Did someone in our family have a birthday?

You probably all thought that last week the world revolved around Thanksgiving but you would be wrong. It actually revolved around Emma's 3rd birthday. It was such a big event that we celebrated it 3 times! First we celebrated with the Van Bibbers. You can't tell by the pictures but it is also Grandpa Van Bibber's birthday too. Emma decided he needed some help though.

Happy Birthday Dad.

Now on to Emma.

Lighting McQeen book with cars and a ZuZu pet. What's a Zuzu pet? Did you know they have accessories?

Sophie and James checking each other out.

Of course cupcakes.

They also dye your face and poop pink for free.


Two days later the celebration continued at home with Mom and Dad. Emma insisted there be balloons.

Princess coloring book.

Books!

Movies!

The best present ever - my garage sale find - Fisher Price Barn with people and animals. Emma would not stop playing even for a picture.

To make the day special we visited the Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy. It was all right and Emma had fun breezing through it at her high speed pace. But we were spoiled this year by Sea World.

You are able to pet sting rays and that is all that matter to me.





A giant frog that Emma wanted nothing to do with.

Emma is tall for her age but still shorter than thsi type of penguin.

For lunch we hit McDonalds and let Emma play in the playland for the first time. It was a big hit.



Then it was home for more cupcakes made by me - Mom.



Again two days later we celebrated with the Lavenders. Oh yeah it just happened to by Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

James' first turkey day. Still to young for turkey though. He settled for some sweet potatos.

We played games.

James warmed up to Aunt Angie's dog Max.

Then it was time for more presents.

Puzzles and Games.

We also celebrated Cousin Tanner's birthday.

Happy 16th.

Congratulations if you made it all the way through this post. That was a lot of birthday for one little girl.

This week the world again revolves around Emma as we attempt to get her to stop sucking her thumb! Wish us luck she is a good fighter.

New Hampshire in Pictures. Internet pictures.

A few weeks ago I traveled to New Hampshire to do an audit at a contract manufacturer. I'd never been to New Hampshire, but was delighted to find that I would be in close proximity to beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee. So, in my mind, my trip was going to be something like this:

Instead, it looked like this:

Flight from SLC to Chicago.

Flight from Chicago to Manchester.

Day One of audit.

Days Two and Three of audit.

Flight from Manchester to Chicago.

Flight from Chicago to SLC.

I got super sick on my trip, puking my guts out and running to the bathroom. I had to cut my audit short and spent a whole day lying in bed in the hotel. It was not a fun trip, and I never did get to see Lake Winnipesaukee. I did see the bottom of my ice bucket a lot, though. Yeah, I know. That's nasty.

Quinn

Favorites!

Theses are just some of my favorites from the last couple of weeks.

James is very mobile and I have to corral him occasionally.

For about two weeks Emma was really into building nests everywhere. Thank goodness that has stopped and I don't have to fold blankets anymore. But she has moved on to pulling off all the couch cushions and exercising (jumping) as she calls it. You may notice she is in a diaper. Don't worry, still potty training but needed a diaper because Emma had diarrhea for TWO WEEKS!! That's finally over and now its back to underwear and she is doing much better. Yeah!

I finally got Emma to play dress up with me. She was the Princess, I was the Prince (sorry no picture) and James was the dragon.

James has started solids which means food everywhere!

Emma loves to spin James and make him laugh when he is in this. Here she is giving him and hug and kiss.

Our Happy Boy - now 8 months old. He has also figured out how to sit himself up. Still scoots on his tummy can't quite figure out what to do when he is up on his knees except rock.

Emma has asked to hold James twice this week, something new.

Emma took this picture.

Almost pulled himself up to get toys out of the toy chest.

Who doesn't' love a pudding face.

James loves his sippy cup. He can't get enough. Such a big boy!

She Revealed Her True Feelings For Me

Emma is at an age where she is constantly testing boundaries. Sometimes this is cute, but often times Laura and I end the day just breathing a big sigh of relief that she is asleep and therefore not causing any trouble.


Oh, and the diarrhea.....oh my gosh, the diarrhea....


Anyway, yesterday was one of those tiring days where my patience had worn thin and I had repeatedly gotten upset with Emma. As I sat with her in her room reading bedtime stories, I guess I got a little philosophical with her and launched into a monologue explaining my frustrations but also that I was sorry for getting so upset with her. I figured it didn't mean a whole lot to her, but it did make me feel better. I ended with "I really do love you, sweetheart."


To which Emma immediately responded: "I really do love .... Clifford the Big Red Dog."

I love him too, but I can't say my feelings weren't hurt just a little bit.

Quinn