"Choo-Choo!"

We went on the Line Creek train this morning with Escher and Novella. It's a small open car train specially made for kids. Emry loved going on "a ride." We paid $1, and went around the .5 mile track 5 times.

Relief

It's been smoldering HOT the past few days, we haven't been able to get outside much. This evening after dinner, I turned on the sprinkler in the backyard and Emry dominated it. Of course, her enjoyment didn't last long and she wanted to be "all done" by the time I ran to grab the camera. Mommy should have thought ahead.

Splash 'N Play

We headed to the Tiffany Springs Aquatic Center this morning to help celebrate our friend Aleah's first birthday. This was our first visit and Emry loved the little spray fountains. She got right in them!

Coloring with Gma

Emry expressed her artistic side with Grandma Julie today!

Happy 50th Grandma Julie!!!

The lake is one of my mom's favorite places to be, so we planned a small surprise birthday party for her while we were there to honor her 50 fabulous years of life! Her actual birthday isn't until August 14th, but we thought we'd catch her off guard by celebrating a month early. My grandma's sister owns the home next to them so some of mom's extended cousins were able to join as well as my grandma's other sister. We headed to an authentic mexican restaurant (one of her loves) for an early dinner, and upon our arrival she couldn't quite figure out who's birthday we were celebrating as everyone shouted, "Happy birthday!" It wasn't until I said, "Happy 50th mom" that she caught on. We enjoyed great food and company. Mom received round diamond earrings studs from the family and LOVED them. Afterwards, we headed back to the lake and ate a yummy ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. Steve's parents were there to help celebrate as well...so fun! Happy 50th mom...we love you madly!

Six Mile

After a week at Lake Carlos, we ventured three hours Northeast to Six Mile Lake, in Bena, MN to fish with the Sheriff clan. Unfortunately, the heat was intense and our cabins were without air conditioning. Emry tends to become quite cranky when she's hot, so she was in rare form the entire week. She definitely tested our patience. With that said, we still had fun fishing and spending time with Steve's family. Steve caught a 6 1/2 lb. northern...his best catch to date! Way to go daddy!!! Emry liked jumping off the dock to us, kayaking with daddy, swinging, and going for "a ride" in the boat or paddleboat.

Lake Carlos

We began our Minnesota adventure at Lake Carlos, where my grandparents have a lake home. I've been visiting this lake since I was born and absolutely LOVE coming back each summer. I wish we could get up there more often but the 8 1/2 hour drive is a bit of a downfall, especially when our 18 month old is a terrible traveler. Emry had fun playing at the park, riding on the waverunner, swimming, swinging in the hammock, and playing with her cousin Manny. And...Steve and I were lucky enough to go on two dates! We loved spending time with my mom's side of the family...it doesn't happen enough. :) Love you all!

Pow-Pow-Power Girl!

On our way up to Alexandria, MN, we stopped at my dad and step-mom's house. This summer, Emry has become obsessed with going for "a ride" on anything that moves. She spotted the John Deere Power Wheel in my dad's garage and insisted on driving it. To our complete surprise, she learned to push the pedal and drive it around the driveway and front lawn. Daddy and Grandpa Jeff had to help her steer but she became a pro in no time!

18 months

Our baby girl is no longer a baby. She's growing so fast, it's hard to keep up. She's been unusually fussy the past few months and her pediatrician told us at her 18 month checkup that girls tend to go through their "terrible 2's" anywhere between 15-18 months. We hope that's case and that she'll grow out of it in three months when baby arrives. Here are some of her new tricks at a year and a half:

~ Knows and says over 100 words
~ Starting to speak two-word and a few three-word phrases
~ tries to repeat everything so we really have to watch it :)
~ L-O-V-E-S "Yo Gabba Gabba"
~ browses through books and has memorized objects in her favorites
~ throws things in the "tash"
~ tells you "no touch" as you change her diaper, meaning she shouldn't touch
~ uses fork and spoon regularly
~ still drinks whole milk
~ will eat most fruits and few vegetables (potatoes and green beans)
~ can kick a ball
~ gives kisses
~ prefers taking "wowers" (showers) over baths
~ tells us when she's pooping
~ goes to bed between 7 and 8pm, and wakes anywhere between 7-9am.
~ takes one nap in the afternoon anywhere from 2-3 1/2 hrs
~ colors in scribbles
~ is fairly adventurous and willing to try anything
~ is strong minded
~ likes to put things back in their specific spot
~ loves going for "a ride", swinging, jumping off the side of the pool, going on walks in the stroller, kicking the ball, running to and away from us
~ throws fits
~ definitely knows her routine

We love you to pieces sweet girl and are so proud to be your mommy and daddy. We're so glad God blessed us with such a precious peanut!

18 Month Well-Check

Emry had her 18 month checkup this morning. After the nurse took her measurements, the doctor came in and said she's growing on track and has stayed consistent on the growth chart for weight, height, and head circumference. She weighs 24 lbs 3 oz (50th percentile), is 34 1/4 inches long (100th percentile), and her head circumference is 19 1/4 in. (90th percentile). The doc said she looks great and seems to be a little ahead on language development. We don't have to go back until she turns 2...can't believe it!

Reading while we wait for the doc.

4th of July, 2011

We headed to Angela and Drew's house to celebrate the 4th of July. Emry played with Novella, Escher, Aleah, and Avery. She also got to ride in the passenger seat of Avery's Power Wheel and loved it! She was a rockstar and stayed up until almost 10 o'clock.

Sharing with Novella.

Daddys and daughters in patriotic gear.

Oh We Love the Ozarks!

Our good friends, the Morrisons, invited us to their lake home for the 4th of July weekend. Emry wasn't too interested in floating or swimming but she LOVED going on "A ride." Steve and I took her out on the wave runner several times and she thought she was big stuff sitting in driver's seat of the fishing boat.