yippee! she's three!

We celebrated Emma Jane's third birthday with a flower power pool party.  The birthday girl had a wonderful time swimming with friends, devouring a yummy cupcake with icecream, and being the CENTER of attention.  We couldn't have asked for a better group of friends to help us celebrate this special day.

I made Emma Jane a birthday banner for her first birthday.  We have used it every year so far and ask our party guests to sign the back of one letter.  I hope to make it a tradition to have a family photo taken in front of this banner on her birthday each year.  

3rd birthday

2nd birthday

1st birthday

The pool cabana was the perfect spot to hang out...

Everyone had lots of fun swimming...

Fun with flower bendy straws...

 

Cupcake anticipation...

Make a wish, Emma Jane!

There's nothing cuter than watching little ones eat messy cupcakes and icecream!

The handmade flower balloons were a hit!

Vivian had as much fun as her big sister!

Happy Birthday to our sweet, spunky 3-year-old!

We love you, Emma Jane!

lollipops & polka dots

   Bribery goes a long way when you have a three-year-old.  Yes, as I write this, Emma Jane will be in three in just a few short hours, but that is for another post.  Earlier today I told Emma Jane she could have a lollipop when we got home from the grocery store if she was a good listener during our trip.  She held up her end of the bargain, so I gave her a lollipop to enjoy outside in the shade of a tree in our front yard.  Both girls were wearing cute red and white polka dot dresses, so I grabbed my camera to take a few pics.  To my surprise, Emma Jane noticed Vivi's interest in the lollipop and, without a second thought, offered it to her little sister.  Emma Jane kept saying, "I fink she wikes it, mommy!"  Well, who wouldn't? 



boat ride

   We took a quick boat ride in the bay during our visit to Panama City.  Since Vivi is still a little young for a smaller boat, she stayed with Grandma Jane and Grandpa Bill.  Emma Jane has been for boat rides before, but it's been a long time.  She wasn't sure what to think at first, but she was NOT about to admit that she was a little nervous.  She quickly gained her confidence and shouted, "Wheeee!" the rest of the ride.  We rode out to the point that used to be the Panama City Airport.  While walking on the shore of the point, we saw hundreds of fiddler crabs.  Paul also took Emma Jane out for a swim in the bay and she loved every minute of it.  These are the waters Paul grew up in, so he loved showing his big girl all the cool things the bay has to offer.

weeble wobbles wobble...but they won't fall down!

Emma Jane has been compiling her birthday list for a few months now.  It's been a great way to tame the tantrums at the store when she insists she needs something.  We've just reminded her to add it to her birthday list and, surprisingly, she has been okay with that.

This soon-to-be-three-year-old has been pretty specific about what she would like for her birthday...

1.  a cash register (pronounced cass rangester)

2.  weeble wobble treehouse (pronounced wiggle woggle)

3.  a drum with drumsticks

4.  a trumpet

5.  cymbals

6.  a saxophone

7.  race cars

8.  a trampoline (ummm, not gonna happen!)

Notice the theme of  items 3-6.  We may have a budding musician on our hands....or just a little girl who likes to make a lot of noise!

While  visiting Florida this past weekend, Emma Jane got an early birthday present from Grandma Di and Grandpa Ron.  She was thrilled to get the weeble wobble treehouse! 

Vivi has also enjoyed the weeble wobbles.  She loves to hold them and eat them and watch them wobble all around her.  They have boosted her crawling skills since they wobble right away from her on the hard wood floors and she has to go get them.

I remember playing with weeble wobbles when I was a kid, too.  It's nice to see the girls having fun with such a simple toy that doesn't "do" anything but wobble around!



muddy puddles

   Emma Jane frequently asks if she can go outside and jump in "muddy puddles" after a rainstorm.  When we haven't had any rain, she asks if she can make her own muddy puddles!  On this particular day, she woke up from her nap and headed straight for her raincoat and rainboots....a girl on a mission!  She didn't even bother putting on her shirt and shorts, but that meant less laundry for me.  It had been storming during her nap, so she just knew there would be lots of puddles waiting in our backyard.  When she couldn't find any puddles big enough to make a good splash, Paul handed her the hose to let her make her own.