St.Simons Island 2009

This year BB and Poppy invited us to go to St. Simons Island with them. We joked and said that we probably wouldn't get invited back again. Between Emma getting the stomach virus and me washing a million loads of laundry, we feel sure that BB and Poppy will want to vacation alone from now on. We had a great time, though, and were thankful that they shared their condo at the King and Prince!

This is Ella's first official trip to the beach! As you can see, she is not so impressed, but Emma was sure to get her all sandy before we made it back to the room. Sand + Baby + Sunscreen = A sticky mess!!!

The sickest girl at the beach!
Is this not the funniest picture ever! A definite for the wedding slideshow!!!

A pool of monkeys!!!

This photo is for Melanie ONLY! But who knew Mommy would be able to hold her own in Lacrosse? Even Caleb was impressed!!!!

Dance Recital Hooray for Hollywood/Angelina Ballerina

I truly hope that right before I die I am able to think back to special days that made my life so full. If so, June 6, 2009 will be one of those days. It was the day of Emma's first dance recital. It was the same feeling I had the day I taught Caleb how to ride his bike and our neighors came out of their house to help cheer him on as I ran down the street beside him. I couldn't explain why I was crying when we got to the stop sign. Just like I couldn't explain the huge lump in my throat when I got backstage after the show to get Emma. It was a day I always want to remember. As a mother, these are the days that matter most.
The first half of the recital was tap. This part was called "Hooray for Hollywood" and each class danced to a song from different movies. Emma's class danced to "Hot Chocolate" from the movie Polar Express. They were dressed as snowmen.

Backstage before the show!

Hmmmm! Just an observation, but I think Emma and her partner Courtney are a few steps off.
Where are those smiles?????

So cute!!!

As a surprise ending, they threw snowballs into the audience! Of course, the crowd went wild!!!!

Dance Recital '09 Angelina Ballerina

The second half of the show was the ballet. This year they performed Angelina Ballerina. Emma's class were mice in Miss Lilly's dance class. Who knew a mouse could be so cute?

Emma is the 3rd from the left.

Here she is with her partner, Courtney.

Posing with Daddy after the show!

I was so proud of my little ballerina!

A picture with Ga and Papa Zack! Thank you for coming!!!!

Emma's 4th Birthday

We decided on a Luau theme for this year's hoorah! We even rented a giant slide that Emma was scared to go down. She did warm up to the idea AFTER the party, but we still had a great time! We were so thankful for beautiful weather and great friends and family to share it with!

The Hula Girl herself!
The three amigos! I realize that dressing Ella up in a hula suit was not enjoyable for her, but I freely admit it was for my own entertainment! How cute is she??? Even Caleb joined in the festivities and had a great time!
The ladies of Wysteria Lane!

Peyton, Emma, and Ava enjoying a snack!

More pics from the party...

A very tired Birthday Girl!
Here are all of Emma's friends on the slide we rented! You know, the one she wouldn't go down!
We even had movie stars at the party! See????
What a pair! Emma and Peyton! Those two were in their own world. Someone had broken a lei and these two decided to stamp the flowers on themselves! What a hoot!

Opening presents was such a blast! Check out these facial expressions!

Baseball '09

Caleb played baseball for the Cubs this year. After a very rainy season, we are finally finished. Here are some shots of him in action!

Waiting his turn at bat!

Gets a base hit!
Waiting for a ball in right field!
We lost in the first round of the playoffs! Look at those long faces!
It's tough to lose to a team we had already defeated!

Memorial Day in Jax Beach

Getting ready for the beach!
Which wave do I jump????
We are so thankful that Emma loves the beach this year!
Taking a break for the camera!
Playing together...and not fighting!