Emma and the Animals

Back in November, we had the fun opportunity to take Emma to Discovery Kingdom (aka Marine World).  It was a nice family trip, just the three (well, 4;0) of us for the day and between travels for Tyler.  We thought Emma would just enjoy seeing all the animals (and tix were FREE!)...and boy did she!

This was our first stop: sea lions...she's still doing her 'arc, arc' while clapping and referring to these guys ;0

Next up were the penguins.  Not the best pic, but I had to share because she was so worried about these little guys.  They each had tags on their arms.  She thought they were band aids and, she's so traumatized by 'pokes' from the doctor, that she thought all the penguins had 'pokes'.  She talked about that for SO LONG. Every now and then she still brings it up ;0

To me, this was one of the neatest for her because they were right in front of her! 

she doesn't know that sharks are scary yet, so not too impressed by these guys swimming right above her!

loved seeing the giraffes!  And, PS, this is her 'smile' or 'say cheese' face...love it yeah?!

here she is saying 'roar' ;0

She loved all the animals and the whole day, but, this little girl...when we'd tell her to tell someone about our trip, all she could talk about was getting to hi-five rudolph! ;0  (she just watched Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer movie this year and he's her fave;0)

We don't get many pics together, so had to share this one (see, she's 'smiling' for the camera!)

We ended our day at the Dolphin Show.  We got front row seats....and didn't realize that there was a reason the front row was open!!  

We got splashed....

So sorry that I've been so slow with posting these last few months!  There are several reasons...one is that I'm almost out of room on my photobucket account...so it makes posting pics a little challenging but I don't have time to figure out what to do about it :(  Will try to keep truckin' along here, tho!

Swim lessons...and Em's first award

In June, Emma took a 2 week 'water awareness' class through the city.  Thankfully, it was a 2 minute drive from our house/20 minute walk BECAUSE she was so exhausted by the end of each class that she struggled to stay awake long enough to eat breakfast before going down for her noon nap ;0  You maybe saw the vid I shared from one day when she didn't quite make it through lunch ;0

On the last day of class, we were able to invite guests to watch our fun day (40 minute class) and allow them to take pics of the experience!  So, of course, inviting we did!  here are a few of the pics that were taken during the class

her newly found FAVE pool toy, the noodle ;0

and her big girl moment of the day!  

yep!  The diving board!

our wonderful instructor, Miss Haley

...she loved it so much, she wanted to do it again!

the moment that melted my heart

she got called up to go get her award!

of course, she went for the treat first ;0

and turned right to mama to give her the papers

taking this class was such a growing period for both of us.  It came right as I'd taken all 'things' out of our schedules and days that weren't focusing on our family's needs.  It was a sweet time to focus and bond with Emma, and I sincerely believe that doing this class, just the two of us, did play it's role in bonding Emma and I closer together.  She'd never really asked or looked for me to cuddle up with or be held by, that was always either Tyler or my mom before this point.  Makes me smile, as though I've been reassured, 'I do love you, mama!'  sigh...

the award moment really did make me get a huge lump in my throat.  I didn't expect a moment like this until maybe kindergarten?!  I shared it with my sis Steph and she was having some of those same feelings with her little man that day/week too!  It was a blessing to both of us to be able to share it and as much as we felt silly about our feelings, feel encouraged that the other one of us was feeling them too...just feeling like our babies are growing up (and kinda seeing their lives flash before our eyes right quick).

It's also let me give her a little independence in teh back yard and in the pool as well, which I think is good for the both fo us.

Such a sweetie.  Love this baby girl so much!  Can't believe she's two already!

Sunshine!

Back in February, we enjoyed a fabulous day of sunshine and impromptu family fun at the park!  Diana was watching Isaiah, and my mom and Lita were hanging all hanging out together...Jasmine was hanging with Em and I...and while we were waiting for Crystal to get out of school (and come pick up Isaiah) we decided to head over to the park and play with the kiddos!

...and they were off!  They RAN to the toys ;0

and went directly to the swings for some 'weeee - fun!'

I'm sure you're thinking, "OK, you live across the street from the park, I'm sure you go often"...kinda, but this day was extra special, and more fun than usual.  We decided to play along with the kids and have some fun ourselves!  Not just watch, follow and push ;0

(ug...this pic was my motivation to start working out;0)

Crystal arrived and joined in the fun!

Lita was just watching at first...

then SHE decided to jump on a swing too!

kids were having fun just everywhere!

Jasmine was having some 1-on-1 time with Em;0

Who'd have thought that Lita at 89 (and months away from 90!) would be swinging away at the park?! so FUN!  I hope I am like her when I'm 89 ;0

...sigh...i couldn't help but to text Tyler that day and say, "THIS is what being able to stay at home is all about! Fun, family times and special memories."