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| All set to go outside on a 90 degree day! |
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| All set for the pool! (Thanks Kate for the swimsuit and hat!) |
Monday, May 30, 2011
A couple cute pictures from today
The Cake!
As a followup to my Disaster Cake post, I am very happy to announce that Emma's actual cake turned out amazing, *ahem*, if I do say so myself. Luckily, I had all the icing made and started icing and then decorating the cake around 8:30 after Emma went to bed and finished at 10:50 (cleanup took until about 11:30 :( ). Kurt was wonderful moral support and helped me with a few spatial relations issues as well as Dora's hands which were a bit tricky. I was pretty impressed with myself and think that the cake did resemble Dora (albeit Dora wearing eyeliner) pretty well.
Also, I was pretty proud of myself for making Backpack Party favors. I did see the idea online, but created them myself.
See for yourself!
Also, I was pretty proud of myself for making Backpack Party favors. I did see the idea online, but created them myself.
Happy Birthday Emma!
Emma had a fantastic 2nd Birthday!
In the morning, she wore the Birthday Princess outfit that she wore on Friday and had fun watching us decorate the house for her party that afternoon. The best quote from her was when we were putting streamers up in the living room. She looked up and said, "Man! Awesome!" completely unprompted. It was fantastic! She was very excited when Kurt came home with balloons as well.
Emma got a pink and purple tricycle from us for her gift this year. She's been asking for a bike for almost a year now. Earlier this spring, she clarified that she wanted a pink and purple bike and that a red bike simply would not do. She had a lot of fun trying it out inside and then made it about 1/4 of the way to the park before she decided that walking was easier and that Mommy should carry the bike. *sigh* We're sure she'll get the hang of it soon, and that we'll be racing to catch up!
I went into wake Emma up from her nap around 2:45 and found her already awake, probably laying there thinking what a big girl she is! We changed her into her party dress and she insisted on wearing her shorts underneath for almost her whole party. She was slow to warm up to Grandma, Great Grandma and Rachel who had come in before she woke up. She was fine by the time her friends started arriving at 3pm. She had a great time with all her friends, and we heard her saying a few times, "Calvin, Cameron, and Max are at Emma's house!" (For the past week, after school, she has been telling us very excitedly that "Cameron is coming to Emma's house. Max is coming to Emma's house. Connor is coming to Emma's house." She was VERY excited to have her friends over!)
There were 7 kids and about 15 adults in total and we think everything went pretty well. We had pizza, watermelon, veggies, punch and juice boxes, and cake & ice cream. The kids had fun playing and coloring and there weren't any major breakdowns. Emma has very loving family and friends and got very fun gifts. All the kids got to leave with a balloon and a 'backpack' party bag.
The day went by so quickly, but we all had a great time and we hope all our guests did too!
Here are a few more pictures of the day!
In the morning, she wore the Birthday Princess outfit that she wore on Friday and had fun watching us decorate the house for her party that afternoon. The best quote from her was when we were putting streamers up in the living room. She looked up and said, "Man! Awesome!" completely unprompted. It was fantastic! She was very excited when Kurt came home with balloons as well.
Emma got a pink and purple tricycle from us for her gift this year. She's been asking for a bike for almost a year now. Earlier this spring, she clarified that she wanted a pink and purple bike and that a red bike simply would not do. She had a lot of fun trying it out inside and then made it about 1/4 of the way to the park before she decided that walking was easier and that Mommy should carry the bike. *sigh* We're sure she'll get the hang of it soon, and that we'll be racing to catch up!
I went into wake Emma up from her nap around 2:45 and found her already awake, probably laying there thinking what a big girl she is! We changed her into her party dress and she insisted on wearing her shorts underneath for almost her whole party. She was slow to warm up to Grandma, Great Grandma and Rachel who had come in before she woke up. She was fine by the time her friends started arriving at 3pm. She had a great time with all her friends, and we heard her saying a few times, "Calvin, Cameron, and Max are at Emma's house!" (For the past week, after school, she has been telling us very excitedly that "Cameron is coming to Emma's house. Max is coming to Emma's house. Connor is coming to Emma's house." She was VERY excited to have her friends over!)
There were 7 kids and about 15 adults in total and we think everything went pretty well. We had pizza, watermelon, veggies, punch and juice boxes, and cake & ice cream. The kids had fun playing and coloring and there weren't any major breakdowns. Emma has very loving family and friends and got very fun gifts. All the kids got to leave with a balloon and a 'backpack' party bag.
The day went by so quickly, but we all had a great time and we hope all our guests did too!
Here are a few more pictures of the day!
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| Backpack party favors in the background and the Dora cake I made |
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| Blowing out the candle! She's asked us to practice for days! |
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| Her presents |
Action Packed Weekend
Although Emma didn't turn 2 until Sunday, we had an action packed weekend which started on Friday afternoon!
Emma wore her princess birthday outfit and took cupcakes into school with her on Friday. She was very excited for her outfit! That afternoon, her class had a Spring Fling for all the parents and to say good bye to one of her teachers. The theme revolved around water -- the kids wore animal hats, carried fish shapes on popsicle sticks, and "swam" to Under the Sea. Emma has a bit of stage fright and so instead of "swimming" with all her friends, she stood in the corner and picked her nose for the entire 20 minute show. We were so proud!
On Saturday, Emma's friend, Shannon, and her parents came over to play in the morning. The girls had a lot of fun playing at the park, looking at ants, and playing in Emma's kitchen. The playdate thoroughly wore Emma out and she took a good nap so that we were able to get a few chores done for Emma's party. After her nap, we went to the kiddie pool, which Emma has been talking about nonstop for at least a week. She kept saying, "I want to swim with the babies." It took us about 10 minutes to coax her into the water. She ended up having a lot of fun after a few timid minutes. She kept saying that she was swimming when in fact she was just marching through the water like the kids entered the room for their presentation on Friday. She did have a scary experience when she was walking towards Kurt and lost her balance and fell three times before he was able to get to her. She was fine, just scared out of her mind. We got her over that then, Kurt held her on his knees and had her kick her feet and doggy paddle which she thought was fun for a few minutes. We also took her into the regular pool and she was NOT happy! She kept saying, "OUT! OUT! OUT!" And back to the kiddie pool we went!
That evening we went to the local volunteer fireman's carnival. As soon as we entered, Emma was enthralled by all the rides! Unfortunately, she was only tall enough for 2 rides, the carousel and a train ride. We took her on the train twice. She loved it. Every time around, she would wave to Daddy, blow a kiss, or say "Choo Choo!" complete with an arm movement. We're excited for next year, when she should have a few more rides to choose from.
Sunday was Emma's 2nd Birthday! (See next post)
On Monday, Emma slept in until almost 8!! This was a VERY nice present for Mommy and Daddy!! In the morning, we ran a few errands, and stopped at Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Emma eagerly gobbled her up her nuggets and fruit and then headed into the playground. She was very determined to go on the big kids climbing toy to get to the slide. Unfortunately, she slipped and fell a few steps down as she was trying to hoist herself up to a higher platform. She didn't get hurt, well, maybe her pride got hurt a little bit, and we convinced her to give it another go. Kurt helped boost her up and she was able to make it to the top. She was very upset when we told her it was time to head home! After her nap, we went to the pool again. She had a great time with some little pool balls that Kurt picked up for her. She made friends with a couple little boys and girl who were there and had a lot of fun playing catch with them. We're very excited that she is liking the pool this summer...we think we'll be spending a lot of time there!
Emma wore her princess birthday outfit and took cupcakes into school with her on Friday. She was very excited for her outfit! That afternoon, her class had a Spring Fling for all the parents and to say good bye to one of her teachers. The theme revolved around water -- the kids wore animal hats, carried fish shapes on popsicle sticks, and "swam" to Under the Sea. Emma has a bit of stage fright and so instead of "swimming" with all her friends, she stood in the corner and picked her nose for the entire 20 minute show. We were so proud!
On Saturday, Emma's friend, Shannon, and her parents came over to play in the morning. The girls had a lot of fun playing at the park, looking at ants, and playing in Emma's kitchen. The playdate thoroughly wore Emma out and she took a good nap so that we were able to get a few chores done for Emma's party. After her nap, we went to the kiddie pool, which Emma has been talking about nonstop for at least a week. She kept saying, "I want to swim with the babies." It took us about 10 minutes to coax her into the water. She ended up having a lot of fun after a few timid minutes. She kept saying that she was swimming when in fact she was just marching through the water like the kids entered the room for their presentation on Friday. She did have a scary experience when she was walking towards Kurt and lost her balance and fell three times before he was able to get to her. She was fine, just scared out of her mind. We got her over that then, Kurt held her on his knees and had her kick her feet and doggy paddle which she thought was fun for a few minutes. We also took her into the regular pool and she was NOT happy! She kept saying, "OUT! OUT! OUT!" And back to the kiddie pool we went!
That evening we went to the local volunteer fireman's carnival. As soon as we entered, Emma was enthralled by all the rides! Unfortunately, she was only tall enough for 2 rides, the carousel and a train ride. We took her on the train twice. She loved it. Every time around, she would wave to Daddy, blow a kiss, or say "Choo Choo!" complete with an arm movement. We're excited for next year, when she should have a few more rides to choose from.
Sunday was Emma's 2nd Birthday! (See next post)
On Monday, Emma slept in until almost 8!! This was a VERY nice present for Mommy and Daddy!! In the morning, we ran a few errands, and stopped at Chick-Fil-A for lunch. Emma eagerly gobbled her up her nuggets and fruit and then headed into the playground. She was very determined to go on the big kids climbing toy to get to the slide. Unfortunately, she slipped and fell a few steps down as she was trying to hoist herself up to a higher platform. She didn't get hurt, well, maybe her pride got hurt a little bit, and we convinced her to give it another go. Kurt helped boost her up and she was able to make it to the top. She was very upset when we told her it was time to head home! After her nap, we went to the pool again. She had a great time with some little pool balls that Kurt picked up for her. She made friends with a couple little boys and girl who were there and had a lot of fun playing catch with them. We're very excited that she is liking the pool this summer...we think we'll be spending a lot of time there!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Disaster Cake
A few weeks ago, we asked Emma what kind of cake she wanted for her birthday. Instead of the chocolate or vanilla answer I expected, she promptly responded with, "A Dora cake!" And so the theme of her 2nd birthday party was decided. I wanted to use my new cake decorating skills to make Emma's cake and thought it was in my best interest to practice the cake prior to Emma's party to help alleviate potential probable tears. I found the perfect picture of Dora to use, and got all the right food coloring together. I baked the cake yesterday and planned to ice it tonight. Instead of the icing recipe that I learned in class, I got adventurous (like Dora herself) and tried a new recipe which a coworker passed to me. While the recipe is very delicious, unfortunately, I couldn't get it thick enough to adequately ice the cake and set for me to do a piping gel transfer technique. Oh well, luckily I still have 5 more nights to practice before the big day! I'm sure Kurt's coworkers will still gobble it up though no matter what it looks like!
*sigh* Live and learn. But yay for me planning ahead! :)
On the plus side, I now have all the icing colors made for icing Dora! I think tomorrow night, I'll just practice on wax paper instead of making another whole cake. Plus that way, I can reuse the icing afterwards!
Here's a picture of the disaster cake:
*sigh* Live and learn. But yay for me planning ahead! :)
On the plus side, I now have all the icing colors made for icing Dora! I think tomorrow night, I'll just practice on wax paper instead of making another whole cake. Plus that way, I can reuse the icing afterwards!
Here's a picture of the disaster cake:
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Big Day
Emma had a big day yesterday.
In the morning, I took the mattress out of her crib to change the sheet. After I finished, she pretended to sleep on it and I ended up leaving it on the floor of her room. A little while later, Kurt her to the post office and to get me flowers (aww!) and she was ready for an early nap when they got home. She ended up sleeping on the mattress on the floor and seemed to like it.
After she woke up, we met Calvin, Melanie, and Adam at Child Fest. Emma had fun playing with Calvin in the atrium before going into the auditorium to meet ELMO! Although Emma was excited to see Elmo, she seemed more interested in finding Calvin a few rows up as well as looking around at the huge crowd. She was very well behaved the entire time and listened to us a few times we had to ask her to stop something that was dangerous (i.e. walking on a wall that had a 3 foot drop, and running up and down brick steps).
It wasn't raining when we got home and we walked her down to the Street Fest. Emma loved seeing the climbing wall and really wanted to try. It took us a while to convince her that she was too little and maybe next year she would be big enough. She liked walking with us while we checked out local vendors and even got to pick out a new barrette! She had a lot of fun dancing to some music and watching some local gymnasts demonstrate their handsprings, jumps, and hand walking. Emma repeatedly would walk towards the mats and say, "I do it." I picked up a brochure and might take her try out a "Mommy and Me class in the next few weeks.
After we got back, Emma got to put on some training pants and impressed us when she stayed dry all evening long! Even after another walk out to the street fest when Mommy got hungry for a funnel cake!
After bath time, we asked Emma if she wanted us to put her mattress back in her crib or if she wanted to sleep on the mattress like it was a big girl bed. She was adamant that she wanted a big girl bed. She went down relatively smoothly and stayed in her bed all night long! The mattress is still on the floor and she napped there again today and went to bed there again tonight. Looks like Mommy and Daddy need to go shopping for a real big girl bed soon!
In the morning, I took the mattress out of her crib to change the sheet. After I finished, she pretended to sleep on it and I ended up leaving it on the floor of her room. A little while later, Kurt her to the post office and to get me flowers (aww!) and she was ready for an early nap when they got home. She ended up sleeping on the mattress on the floor and seemed to like it.
After she woke up, we met Calvin, Melanie, and Adam at Child Fest. Emma had fun playing with Calvin in the atrium before going into the auditorium to meet ELMO! Although Emma was excited to see Elmo, she seemed more interested in finding Calvin a few rows up as well as looking around at the huge crowd. She was very well behaved the entire time and listened to us a few times we had to ask her to stop something that was dangerous (i.e. walking on a wall that had a 3 foot drop, and running up and down brick steps).
It wasn't raining when we got home and we walked her down to the Street Fest. Emma loved seeing the climbing wall and really wanted to try. It took us a while to convince her that she was too little and maybe next year she would be big enough. She liked walking with us while we checked out local vendors and even got to pick out a new barrette! She had a lot of fun dancing to some music and watching some local gymnasts demonstrate their handsprings, jumps, and hand walking. Emma repeatedly would walk towards the mats and say, "I do it." I picked up a brochure and might take her try out a "Mommy and Me class in the next few weeks.
After we got back, Emma got to put on some training pants and impressed us when she stayed dry all evening long! Even after another walk out to the street fest when Mommy got hungry for a funnel cake!
After bath time, we asked Emma if she wanted us to put her mattress back in her crib or if she wanted to sleep on the mattress like it was a big girl bed. She was adamant that she wanted a big girl bed. She went down relatively smoothly and stayed in her bed all night long! The mattress is still on the floor and she napped there again today and went to bed there again tonight. Looks like Mommy and Daddy need to go shopping for a real big girl bed soon!
New Pictures!
Here are links to pictures from the last few months.
Enjoy!
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| Emma in January |
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| Emma in February |
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| Emma in March |
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| Emma in April |
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