Grown Up Girl

On Sunday I took a picture of Emma because she was wearing a dress my parents gave her for the first time.  She looked so grown up in it.  A little too grown up for my liking.  Where did my little pig-tailed small girl go?  Time is really going by way too fast.  Sigh.

Of course, she seemed even more grown up when she was flirting with and trying to impress the missionaries when they came to dinner last night.  She was reciting the articles of faith to them, sharing the scripture that she read in primary with them, and "casually" reading her scriptures in the living room. I don't even know when she went and got it, but at one point while we were talking at the table, we looked over and Emma is just nonchalantly sitting in the living room reading her Book of Mormon.  Too funny.  Then when she discovered one of the missionaries is a Packers fan, she had to show him all of her Packers stuff (which can take quite awhile) and discuss Aaron Rodgers with him.  Oh my.  What a funny girl.  What am I going to do with her?

A Fun Saturday

This last Saturday we had a full schedule.  But it was all fun.  The worst is a full schedule of things you're not looking forward to.  We went to the Civil War Museum to check it out.  We haven't been yet, and Saturday was their family fun day.  They had a couple extra activities for kids there.  Emma liked trying on the period dress (all of which was way too big for her!), and playing with the Legos.  They have a display of a couple Ironclad ships.  The kids were supposed to try to make their own ironclad ship out of the Legos.  I think Emma was the only one who attempted it.  Most of the kids were just building whatever they wanted to.  I think she did a pretty good job too.  (By the way, all the pictures on this post were taken with my small camera, which as you can tell, is old and feeble and doesn't quite do the job.  So I apologize for their poor quality).

The only girl outfit they had, and the skirt was tall enough it would've fit me!

I think she liked the Lincoln hat best.

My little soldier!

She was trying to be serious and non-smiley like everyone was in pictures back then.

The Lego display of the ironclad ships.

Emma's version of an ironclad ship.  She was building hers like the black one in the last picture, and even included the steam!

We then stopped by Andrea's gift shop to look around and to try Jack's Cafe inside.  It's a small cafe, but kind of quaint.  We shared a chocolate malt and a pineapple float.  Both were very delicious!

Next we went to the library.  They were having a Dr. Seuss day there.  I'm not sure why they didn't have it last weekend - that would have made more sense to me.  Oh well.  Emma tried on the Cat in the Hat's hat, and attempted to make her own.  They also had a project using pipe cleaners to make your own Cat in the Hat.  I don't know how they expected kids (especially little kids) to make these on their own.  It was kind of tricky.  I helped Emma with hers.  It turned out alright, but only being held together with glue I don't know how long it will last.  Oh well.  Not my problem.

I love spending time with my family.  Especially when we get to try new things.  Poor Eric was sick all last week with the flu and bronchitis, and is still feeling run down.  He's not contagious anymore, but just feels yucky.  He enjoyed just being able to enjoy the day, and I think it was good for him.  I know Emma had fun, and that's the most important thing.

Happy Birthday Dr. Suess

What better way to celebrate than with some green eggs and ham for breakfast?

By the way, the crown has nothing to do with Dr. Suess.  Emma was just wearing it around this morning.

I Miss Her

I think one of the most rewarding parts of parenthood is watching your children grow, learn, and mature.  Especially if this happens more or less as you would like it to.  The overwhelming pride you feel at times, and let's face it, we totally feel justified in this.  I mean, isn't your child just the best?  You know you think so.  I do.  Even though I am honest about her imperfections (right, like she has any! -J) and the natural kid things that happen (I did them too, although I'm sure my parents will agree that I was adorable while doing them... or not), at the end of the day I think she's perfect!  Or perhaps Mary Poppins said it a little more accurately: practically perfect.

So what is there to possibly complain about, really?  Well, this super rewarding part of parenthood?  It also happens to be one of the worst parts of parenthood.  At least for me. It's a weird paradox, but a true one.  Every moment she grows takes her further and further away from that precious baby and little girl she once was.  I still think she's precious, of course, but in a different way.  I hope you know what I mean.  I'm guessing you do.  There are times I wish I could go back and relive everything with her again up to this point.  And not because I want to do things differently, and not because I don't like how things are now, but just because.  I want to keep that little child version of her in my pocket at all times, and not lose it.

What brought all this on you ask?  Well, aren't you nosey!  J.  I was searching for a particular picture amongst our photo files when I stumbled upon a little video of Emma from a trip to southern California that took place exactly 4 years ago this week.  I watched it half a dozen times, either smiling or almost crying every time.  That makes me sound extremely emotionally unbalanced doesn't it?!  I thought I'd share it with you along with a couple pictures from the same trip.  For those who knew her then, please come reminisce with me.  If you didn't know her then, then here's your chance to meet my little girl from back in the day.  I can't believe how much she's grown and changed since then...

I love her squinty face in this picture due to the bright sun!

  By the way, in case you can't tell from Emma or my terrible introduction, she is singing I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home.