Mischief

Emma is quite the little Miss Mischief. I know to start tracking her down when I haven't heard her from her for 2 minutes. That is all the time she needs to complete a path of destruction. :) Her latest moments have included smearing Vick's vapor rub all over herself-hair, neck, clothes, feet (luckily no eyes), devouring an entire tube of Chapstick or whatever wasn't smudged onto her face, crawling into the bathroom sink and turning the water on for a refreshing sponge bath and chucking random household items into the trash. I guess she is helping me with my spring cleaning/dejunking on that last one. Oh, she is a funny one!

These Boots Were Made For Walkin'...

…and that's just what they'll do.

It Has Arrived

Flashback to this post. Well, Bryan's "souvenir" from the trip arrived in the form of a HUGE bear rug. Bryan strategically left the rug out in our bedroom for me to discover late when night when coming home from Bunco. I literally screamed...and promptly walked to the bathroom. 3 out of the 4 members of this family are big fans of the rug. I bet you can't guess who is still on the fence???

I don't know if Bryan has ever felt more proud...

...and then this happened. She is still a girly girl.

Well, the kids loved the bear rug so much that we thought it might be best to let it "hibernate" for a few

years months before finding a more permanent spot for him.

Grandma Utah

Luke calls my mom, "Grandma Utah." I really think we should start transitioning to "Grandma Mona" or "Grandma Kotter", but it's just so darn cute how he says it that I'm willing to roll with it for awhile longer. We had so much fun while she was here. I always feel like my batteries recharge when she's here-she probably feels like her batteries are zapped! :)

We went on walks and checked out the "mighty machines".

Visited our neighborhood park.

Went to the zoo. Emma has zero fear. I feel like I need to keep a closer eye on her than Luke at times!

Played A LOT with grandma around the house. 

Love this look Emma is giving her Grandma.

It was a sad ride home from the airport after we dropped her off. Poor Luke was inconsolable. Emma wasn't quite sure what was going, but felt the sadness and joined right in with Luke. I thought, "boy, am I that bad???" But, I have to admit, I was sad too, because she really is that  great.  :)

Valentine's Day!

My mom flew in the night before Valentine's Day and we kept it a surprise for Luke and Emma. When Luke woke up Valentine's morning and discovered that Grandma was here he was in heaven. He promptly started showing Grandma what was new around the house (as in his new toys from Christmas). He told me later that day, "I'm just so happy Grandma came to see me. She makes me so happy." I don't think we'll be able to do another Valentine's day when Luke feels more loved than that!

We enjoyed a festive breakfast and exchanged Valentines. 

My mom brought an entire suitcase (literally, the suitcase was full) of my favorite bread for me. This makes the most delicious toast. Since I eat toast for about 90% of my breakfasts, I was elated. It's the simple things. :)

Bryan and I both worked that day. My mom stayed with the kids and even volunteered to take Luke and Emma to a Valentine's party. I don't know if their day could have been any better! 

Emma @ 18 months

Emma screamed as soon as I walked into the exam room at the Doctor's office. Poor girl. She totally remembers the shots, the ear prodding and all of the fun that sometimes accompanies a trip to the doctor. However, I love our pediatrician and he was able to calm her down (more than I was able to!) and get a thorough exam. In which, he found another ear infection. Is that bad that I thought, "At least it saved us a separate visit"??? Overall, Emma is healthy and continuing along her petite growth curve.

Height: 31 1/4 in........31st %tile
Weight: 22 lbs 4 oz....45th %tile
Head: 47 cm...............70th %tile




A few fun things about Emma...

She is generally such a happy girl and it is contagious.

"Happiest girls are the prettiest girls."-Audrey Hepburn

She asks for Luke first thing when she wakes up in the morning or after her naps. She cries every time he leaves for preschool.

Loves to be a "big kid."

Is a borderline hoarder. 

Is a goof. Loves to try on any accessory, hat, shoes, jewelry, etc.

Has curly hair! It usually looks like mad scientist hair, but when it is tame, there are lots of curls.

We love having Emma in our family.

A Day of Firsts

Yesterday was Luke's first day as a Sunbeam! He was very excited to go to the "big boy" class and sing songs with "James's Mom." Bryan took Luke into the Primary room and he said he pretty much told him to leave. Little Mr. Independent. When I asked Luke if he liked primary, he exclaimed, "Yes! It was GREAT!" Oh this boy, he is so much fun right now.




A few shots before church as we talked about the "finer" points of Sunbeams.

"You mean I get to sit for a really long time???"

"Wait, wait...no toys?!?"

Well, everyone else is really excited about this Sunbeam thing, so "I guess it'll be fun."

It was also Emma's first day of Nursery! She walked right over to the toys and didn't even notice when I stepped out. I keep my fingers crossed that she'll continue to like Nursery. 

Feeling like the big girl on campus.

Queen Emma. :)

Love these silly, spunky and sassy kids.