Texas!

I did not drop off the face of the blogging world again, I did not feel the need to post for my family as I was with my family...in Texas!!!! I decided that I needed to see my family and they needed to see Emma so I conspired with my sister-in-law Brittany who is living with my parents right now (with my Brother too) to plan a baby shower for my sister Jamie but from a far here in Snowflake, Arizona. We researched a day that would work and everyone thought that I was just planning it but not coming for it. Well, in the end the secret spread to my mom and to Brittany's hubby, my brother Brett. Not bad though with so much family around. My mom even kept it from my dad! So, come Saturday night, my mom tells my dad that her sister is flying in and is stuck there in Houston for the night and could they go get her and let her spend the night. He thinks it wierd but agrees only to later see some lady not his sister-in-law waving like crazy right in his face! he finally focuses and the surprise begins! we then head home where Jamie is hanging out with the family. I got as far as the window next to the door before being spotted by Krista who runs screaming, "It's not Susan, it's Kara!!!!" It was wonderful. The shower went great. THe week was too short but lots of fun. everyone loved to see Emma so big and grown up and got lots of play time with her. Emma loved the trampoline and all of Grandma's toys!! We now need more toys, especially blocks. I miss them all already but am so glad I went. The surprise topped it off. i loved all the surprised faces!

Easter Egg Hunt

This was actually Emma's second hunt of the day. The first one was the town Easter Egg hunt and although they had a 1-2 year old category, it wasn't what we expected. Parents pulling their kids along and throwing in eggs as fast as they can. Poor little Emma barely got 1 egg! Oh well.

This hunt was much better. For starters, Emma was the only hunter! We had lunch at cale's parents house and put eggs out in their yard for her to find. Thanks to the morning town hunt she knew exactly what to do and loved it!

More Cooking!

I couldn't resist putting some more pictures of Emma helping me cook! She loves to help every time I cook anything and this time she found this apron of her daddy's and had put it on. (I shortened it up for her after a little while but she put it over her head).

Swim party!

As many moms know, some days are just forever long. This was one particular day and it was only 8am! So I called my next door neighbor and asked if her daughter Shandelle wanted to come to a swim party! We put them in their swim diapers and swim suits and into the tub! They loved it. I made the cutest video as well but accidentally deleted it. So sad. It was perfect but now you'll just have to imagine the kisses and hugs they gave each other and of course all the splashing!

Dancing

Well, I think I am finally caught up for now with Emma's progress. She sure is cute and always keeps us laughing. She is still the huggable, loving little girl she always was. I'm so greatful that she didn't "grow out" of that. I love her hugs and her kisses, and her smiles. I also love to watch her dance.

Relaxing

Cale's parents searched high and low for a wood rocking chair for Emma's birthday. They finally found one but had to order it and it got here a little late but Emma didn't know. She loves it. She just rocks back and forth or climbs in backwards and holds on to the back. She reads her little books in it and everything. However, she still can't resist plopping down on somebody's lap if they are sitting on the ground. In this case, we were watching a movie and I had made popcorn, which she loves. So she plopped down in my lap, crossed her little legs, made sure one hand could reach her sippy cup and the other could reach the popcorn. She was one content, comfortable little girl!

happy birthday little Emma

Emma turned one year old somewhere between February 28th and March 1st! Ok, actually March 1st was 365 days after her birth but still not her birth day. We had a small family party and also invited her little friend Shandelle. We had it at the park but it quickly got a little cold for ice cream cake. All the same, Emma dove right in. She was so intrigued that I was letting her get soo messy. She got her own little dishes from her grandparents, a doggy from her Aunt Trina, and a stroller from us. She loved it all. her are some pictures. Hope you enjoy them too.

Some Accomplishments

Since it's been so long since you've all seen any updates, I thought I'd post some of Emma's favorite things to do. She loves to drink out of mom's big water bottle, loves to feed herself, she loves to push her stroller, and run around.

Emma the Chef!

Emma loves to help me cook. She'll drag the chair over and wait to be picked up and set on it. She also loves her new high chair that Grandma and Grandpa Young got her. She loves to sit up high and have a nice big tray!

Emma Walked at 10 1/2 months

Emma started walking all by herself at 10 1/2 months! It happened to also be her daddy's birthday! Here is a glimpse of her first steps.

Emma Loves Doggies but...

Usually, Emma loves doggies, but you wouldn't guess it from these clips. This was her first real exposure to cats since being able to crawl around on her own. she went crazy. We tried to get a glimpse of it on these clips but wow, that cat puts up with a lot. In fact, Cale kept hiding the kitty in another room from Emma and the cat would come running right back to her for more!