Animal Observer

A pair of binoculars can be mighty fun for a kid.  Emma liked observing the birds and squirrels in Papa Mike and Grammy Jill's backyard.  One time a squirrel ran to the center of the pool cover for a drink!

A Little Trim

Emma had her first real haircut . . . well, professional trim by "the hair goddess" during a trip to Decatur.  Emma liked her penguin cape and watching herself in the big mirror.

4th of July - Part 2

After lunch we enjoyed the shade over the pool. Emma has a special bond with Donnie the dolphin. He isn't a ride-on toy, but Emma sure tries her best to balance on him. Scott and I have to hold the float and Emma as we move around the pool, and it's quite a show. I didn't include any of those pictures for good reason. Relaxing on the real rafts and tubes was a lot of fun. As you can see, swimming can really make a girl hungry.

4th of July

We spent the 4th of July in Decatur with Grammy Jill and Papa Mike. Emma had a box of red, white, and blue things (necklaces, bracelets, leis, glasses, balls, slinkies, flags, etc.) that she brought to enhance our celebration. It was a great day for hanging out on the three-seasons porch and in the pool.

Decatur Children's Museum

Back when I was in high school and college, I worked at the Children's Museum of Illinois. On this day we brought Emma. It was exciting to interact with new exhibits and interesting to see which ones remained after my ten-year absence. The grocery store, toddler backyard, skeleton on a bike, mechanics' garage, kitchen, and ambulance topped Emma's list of favorite spots. In the "Construction Zone," Scott built Emma a Lego race car and showed her how to send it down the ramp. There was so much to see and do that we didn't get a chance to explore it all before Emma had her fill.

Decatur Public Library

Emma loves to go places and see kids. Her face lights up when we ask her if she wants to go to the library or museum or park. She'll squeal, "Kids! Yeah, OK!" Papa Mike, Grammy Jill, and I took her to the Decatur Public Library's Children's Department to look around one day when Scott was at his ISU grad class. She bopped from one thing to another . . . coloring, puzzles, blocks, stuffed animals, books, puppet stage. Emma had fun, but we were sure tired!

Animals Galore

During the first week of "squatting" with my parents, we all ventured to the zoo. I thought that getting an early start would be good to avoid the heat and crowds. But it turned out to be an 80+ degree morning, and the zoo was hosting a free admission day. We made the best of it and saw many animals: flamingos, monkeys, turtles, zebras, camels, emus, alligators, meerkats, prairie dogs, and much more. We took Emma on a train ride and the carousel. She had so much fun, and didn't want to get off when the carousel's white tiger came to a stop.

Easter Egg Hunt

Emma enjoyed an Easter egg hunt at Grandma and Grandpa Schultz's house on Easter Sunday. She ran, and ran, and ran all over their yard collecting plastic eggs.

Easter Egg Dying

While at the Schultz's for Easter weekend, we set up an eye-dying station at the kitchen table. Ah, it brought back memories of our childhoods . . . the mismatched coffee mugs, paper ring stands, aroma of vinegar, and vibrant colors. Scott and I stood on either side of our little artist to help control her movements. Eggs . . . dye . . . ceramic mugs . . . flimsy wire dippers . . . Grandma Jill's super clean kitchen . . . a 21-month year old . . . you get the picture.

Christmas in Decatur

We celebrated Christmas with the Schultzs one day early. Her grandparents had gotten her so many gifts that we had to open a few and take breaks to play with them . . . and eat meals. That is why you see Emma in three different outfits in this slideshow. She got clothes galore, two snow suits (one for now and one for next year), two pairs of boots, hat/gloves/mittens, puzzles, a vacuum cleaner, Elmo sippy cup, Elmo cell phone, Elmo laptop, tea set, and Little People amusement park. Look closely for the picture of Emma sitting on a present that appeared to be a steady four-sided box. I actually caught her in the midst of falling through the paper. She just happened to sit on the one section of the Little People box that had an opening. Oh, no! (This was one of Emma's favorite sayings at the sight of each new present this Christmas. Thanks, Grammy Jill!)

Tea Time

One of the first gifts Emma opened for Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Schultz's house was a Fischer Price tea set. The teapot sings songs, encourages please and thank you, teaches opposites (like open and close), and makes pouring sounds. The desserts come in three shapes for sorting on the plate. Our fast learner was pouring, sharing, clinking, sipping, dancing, sorting, pretend eating, . . . and uninterested in opening any more gifts. That's why there are so many pictures to share of one present!

Bubbles, Bubbles Everywhere

We experieced nicer weather over Thanksgiving weekend, so Emma was able to enjoy a long walk with her Grammy Jill and Grandpa Mike. They had some bubble fun when they got back.

Rocking Chairs

Both of Emma's grandmas have children's rocking chairs that she loves to climb into. They were used by us as kids. I should try to get a photo of Scott as a tike and one of me sitting in these rockers. Emma's very much into the climbing stage right now. Her little leg lifts high into the air to get on furniture. She is also attempting to get out of her crib or into the bathtub with the funny maneuver.

Bear Buddies in the Baby Buggy

While at Grandma and Grandpa Schultz's, Emma found a decorative baby buggy with three bears. She could tell that those bears hadn't been out for a stroll in awhile, so she decided to take them on a trip around the house. At the end of her first loop, Emma paused to pose for a picture when the weight shifted and she went headfirst into her buddies!

A Chilly Swim

During a visit to Decatur last week, I had the great idea of getting into the pool. The water was chilly after several days of below-average August temps, but Emma didn't seem to mind. She had a great time trying to catch debris in the water with the skimmer and playing with the beach balls.

Birthday Videos

There was so much video footage of Emma's birthday events that we've just now loaded them for you to view! It took Scott several hours to watch the various clips and pick three to post on our site. The first video is of Emma exploring her birthday presents after waking up from her nap on her actual birthday. The second video shows her excitement upon opening her Radio Flyer wagon at Grandma and Grandpa's house. In the third video, we sing Emmy "Happy Birthday," and she investigates her birthday cake with hesitation. Happy viewing!

1st Birthday Party

Emma's birthday fell on a Thursday this year, so we celebrated the day as a family of three. Her Grandma and Grandpa Schultz hosted a party for her the weekend after her birthday. It was a wonderful time with lots of food, presents, and laughter! She got so many cute clothes, a Radio Flyer wagon, Little Peoples Noah's Ark, xylophone, books, puzzles, blocks, and much more from her family! Thanks to Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Chad for taking photos during presents and cake! Prepare yourself for a fifty-picture slideshow!

Like a Fish to Water

Although it took her a few minutes to warm up to the idea of being in the pool, Emma thoroughly enjoyed her first "swim" a few days ago at Grammy and Grandpa Schultz's house. In an attempt to escape the 88+ degrees of our home, we ventured to Decatur for several days until the AC was repaired. Our time in the pool was so much fun! Emma loved the beach balls and floating in her raft.