Some things I have learned.

Emma turned 1 on June 30th and I thought that Josh and I have been doing a pretty good job with her. Here are a few things we have learned on the way.

1. If there is something in her way she will climb over it. Nothing can keep her contained.
2. When left in a just diaper to nap, she gives you great surprises when she awakes.
3. If you are taking a bath then she will want to get in with you no matter what and can remove her own diaper. See number 2.
4. There are no bathroom breaks by myself anymore. (Yes mom I can hear you laughing! Payback I know)
5. When teaching her the she should not do something by shaking your head no she will later just shake her head no when she doesn't want to do what you are suggesting.
6. It is not ok to hit Nana and Papa's tv, so she takes it out on the fake plant beside it.
7. Teaching her to say Nana has only given her the ability to let us know when we are in trouble.
8. Monkey see Monkey do. This is sometimes a good thing but not always.
9. Bananas end up in her hair and yours if not careful.
10. This is Emma's world. We just live in it.

South Dakota Trip

On Emma's real birthday Josh and I woke up at 7:22am (the time she came into this world) and left Oklahoma City and finished our drive to Wagner SD. She did very well in the car and was entertained by toys, Dada and me. We traveled up to SD with Tara, Peter and the kids. We stopped for lunch that day and Emma got to play on the play scape at McDonalds. She also had a few french fries. We arrived at Wagner at 7pm that night, and stayed at Josh's grandfathers house. Grandpa George has a very interesting and well maintained house. The outside is white, with blue shutters and red trim. The inside is a 2 bedroom, one bathroom, with finished attic, and unfinished basement. The attic is filled with beds for everyone and that is where everyone slept. On Wednesday we drove to Sioux Falls to see Josh's father, sisters, and brother and thier families. We had a great day at the park, butterfly house and eating out. Thursday was a prep day for the Suprise birthday party for George. Nancy was head chef and all of us hurried to help make all the preperations perfect. Friday was a little more of a relaxed day before the 90th birthday party. We all hung out at Granpa George's house, and that morning Emma shared a banana with him. It was very cute to see! The party began at 5pm, and was a very touching show of love for George. All of the kids and grandkids took turns telling stories and thier fond memories. To conclude the evening George gave a great speech, poem and song. I love that George sings all the time. He is very joyfull! That night we popped some firecrackers and took it easy. Saturday everyone was at Grandpa George's house for Fourth of July. Firecrackers were heard through the town and on the driveway. We were all kept busy by food, bocce ball, a family theme crossword made by Kelsey (Josh's cousin) and a new game I learned called Corn Hole. (Bean bag toss with corn filled bags). I was amazed at the amount of fire works that the family bought, and it made the best show I have ever seen. We enjoyed our time up in Wagner and wait anxiously to return.

Like I always tell Josh it's all about the little things in life that make you happy. I feel closer to the family I was finally able to meet, and feel I also learned a great deal about love this vacation. It is nice to have a door opened into people's child hood and share something special with them. I can understand why that is Josh's other Home.

Emma's Birthday Party

I am very pleased with the way Emma's birthday turned out on June 27th. I think I have been planning it since she was born! I am very happy all of my family and friends showed up to wish my little girl Happy Birthday! It was a big undertaking to have the party and then for us to leave to South Dakota. Here are a few of the photos from the party. Thank you again to all who came.It is no secret that she is very loved!

I heard it through the zip line

On May 23rd Josh and I went to Cypress Valley Ranch to go zip lining. It was for our 6th anniversary and we had a blast. We went with a big group of friends and went swimming and to eat afterward. Here are some of the photos!

1st post

So the past couple of weeks have been kinda crazy, Rockport vacation, graduating, and work never seems to slow down. Hanging in there with the help of Angie and the family. I have to start figuring out what to do next, either more school or different job.

Either way Angie is way too smart not to be in school. I told her yesterday that if she started now, she could probably beat me to a B.A. It only took me 7 years to get a 2 year degree. LOL! 

Emma is walking up a strom and getting faster. Still wobbly, but determined to get moving! She is so smart, It's not even funny. You can see her mind working all the time. We ate lunch today at Pok E Joes BBQ, and the whole time we were there she was turned around in her chair following people and watching them from the cash register to their table. Then when they got up to get a re-fill she her head would follow them the whole way over and back. She can high-five now and give raspberries on your arm or belly, and she tells everyone that comes by,"hhhhiiiiii!". The older people love it when we are in the grocery store and she talks to them. some times we have to just walk a way because they want to play with her for a long time. 

Life is good right now, no complaints! Hope everyone else is well too!

Josh Graduated

Thursday night at the Frank Erwin center we watched Josh graduate with his associates degree. We could not be more proud of him. He worked hard, and really put his heart into it. He is currently deciding what his next steps will be. No matter what he chooses we are behind him 100%.

Beach Photos