Emerson's Tree

Year 1

Year 2


Year 3

Year 4

Emerson Dancing

Emerson had her parent watch night at her dance class where we got to see what she's been up to these past few months. Her dance class is 45 minutes this year instead of 30 and she gets to wear tap shoes.

They're learning the different "positions" which I thought was pretty impressive.
"1st position!"

Putting on her tap shoes.

Dirt & Worms

The things Ryan does with Emerson while I'm out. But I guess that's what we have dads for, to let loose a little bit and get some dirt under our fingernails.

Baby Van Vark

Over Thanksgiving we had a baby shower for Cole and Sarah. She's due on Chrismas Eve so our plans for the holidays are sort of up to when this sweet baby decides to make an appearance. Ryan's aunt and uncle own the Wabash Winery  in southwest Iowa so we thought it would be the perfect location to have their shower (and it was.)  It was so fun to plan and spoil Cole and Sarah they way they've spoiled my girls the past 4 years- we can't wait to add another cousin to the mix. 

I had Geri and Cole's mom, Sue, send me some baby pictures so they were on display.

I had people write some advice to the new parents ahead of time that we displayed at the shower.

Geri and Courtney split the work with me on the shower and I think it turned out beautifully. Now we just hurry up and wait!

Emerson's Birthday Part III

Emerson had her second party at the farm over Thanksgiving weekend. She got a princess birthday cake (shocking, I know) and was spoiled rotten. She's one lucky gal.

The hit of the party was her Rapunzel wig.  Sounds creepy, and it kind of is, but she absolutely loves it.

Just strange seeing her with straight hair for the first time ever.

Emerson's Birthday Part II

Emerson's actual birthday was the day after her party so we started it off with a McDonalds breakfast.

She kept saying she didn't feel good and ended up throwing up three different times throughout the day. It was so sad. She'd perk up after she got sick but slowly tire out again. She and Ryan even had a Puss and Boots movie date and they got halfway there and she said she just wanted to go home. So really we just had a movie day at home and laid on the couch- not so bad.

Not the best picture but I just love her face. I think all the princesses together are blowing her mind.

Best birthday ever.

Emerson's 4!

So Emerson Ann turned 4 on the 20th and she can finally stop saying, "Mom, for my birthday, I want *insert anything that resembles a toy here.*"  Only now I'm sure she'll figure out she can start telling us what she wants for Christmas. Emerson is a smart, articulate, sassy little gal and we just love her to pieces.

We had a skating party for her and it was one of the most fun birthday parties we've had. The kids all just loved it.

Easton's milk on ice.

She got all shy when we were singing to her.

So glad I get to be her mama.