful wedding! Maybe we could redo it one day, except on a beach. =)


The location (we almost did not pick this place b/c I had the Four Seasons reserved but Andy convinced me to check it out and I am glad that he did. It was a magical place to get married. It truly felt like a fairy tale.)


The dress! This was the very first dress I tried on and when I did I just knew it was the one. Kind of like my first date with Andy, I just knew he was the one.


The cake! We still go to this baker for special occasions b/c they truly are amazing and delicious.


The beautiful couple!



I love being married to Andy and I am so thankful he is my husband. I truly feel like I got the best catch in life. I could not ask for a better partner in life.

I love you Andy!!

Berry Picking

On Saturday, we went to Sweetberry Farms to pick some yummy strawberries. We had a great time looking at the animals, riding the barrel train (Emma's favorite activity of the day), and picking and eating strawberries. It was a very yummy day!


Check out these goats Kenzie.


Emma's favorite activity of the day, the barrel train.


Driving the tractor.


Our attempt at picking strawberries. Emma was more interested in running around. Maybe because it is something healthy, she figured she should stay away.





Looking through the ladybug.

Birthday Fun!

On Friday, Emma and I went and celebrated Shirah's second b-day. Her parents had the backyard filled with many activities. Emma had a blast with all the toys. I would love to have this backyard.


Where do I begin?!


Enjoying the water table. I would just like to make note that she would not smile for me but the minute Kristen (Kenzie's mom) pulled out her camera, Emma smiled for her. Thanks for the pic, Kristen!


Sliding on the jump house.


Emma driving. One of her favorite activities.


Hold on, I gotta make a call.


Relaxing in the ball pit.


Beam me up!

Pool Season!

It has been extremely hot here so I decided to take Emma to the pool to cool off. I am excited that it is open for the summer season. We will be there all the time.


Emma sporting her pool outfit. I need to get her a new flap happy hat so she can see. We had to resort to using our zoo hat.



Snack time by the water.



I was not able to get any pics of her in the water. I am in need of an extra set of eyes and hands to be able to assist with that. Any takers?!

Little Buckaroo Ranch

Our neighborhood playgroup arranged for a field trip at the Little Buckaroo Ranch. This was our second year to saddle up the wagon and head on over to the ranch. We had a fun filled morning with our neighborhood friends. There were mini horses, goats, full size horses, goldfish, a baby pig, chickens and roosters, and a sweet little bunny to admire and pet. They even have a little hayride and a campfire to roast marshmallows. Emma just had a blast and was worn out by the end and so was I.


Emma enjoying the swing.


Here is Emma a year earlier in the same spot. So cute!


Me and my little girl.


Her favorite part was the fish tank. She enjoyed splashing the water and she even tried to climb in. Emma just loves water.


Hayride time.





Petting the baby pig.


Enjoying a snack at the end of the morning.

A Night of Fun

One of my favorite parts of Austin is the Arboretum. When I was a kid my parents would take my brother and I to have ice cream and play by the cows. Now that I am a parent I just love that I can take Emma, though sometimes we opt for cheesecake instead of ice cream.


Emma loved being on the cows.


My happy girl!


Every time Emma sees the fountain she thinks she can jump in the water.


An Emma sandwich.


Emma showing off her running skills.