monkeying around at the capitol

With cooler weather finally here, we took Emma Jane for a stroll downtown today. We decided to walk around the Capitol grounds and she thought that was pretty cool. She climbed all the way up the Capitol steps by herself (with mom spotting her, of course) and when we got to the top, she tried her best to open the Capitol building doors. Since it was Saturday, she was out of luck. Emma Jane also enjoyed running all over the grounds, playing in the monkey grass surrounding a giant oak, and climbing the many fences protecting special statues and flags. Although we didn't learn much about South Carolina's history, we had a blast chasing around our little munchkin!

so.....I can sew!

As most of you know, I got a sewing machine for my birthday. My VERY generous friend Sara was kind enough to give me my first EVER sewing lesson. The project...a cute new dress for Emma Jane, of course! It's a pillowcase dress that ties at the shoulders. The steps for this dress are fairly simple and perfect for beginners like me. Beware...you will probably see Emma Jane in several of these dresses until I get the courage up to try something different. When we had the final (and only!) "fitting" today, Emma Jane was thrilled to run around the house in her new dress. If only I could figure out how to keep her from untying the ribbons!

ps...I made the hair clip she's wearing to match the dress. Yes, I am slowly turning into a domestic goddess (except for that whole cooking thing!).

hayride

Emma Jane had a ball at the Saluda River Club Fall Fest yesterday. She took her very first hayride (and it was a LONG one!). She enjoyed climbing all over the pumpkins again. I guess they do make perfect "seats" for her little tushy. This time last year I took Emma Jane on her first plane ride to see Paul in Columbia. She was only 3 months old. We took her to a pumpkin patch during our visit. I have included a picture so you can see what a difference a year makes!

just like daddy

Paul was mowing the lawn this morning while Emma Jane sat and watched intently from the playroom window. Yes, this was a very exciting thing for her to see since Paul hasn't had time to mow the lawn in quite awhile. For those of you who have spent a lot of time with Emma Jane, you know that she is not one to "sit intently" to do anything, but boy was she interested in watching her daddy! I got out the bubble blower mower that she got as a birthday gift (thanks Addie!) and took her outside to "mow the yard" right along with daddy. She loved it (and I'm pretty sure her daddy did, too!). Don't worry, the pictures with the real mower were staged, but she didn't know the difference!

another day of smiles

Emma Jane is full of smiles all day, everyday. Here are just a few I captured today.

birthday blessings

Yesterday was my 35th birthday. It was a wonderful day filled with family fun and lots of sweet cards and phone calls. This was my first birthday away from my family and friends in Panama City, but Paul and Emma Jane made sure I had a great day. We spent the afternoon at Congaree National Park. Emma Jane enjoyed walking down the boardwalk picking up leaves and either "giving" them to her mama or trying to eat them. We had a little "picnic" on a bench along the boardwalk. Emma Jane liked dipping her crackers in the homemade pimento cheese spread that Paul made. When we got home, Paul cooked a delicious dinner and baked cupcakes for me. Of course, Emma Jane devoured hers, but not before having fun sticking her finger in the hole left by the candle. After a day like this, who could help but feel very special (even though I was told by a dear friend that 35 is halfway to 70!).

our lil' pumpkin

Emma Jane met her friend Kaitlyn at the pumpkin patch this past weekend. I'm sure this will be the first of many pumpkin patch trips this month. Our lil' pumpkin loved checking out the BIG pumpkins and tried to climb them and use them as seats! She "accidently" broke a stem off a pumpkin (or two!) but she tried really hard to put the stems back on! It was a nice afternoon of family fun.

picnic chicks

The weather has been so nice that we decided to have a picnic with the girls this week. We met at Saluda River Club (thanks, Sara!) for playtime and lunch. Paul and Walker were even able to join us for a little while. Addie, Kaitlyn, Lily, and Emma Jane had a big time running in the grass chasing bubbles. These girls know how to have fun! My sweet friends also surprised me with an early birthday treat...Krispy Kreme donuts...yum! Emma Jane had her first taste of glazed paradise and couldn't get enough!