Christmas Day 2011

We spent our Christmas at my parent's house with my brother and his family. It was a wonderful day filled with some many delights. The kids are at a great age and just love everything about Christmas. It is a blessing to all be together at Christmas.

The kiddos in their coordinating pajamas. Abby wanted nothing to do with pictures.

The kids minus Abby in front of the tree. So many presents were coming their way.

Emma with one of her favorite gifts, a guitar.

Little Abby ready to open gifts.

She was so excited about getting some baby dolls.

The grandkids made handprint stones for Gammie and Papa's garden.

Andy will be the envy of all his co-workers with his new Star Wars lunch box and sandwich cutters.

The kids needed a break from opening gifts and this is where we found them. Too cute!

The girls with their new rides.

We saved stocking opening to the end.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family.

Pre-Christmas Fun

Before all the fun of Christmas day we created great memories with our family doing fun activities.

To kick off the fun the kids headed to Gammie and Papa's room to jump on their huge bed. I love seeing them all together and having a great time.

Cookie making at Gammie and Papa's house.

Kate was all about the baking this year.

In the evening we went and checked out the beautiful cul-de-sac in the area. They always put on a great display. The kids loved watching the choo-choo train go round and round.

Kate with the big Frosty.

Abby yelling "Frosty!" It is her favorite holiday character.

One neighbor in the cul-de-sac had a snow maker. Abby was trying to figure out what the white stuff was.

Emma checking out the snow.

We went to an early Christmas Eve service. The girls loved having candles to hold, bells to shake, and halos to wear. It was a wonderful children's service.

Abby was getting tired of all the picture taking.

Emma loving the light from the candle.

After church we had everyone over for Christmas Eve dinner. We wanted to get some pictures of the kids dressed up. Here are the girls in front of the Christmas Tree. Nolan was not interested in being in the picture.

Stay tune for Christmas Day!

Emma's Birthday Party

Sorry for the long blogging break. We have been spending time with my family and I have not turned my computer on in almost a week. I have tons of blogging to catch up on. To start things off, we have Emma's birthday celebration. We decided to have small party with her cousins, Kate and Nolan, and our good friends, Kenzie and Dawson. The kids had a blast celebrating at Jump Street, an indoor trampoline park.

Emma's favorite activity was the tube ride.

Emma in the jump house.

My best group shots of the kids. It was too hard to get pics while they were bouncing.

A little teacup ride for the kids.

Kenzie and Dawson.

Kate and Nolan.

Me and my birthday girl.

Andy needed to try out the tube slide before we left.

Time for cupcakes and cookies. Emma wanted chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting. I added in some chocolate chip cookies since I know it is her favorite.

Present time! Emma loved all her gifts. She is very excited to make crafts with her new craft set. Thanks Kate and Nolan.

She is also in love with her new Ariel doll. The Little Mermaid is her favorite right now. Thanks Kenzie & Dawson.

Gammie and Papa surprised Emma with a new bike. She was so excited to try it out. She had to ride it inside b/c it was too cold to be outside.

All the kids had to check out her new ride.

Emma's new challenge will be figuring out how to ride a bike.

Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate. Emma had a fabulous celebration!

Happy 4th Birthday, Emma Irene!

Today Emma turned 4 years old! How has it already been 4 years since she was born? She is such a sweet, beautiful girl. Our hearts melt every time she turns to us and says, "Mommy/Daddy I love you so much." Emma is a true blessing and we are so happy to be celebrating her very special day.

Emma at 4 years:

-Loves school and is doing really well in meeting her goals.

-Must have guitar time every night before bed. She usually requests for Andy to preform Life is Highway (from Cars) and Montana (from Bob Schneider).

-Is a very picky eater to the point where we are having a hard time getting her to eat dinner and some times lunch. This will be a huge point of discussion at her upcoming well check.

-When she does eat, she loves banana bread, raisins, Tyson chicken nuggets (no other brand will do which is hard since I am trying to make all our meat organic), grilled cheese, apple sauce, snack items like goldfish and bunnies, chocolate cover raisins, pizza, and chocolate chip cookies.

-Is obsessed with the iPad and iPhone. We have to hide them throughout the day.

-Loves to be outside when the weather is nice. Enjoys parks, playing in the front or backyard, and going on walks.

-Enjoys going to Gammie and Papa's house on Sundays. It is one of her favorite activities for the week.

-Is starting to like talking on the phone.

-Still taking gymnastics and loves it. She is also very excited to start swim lessons again.

-Into The Little Mermaid, Angelina Ballerina, Curious George, and Super Why.

-Loves to read and loves to read to herself. She always enjoys getting new books but loves to read the same ones for weeks in a row. She also loves to hug a books while she falls asleep at night.

-Enjoys singing songs and chanting.

-Like to informs us when she is following directions and being patient.

-Loves to help with chores like laundry, sweeping, and cleaning the bathrooms.

-Hates to have her hair done.

-Enjoys reciting the colors in English and Spanish. Is really quick to pick up Spanish words. I just wish we were better about teaching her.

-One of her favorite lines is "I'm so silly!" followed by a big laugh.

-Loves her family and will randomly give her sister big hugs, which melts our hearts.

-Is a super, amazing girl that we love with all our hearts.

Pictures of Emma on her 4th birthday. She sure is one beautiful little girl.

We love you Emma! Happy 4th Birthday!!