Emma's Dance Recital

Today Emma performed in her first dance recital after taking lessons this school year. I must admit getting her there every week was a struggle. She cried and fought me every step of the way (after asking to take!). But somehow we managed to get through it and made it to the recital. Getting there proved no easier, but once there she enjoyed herself and did an awesome job on stage. And....she looked absolutely beautiful!! I'm not looking foward to when she starts taking an interest in boys!
Emma in her costume before leaving for the recital.

Paul and Hannah sit in the audience while waiting for Emma's dance in the 2nd half.

Beautiful Emma shows off the bouquet her Daddy got her to celebrate her day in the spotlight.

There's our girl! (Second from the left)

She's a star! (at least to us!)

After the finale' Emma shows off her bouquet and trophy.

After the recital, we headed over to BOPS - a new frozen custard place here - and celebrated with custard.

It looks like we made the right choice!

Jake was just about DONE by this point in the day.

Hannah was a great sport sitting through the three hour recital. She enjoyed the treats as well.
Emma and I get some snuggle time.

A Gymnastics Party for Emma

These photos should have come after her Monday (the 12th) pictures, but oh well! In fact, you may want to go back to Mother's Day from older posts (those are new too) and then come forward. Anyway, Emma chose N.Shore Gymnastics to have her party. They did a wonderful job. Very organized, very interactive. Emma got to start everything off by swinging into "the pit".
It looks like she survived in tact!

Jake enjoyed the party just as much. He crawled around and found some balls to push around.

There's the birthday girl!

Emma gets some instructions on forward rolls.

Finishing up the "obstacle race" with a hoola-hoop twirl.

Of course my 4th child (Paul) couldn't help but "jump" into the festivities as well!

Emma gets a medal for her awesome participation.

The birthday spread with the My Little Pony Theme. I must say I thought all the boys that attended were good sports!

The new 4 year old gets ready to blow!

Here is her beautiful cake that a friend of mine made. It was perfect!
Yaayyy, Emma!

Gotta get at least one of the big sister in here too!

Happy 4th Birthday Emma!

Monday morning we celebrated Emma's big day with HB (again!) and a danish.







She then graciously agreed to let me capture the moment outside while we waited for Hannah's bus.






After school I took the children to eat Mexican (Emma's choice) and we continued the celebration. Nothing like have HB sung to you in Spanish!

Sisters bonding over soppapilla's (no idea how to spell Spanish!)









Emma demonstating her usual dramatic self.











Dude, my sisters are crazy!!

Birthday Celebrations

Sunday afternoon we switched gears from Mother's Day to "Emma's Day". We wanted Emma to enjoy her presents since her actual birthday was the next day and a school day. We enjoyed a brownie while singing HB and then she tore into the presents.

It's good to be four!



















She was very excited to get her very own Littlest Pet Shop. No more having to borrow Hannah's!

Emma's last present was a big suprise so of course she had to close her eyes.........






















And look!!!

























What girl doesn't need her own Mercedes convertable!

Mother's Day 2008

What an awesome Mother's Day I enjoyed. I treated myself for a few hours at the spa the day before and then was woken up Sunday to three gifts (in addition to the three perfect gifts that already live in my home!). I opened up a beautiful sterling bracelet with a fleur-de-lis charm, matching earrings, and a Vera Bradley backpack to match my purse. Then, best of all, I was blessed to enjoy the rest of the day with the family God has blessed me with. Seeing this picture brings tears to my eyes. Paul took this one for me before we headed out the door to church.