Monkey See, Monkey Do

Emerson loves monkeys! We have been lucky that Gymboree has put out two lines of monkey outfits this year. She asks specifically for her monkey clothes. She really is a little monkey. She is so silly and makes us laugh all the time. Emerson loves to sing. She is getting more and more stubborn, but usually will do what she is a told and says, "Sorry, mama." It melts my heart.

I can't believe that next month she will be two. God has filled my heart with so much love and joy these last two years. Emerson was just the recipe to heal my broken heart. Who doesn't love a beautiful little girl that RUNS to greet you with the biggest smile? She will hold her arms straight up and say, "hug!" She loves to have tea time at Grammy's, a gun shoot out at Grandma and Grandpa's house, and "build" legos with her brother at home.

Her teachers at daycare love to tell me about her adventures. Last week in the atrium a couple of the kids were banging on the closet doors (which they are not supposed to do). Before the teacher could go over and get on to them, Emerson walked over, pointed at them, and told them to stop, now. Ms. Arveda told me that she doesn't need to be around, just put Emerson in charge.

They are preparing for a Christmas program next Thursday and will be singing 3 songs--Jingle Bells, Jesus Loves Me, and Happy Birthday. Emerson is the only one that knows the songs, but I am unsure that she will sing them in front of a crowd. I think it is a lot to ask from a 2-year old class.

Zoey's First Birthday

Last Wednesday we went to Albany for Zoey's first birthday party.

Breakfast with Santa

I had a great time taking the kids to Breakfast with Santa. I have always wanted to go and this year I don't work on weekends! I love having a normal job after so many years of living at the office all fall. The event started with the chef from Abilene Regional instructing the kids on how to make an elf out of a crepe. Ryan loved his and made two and ate them as quickly as could be. Emerson liked putting hers together, but only wanted to eat the fruit.

A magician from Fort Worth put on a very entertaining show and Ryan enjoyed going up to watch. Emerson stayed at the table with me and colored.

The guest of honor finally arrived at the end of the event. All of the kids in the room came running to see Santa. Emerson waved hi, but she had no interest in meeting the man in red.

Silly Songs with Emerson

Emerson is talking more and more and singing all the time. She randomly breaks into her A,B,C's, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, I sing you a Song, and Jingle Bells at any given moment. It just melts my heart! I got a short video of her singing as we were leaving day care and I helped a little. Stay tuned until the end of the video to hear Emerson send her love.

Fall Festival

Friday night we attended the Ortiz Fall Festival. This is the first year that I have not volunteered to work at a booth, but I didn't think that Emerson would want to stand in one spot for an hour or two. Good thing I didn't volunteer. I don't think we stood in one spot for more than a minute. Emerson dressed as a kitty as a tribute to her cousin Miriam.

Miriam Elizabeth Halloween 2002

Ryan was happy to see the Jesse and Anthony as soon as we arrived. Jesse was a football player and Anthony was a robot. He and his dad made this amazing robot costume complete with lights. Tony, the boy's dad, came as Igor from Ghostbusters. I think you can tell exactly why Anthony won first place for 4th and 5th grade.

Bday Party

To top off our very busy Saturday, we went to the Conder house for Kallan's 8th birthday. The kids had a great time playing and McKenna and Emerson spent the entire evening together. McKenna is Kallan's cousin and she is a doll. Emerson loved being the center of things and didn't seem to notice how little she was with all of the big kids. Mendy had several activities planned and Cody grilled out awesome hamburgers and yummy hot dogs.


The kids played football

Birthday Boy Kallan

Little Brother Kason

Ryan throws a long toss

Never appreciated how hard it is to get 8 kids to look at the camera.


McKenna shows Emerson how to use the flashlight during the scavenger hunt

The kids brought all of the candy to Mendy to divide up.

Emerson watches Kason get the candy

She loves her pink pumpkin flashlight!

Superheroes!


Throwing spiders on the cobweb game

Kallan gives me an intense face while showing off his birthday cake.

Mendy made sherbet punch with a jello hand