Birthday Party

We had Emery's birthday party on January 24th and it was a lot of fun. I took her to the store so that she could pick out what color plates she wanted. She had such a hard time deciding but finally decided on yellow and green plates. All of her grandparents, aunt, uncles, and cousins were there so I think she definitely felt the love and we had a full house. Grandma and Grandpa Clark brought some games for the kids to play in the backyard and we were able to just enjoy being together and celebrating Emery. I always forget that most places would not dare have an outdoor birthday party in January and I was worried that people might have to wear a sweater--definitely a perk to living where we do.

Just a few of the 28 people in attendance.

Uncle Garrett had to leave early for his volleyball tournament and we were so glad that he came all the way over even if he could only stay for a little bit. Emery loved the gift even if her face doesn't reflect it.

Singing Happy Birthday. I think she was shocked at how loud it was with that many people singing to her.. We had her favorite foods at her party: cupcakes, pineapple, strawberries, grapes, popcorn, vegetables, and dip.

Opening her presents...

At this point she had opened the blue chair and sat on it for the rest of the party.

We are continually reminded at how lucky we are to live so close to family so that we can all celebrate these happy occasions together.

Birthday Girl

Last year, when Emery turned 1, it was very bittersweet. It was so fun that she was growing up but I was sad that she wasn't ____ months old anymore. This year was party party party. I was so excited for her and didn't have that same little bit of sadness--although I did sneak into her room and take a picture of her sleeping in her last few hours of being a little 1 year old.

Happy Birthday 2 Year Old Girl!

We decorated the house after Emery went to bed. When she woke up there were streamers and other decorations everywhere. She loved running through these into and out of the laundry room.

Reese's Puffs. The birthday breakfast of champions.I love her face in this picture. She's so funny! She also loved her "Happy Birthday Table" (the pink and white tablecloth). We left it on for weeks after until there was just no saving it. 

Wednesdays are our library days (her favorite day of the week) so it was extra special that her birthday was on a Wednesday this year. It was about snowmen. Emery LOVES gluing. 

 Her last picture as a 1 year old.

After the library, Grandma and Papa met us at Paradise Bakery for lunch. Emery loves the white mac and cheese there. When we walked in they had her balloons sitting on her chair. She loved her Minnie balloon. For weeks after her birthday we still put her (deflated) balloons on her chair.

After lunch it was home for nap time and then time for Dad to come home. He brought home pizza for dinner (no pictures) which she ate 2 pieces of and then it was time for presents.

Minnie Mouse book

Puzzles

She loves puzzles and Dad spent a long time finding the perfect ones.

Minnie Mouse ears. She played with puzzles for the rest of the night and still plays with them every day. 

Showing off her puzzle.

Then it was time for the cake. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. She loved having us sing Happy Birthday to her so, of course, we sung it many times.

I think she had a great birthday and felt very special. Emery is such a sweet girl with such a big personality. She's stubborn but in a good way. I don't have to worry about her taking her shoes off at the park because the other kids are. If she wants to take her shoes off, that's a totally different story and it is very hard to keep them on her feet. She follows the rules and it such a big helper. The pantry is her safe place and I constantly find her in there eating her stash of chocolate and rearranging our canned food. She hates sleeping and loves singing. Her favorite color is green and she loves wearing her green cat shirt that she got for her birthday. I can't believe how well she talks and her ability to remember things. She is very concerned about others' feelings and will do everything she can to help you feel better. There are so many more things to love about Emery and we are lucky to have her with us forever. 

Christmas Day

Christmas Morning was really fun this year. Emery was much more into Christmas and was so excited to see what Santa brought her. I think Jefferson and I were even more excited to see her reaction to her presents than our own. Christmas is so much more fun with a little one.

Waiting to come downstairs Christmas morning. (Almost) two years old is the best Christmas age. She is still excited but not so excited that she woke up early so we all got to sleep in and enjoy an excited little girl Christmas morning.

Emery coming down the stairs to see what Santa brought her...a Minnie Mouse couch/fold out bed, a Minnie Mouse, and candy. She loves Minnie Mouse. When she saw Minnie sitting on the couch she said, "I wike to hold her" while holding her hands out for her. It was so cute. Good thing we have it on video.

Opening the rest of her presents from Mom and Dad.

A drive-by for some Christmas Ms (M&Ms) from Santa.

Emery had been asking for boots for months but I couldn't find any that fit her feet. Finally, we were at Kohls and tried some on and they fit! When I told her that we need to put them back she ran around the shoe department (with them still on) yelling "I Wike Boots!!" Emery never acts like this and stays very close to me any time we're out so I knew she really did love the boots. Luckily Dad was able to pick them up on his way home from work so she could have boots for Christmas.

Coloring with her new colors and Minnie Mouse coloring book.

Christmas Selfie.

After we hung out for a while at home playing with her new toys, eating breakfast, and enjoying Christmas together we got ready and headed out for the Moore's for Christmas afternoon/evening. We opened presents first thing because who can deny this cute face?

She was spoiled (again) with presents and loved opening them up.

She got a second Minnie Mouse and was so excited! This picture makes me laugh every time I look at it!