Cavalia and Lobstah = Oh Happy Day

Emma and I had one of those weekends that, as I mother, I know will stand out in my memory forever.

We went to Atlantic Station for the latest Cirque du Soliel show: Cavalia. The show was about horses and it was spectacular in every way! Couple that with a girl who loves horses, and viola, you have the perfect day~

After the amazing show, we were invited to McKendrick's where Uncle Marc is a manager. He invited Emma to come in for lobster (her favorite)!

Pre-lobster dinner

How could anyone ever say no to this face?


Emma needs to marry a rich man!

This one reminds me of a puppy sleeping. Post McKendricks food coma.

Halloween 2009 - Black Cat

For Halloween, Emma decided to be a black cat this year. Quite a welcome repreive from the princess costumes. She based her costume choice on the applause of the fitting room line as she came out and modelled for them. We trick-or-treated with Emma's bffs, Hunter and Skylar. The girls had so much fun!

Emma's Perfect Prayer

Dear God,

Thank you for all the people that I meet.
Thank you for all the people that I don't meet.
And no thank you for the mean people.

Amen

have YOU ever been snowballing?

this morning's conversation on the way to school:

me: Emma, we are going to Colorado this winter for your first ski trip.
em: really?
me: yes baby, you are finally old enough for ski school. they teach you everything you need to know. and the best part: when you fall, it doesn't even hurt because the snow feels like a pillow.
em (trying to sound older than 3): so mom, didja ever go snowballing out there?
me: what the???
em: well it's when you throw snowballs at each other. :-)

oh, shes getting a snowball right in her face. haha!

Be vewy vewy quiet, I'm hunting wabbits

Emma and I take walks almost every evening and we know about 3 spots where the bunnies like to hang out. Earlier in the week, we made pot roast and Emma insisted that I keep some of the carrots so that we could feed them to the bunnies.


Thursday was the night. We brought our little bag of carrots and set out on the journey.


Here is a shot of Emma preparing to catch a bunny:




And here is what happened when she didn't:

MJ lives...and he tubes in Helen

Emma and I wanted to take a break from city life, so we packed up the car and drove up to Helen.

We stopped by Cracker Barrel and had THE BEST breakfast ever.

Next, we rode a blonde horse (named Bonnie) and Emma sang to her the entire time.

Next, we bought matching tie-dye and tubed down the Helen River. (Tins, we will bring you next time).

Then it was time to head over for some lunch overlooking the river.

Emma spotted Michael Jackson as we were finishing lunch.

Quick pit stop by Hansel and Gretel (the candy shop)

Emma was asleep by the time I pulled out of the parking spot.

What a great day! I love making memories with her.

July 4th - Alabama with Family

July 4th Emma and I visited our grandmother's in Alabama. Emma had so much fun with her cousins, Nathan and Kayla. She even played in a sprinkler for the first time. I don't remember seeing shoes on her feet the entire day. Her inner 'country' girl came out today~

Fireworks and Pony Rides

Friday, July 3rd, Emma and I joined Chad and Nick for the fireworks in Downtown Norcross. Emma and I have been for her 1 year and 2nd year, so we are making it a tradition. She rode the ponies, had fun on the slide, got a 'tattoo' and we had awesome seats for the fireworks.

Family Night #4: Princess Night

surprise ariel dress she found in the garage

you know this princess found the pea

princess cupcakes, yum!

Family Night #4: Princess Night

Menu:

Salad
Princess Cupcakes
Tea Party Cups

Decor:

Fancy Tablecloth
Princess Guests

Costumes:

Princess Dresses (of course)
Tiaras
Make-up

Games:

Princess and the Pea - Take several pillows and put a bouncy ball underneath one. Try to see if you are a real princess and can find which pillow has the 'pea'.

Pretty, pretty princess board game

Castle Maze printout

Sifting for Gems - Sand and jewels

I would look and look all over the whole world until I found you too Emma!

2 things....

Last night, while we were lying in bed, Emma looked over at me and said...

1. Mommy, if you weren't my Mommy...I would look and look all over the whole world until I found you.

2. This morning on the way to school, Emma was asking me about what comes next. I explained Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, High School and then College. I told her that she gets to live in her very own house when she gets to college. She burst into tears and said, "Mommy, I'm gonna miss you". I told her that she can live with me forever if she wants to. I somehow get the feeling she won't, but I honestly wouldn't mind~!

My Little Mermaid

Yesteray, I took the day off to spend with Emma~ We had some quality time down at the pool and Emma LEARNED to swim~ She told me, 'Mommy, I found my courage, it is in my heart'. What a trooper. She is amazing and truly blesses me every day~

She didn't want her fish to get lonely...

This is what I found in Emma's playroom.

When I asked her about it, she said that she didn't want her fish to be lonely or forget what she looks like:

Family Night #3: Rainbow Night

Family Night #3 – Rainbow Night

Menu:
Rainbow salad:
Strawberries
Cantaloupe
Pineapples
Kiwi
Grapes

Roasted Veggie Kebabs
Chicken Kebabs

Rainbow Salad:
Tomatoes
Carrots
Squash
Avocado
Purple Onion

Rainbow Cake

Décor:
Rainbow streamers
Cloud Poster with Cotton Balls
Rainbow Balloons
Sprinkle table with Skittles

Costumes:
Rainbow hats from paper plates (use Cotton Balls for clouds)
Wear rainbow colors to dinner

Games:
Rainbow scavenger hunt
Color Rainbow Pictures
Rainbow Bubbles
Pot of Gold Hunt
This is a fun and creative game for the Rainbow first birthday idea. Get an empty egg carton and twelve small rocks that fit in the eggcups. Paint the rocks and corresponding sections of the egg carton with various colors. When the rocks have dried, hide them around the party area. Write down clues on colored papers (corresponding to the rock that's to be found) and have the kids hunt for the rocks and match them to the correct sections of the egg carton. At the end the kids'll find a pot full of gold chocolate coins that everyone can share

Music:
Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Movie:
Barbie Rainbow Princess Movie



Working hard on her rainbow hat~

Smiley Rainbow-heads

Emma checking out her hat~

Quite possibly the worlds ugliest centerpiece with quite possibly the worlds cutest kid behind it~

Sand Art in the garage~

Emma thought this was the ABSOLUTE coolest cake ever~

Always a taster~

Yummy~

Family Night #2: Cowboy Night

Family Night #2: Cowboy Night

Menu:

Roasted hot dogs

Baked Beans from Pot

Smores

Décor:

Cactus

Wanted Posters

Costumes:

Cowboy Hats

Bandanas

Painted mustaches

Games:

Finding the Gold Treasure

Pin the Tail on the Horse

Hula Hoop Lasso (Emma called it 'blasto')

Cowboy/Girl/Horse cutouts

Music: Garth Brooks Dixie Chicks