Emmy and Me

We went to the MN Zoo (again) Saturday. Daddy was working this weekend and we needed something to do. The sun fell right on those 2 flamingos...they look like they are glowing, don't they?

Then we visited the butterfly exhibit.

It was peaceful.

Here are the many, many cocoons...adult butterflies only live 2-4 weeks. That surprised me.

Then we all-including Cameron-went to visit with Amber's family and friends for her highschool graduation party (friend from church). Emalyn was fixated on a neighbor's dog....a black and brown king charles. She really was a sweet dog. Emalyn couldn't get enough of her, and wanted to hug her the whole time....it was really sweet!

Emulating Mommy

Usually she sings/hums herself, but it was early before we left for school and work....thanks Aimee and Trent for that super cute top!

**I should note, this was my doll when I was a little girl. Her name is Sandy...because she has sand in her bum! (So imaginative, I know!)**

Summer Days

The summer weather has officially made it to MN, and so have fun summer tanks and chubby baby arms and thighs. Seriously, those rolls. Can't get enough of them!

We visited Cameron's family today. Here is Emalyn and Daddy while she is chomping on a graham cracker. Yum Yum!

Those Shoes Were Made for Walkin'

Emmy's new shoes that were purchased this weekend....first walkers by Stride Rite. Super flexible sole and major support, so already Emalyn's steps are more confident. She still refuses to walk without hanging on to mom or dad's finger though.

Progression for Emmy has come in her lunging for things, an actual whole body dive....can't wait to see where that will lead us! Luckily, she is mainly flying from couch to couch or Mom to Dad....nothing that has hurt her too much.

Like the time she fell into the corner of the dishwasher door! Oi! I thought she positively would have a bruise/gash/bump/etc. But nothing! Especially after icing it. Nada. She's got really good skin, lucky thing.

Kid's things are just so whimsical....the flap on the back of these shoes hide a rainbow. So sweet. I like to think these are her magic shoes! What do you say....running in a month!???! I'll let you know! (If she's anything like her mama, that may come true!)

Blurry, but she's just so CUTE!

Pig Tails

We made our very best attempt to style the crazy hair on Emmy's head....only to have cockeyed pigtails!! I however, thought they were adorable! She was such a little mover this morning too that it made it nearly impossible to get a somewhat clear shot of her beautiful hair do!

In Other News...

Not many people know this yet, but Cam and I just recently traded in our sedan for a preowned suv.

That being said, I am not the type to drive an suv, and to be honest, I have somewhat of a grudge towards the people that drive them....as in, "I-have-to-carry-a-lot-of-stuff-around-in-this-vehicle-so-even-though-it-is-just-me-driving-the-majority-of-the-time-I-just-want-the-extra-space...."

And

suv's waste so much fuel! (*note my profile.....I am trying to be greener! So I am growing more and more conscious of ways I can use less petroleum among other things-it's in EVERYTHING by the way (even in shampoo sometimes), UGH*)

Well, Cameron crunching his knees into the dash kept getting more and more bothersome while in the sedan. Not to mention, although I was driving the car that I have loved since I was about 15, it is rear wheel drive.

Really? They still make those? YES. And why, I do not know.

For those of you that don't know, I live in the NORTH, that means there is snow and ice and in general, winter-like conditions can occur 1/2 the year, summer is 1/4 of the year and the rest, well, I can't complain. Ultimately, "in general," my suffering is longer than the enjoyment of driving the car I have longed for half of my life. If you're not familiar, here are just a few rear wheel drive annoyances:

I get stuck in snow.

I slip in the snow/rain.

If I don't drive s-l-o-w, the car (while going straight) will fishtail.

I dread stopping at a stinking stoplight for fear that I may never get going again. (And people are pushy up here, they HONK. They scream obscenities and share multiple hand signals if you aren't as agressive as they are....so I am a little tired of it, needless to say.)

*Breath.*

And so, the reveal! (Forgive the photos, the LS was taken with my blackberry, but you get the idea.)

My beautiful LS

(I don't know why I liked this car so much, but I did/do. LOVED driving it, so comfy-but no room inside! And did I mention, it's rear wheel drive?)

And the new-to-me (smaller-sized) suv, a Mercury Mariner. This isn't the exact car, but really, really close....cute, huh? I still feel like a snobby fuel hog, but I am getting used to the fact that people seemingly get out of my way now when I am driving! Lol!

Can't wait to test it out in the winter! Yee-haw!

Grammy and Grampy

Here you go, this one turned out great! (And Dad, that Red Wings shirt is just for YOU!!)

Party On

The Invitation:

(Front....then back.....)


The Centerpieces:


The cupCake(s):


The Beverages:

My husband's idea to use the baby bath as many a night has been spent in it as this was and is a part of Emalyn's NIGHTLY routine. I thought it looked tacky, but other people thought it was great....at least there was a dual purpose!


The Birthday Girl:

Thanks again everyone for coming and celebrating with us this first year of Emalyn's life...

this past year has been unforgettable, we are so glad you could be a part of it! Thanks again!

Happy Memorial Day

On Thursday we were asked to make an "appearance" at a friends commissioning ceremony. Our friend is in the AirForce ROTC and just graduated from the University of MN with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. Cameron, I suppose, was the one that was asked to be there since he was the one that got to offer the first salute for our friend, but, we of course, always tag along. Especially since I hardly EVER get to see my husband in his blues; you better believe I was there!

I love this photograph because you can really tell our friend was so glad to be graduating! Look at that huge smile!

A photo of the family.


Daddy looking at his coin (A tradition in the military is to give a coin to the person who does the first salute. This is a Susan B Anthony from 1921 (I think), the last year they made them.) Very meaningful.

And even Quincy got into the celebration with a bandana from the kennel he stayed in this weekend. Hope you had a great weekend!