Yum, Table Foods!

Lately Abby has been all about table foods. Her interest in purees is dwindling, which is really nice. I love that I can now serve her what we are having and give her things that I typically don't enjoy, like carrots. This little lady will try anything and seems to love it all.

What's been going on?

I feel like I have not posted in forever. We have purposely slowed things down so we can try and potty train Emma. We wanted to see if she was ready for it. The jury is still out but she is trying and patience is key. So this is how we spend our days.

Someone finds it more fun to just throw her pants around.

We hope it will click with her soon but if not diapers are just fine.

Happy Birthday Andy!

Emma helping with the birthday cake.

We made a Happy Birthday sign and the girls were fighting over it.

Look who won.

The birthday boy! Love you babe!

By the way, Emma was in charge decorating the cake. It is hard to see but she wanted red sprinkles and 5 chocolate chips to adorn the top of the cake. Fancy!

My 3 1/2 Year Old Ballerina

Our little Emma is 3 1/2 years old today. She is such a doll and I love watching her grow and discover new things. This post is for us to share and be able to remember all that she was into at 3 1/2 years of age.

-Is a very busy girl. Currently taking gymnastics, dance, and swim lessons. I am not sure which one is her favorite. She is happy with all of them.

-Loves to chat all day, unless she is tired or busy playing a game. Her communication has come a long way. We are so impressed and proud of her.

-Still a very picky eater. Lives on chicken, cheerios, raisins, goldfish, and chocolate chips. Will tolerate waffles, Kixs, grilled cheese, hotdogs, lettuce, graham crackers, and pizza.

-Things she loves:

-Gymnastics

-The pool

-Cars and Trains

-The ipad and iphone (We have to set limits)

-Listening and signing songs

-watching Austin City Limits at Gammie and Papa's house

-playing instruments

-playing games like Candy Land and Memory

-watering flowers

-watching any PBS cartoon like SuperWhy and Dinosaur Train

-Baking yummy treats

-School

-to have a bow in her hair

Emma is at such a fun age. She is like a sponge and she absorbs so much information. We are loving everything we get to teach her and fun activities that we get to do with her.

Emma started her dance class today. I took some pics of her in her leotard and tutu. She is still not interested in smiling for the camera. Emma I swear you are happy and giggly little girl!

I would like to say she was doing a beautiful ballet move but really she was just done with the camera.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the wonderful dads in our lives. We certainly would not be where we are today if it wasn't for you! We love you all and thank you for your unconditional love and support.

Andy with the girls.

My dad with my brother and me. I love finding these old photos. This was taken at our cabin in Wisconsin. Oh how I miss that place.

Andy and his dad, with the girls. This was taken during their last visit, Emma's 3rd birthday.

Minnesota Trip, Day 4: Teddy Bear Park

This is my final post on Minnesota. On our last full day we headed over to an amazing park in downtown Stillwater called Teddy Bear park. It is an ideal park for toddlers. Everything is meant for them. All the kids had a blast and so did the adults.

Andy with the girls.

Emma enjoying the big tree slide.

Emma with the big Teddy Bear.

Nolan in the "river"

Kate got caught in the spider web.

The girls with Steve and Mary. Now why can't I have any luck getting them to look for a family picture.

Kate, Bryce, and MacKayla

Bryce and MacKayla

One of my many attempts at a family photo.

The dads decided to give the slide a try.

We went and checked out my cousin Jenny's new house and MacKayla wanted to hold Abby.

Nate trying one more time to catch a fish. No luck.

Rebecca and Nolan enjoying some sand time.

Me and Abby.

Cuddling with Steve and Mary.

Time to pack up the fishing pole and call it a night.

We had such an amazing time on our trip. One thing I learned is that I need to have someone else take pictures once in awhile. At times it doesn't even look like I am on the trip. Andy will have to step up his camera skills on the next trip.

Minnesota Trip, Day 3: Time with Friends and Family

We spent our third day catching up with family and friends. To start things off we hung out with Uncle Steve before heading over to Wisconsin to visit with friends.

Uncle Steve and Abby in deep conversation.

Kate just loves babies and wanted to help with Abby whenever she could.

The kids enjoying some laughing time with Uncle Steve.

My parent's good friends (who also happen to be my brother's god parents) have a beautiful piece of property in Wisconsin. We made to drive to their home and had a great time letting the kids run free.

The first priority was checking out Ms. Nancy's piano.

Kate and Emma running circles around one of Nancy's gardens.

Freedom!

Mr. Rick made a super cool tire swing for his grandkids, so of course our kids had to check it out.

We took a mini hike in their woods.

Emma loved picking flowers.

Back at our rental home my brother decided to get out his fishing poll that he had packed and tried catching some walleye. No luck but a fish did wash up on the beach.

Nolan enjoying the sand in his toes.

Checking out the boats.

For dinner we invited all the cousins over for some food and fun.

Let's see how many cousins we can stack. Starting from the bottom we have Bryce, Ryan, Kate, and Emma.

Abby with cousin Lauren.

Emma and Nolan loved playing with this ball. The two were entertained all night.

Abby with cousin Jenny.

Us mommas needed a mini girl's night. The boys watched the kids and we had some yummy margaritas.

Uncle Steve wanted a pic with all the kids.

Someone was tired of all the partying.

I truly love this family and am so blessed to be in it. I miss them when I am not with them but when we see each other we immediately pick up where we left off. It is fun seeing everyone grow and start new journeys. I only wish we were able to see each other more often.