Artistic Expression...

I've been wanting another tattoo for a long time. And, after Emma was born, that desire got even stronger. And then I finally knew what I wanted to get... A mommy & baby sea turtle with her name & birth date, since we always called her my turtle when she was tiny. Things always came up that took precedence over the tat though, as life has a tendency to do. So it kept being shoved to the back burner. Well, as luck would have it, LivingSocial ran an AWESOME coupon for an AWESOME tattoo parlor last week. The stars aligned and I got my ink! It hurt like hell but I love how it turned out! The tattoo artist, Art Minas, was super talented and was able to draw something even better than what I had envisioned. I love it.:)<3 br="br">

Tutu Time!

Emma is about to participate in her first community service event with her girl scout troop. Next weekend is the annual "Believe Walk" through Redlands to support breast cancer awareness and research. In keeping with the pink theme, we had the girls create their own pink tutus to wear to the walk. They all did a fabulous job and are going to look adorable passing out waters to all the walkers. :)

The fashionista files...

Emma has very strong opinions on how she should dress, which shoes to wear, and which sunglasses are needed each day as we walk to the bus stop. I get such a kick out of her sassy little self. In the first photo however, she had snaked MY sunglasses! Notice the tell-tale smirk... Yeah, those were returned quickly, but begrudgingly, to Mommy! :)

Kindergarten Picture

My little cheeseball with her grimace/ smile... I love her so!

Cirque du Girls

Emma & I attended our first girl scout council event of the year this past weekend. It was the annual fall picnic and this year it had a circus theme, Cirque du Girls. It was soooo hot out but Emma still had fun. She got to play games, make a tie-dyed bandana, try samples from the upcoming fall product sale, and run around trading SWAPS with girl scouts from all over the region. We even entered the caramel apple decorating contest. Our submission, a bubbling witch's cauldron, didn't win but I still think it should have! It was all in all a fun afternoon... Until Emma fell off the swing and did a face plant right onto the ground. She got a scraped up, swollen, nose but said that she still had a great time!

Fall Ball!

 

 

Emma is playing fall ball this year for HLL. She was excited to start, but goodness! We need the weather to change soon. Her first game was this past Saturday. At 1pm. It was HOT!!! Like 102 hot! Sheesh! But she still looked adorable in her new orange uniform and she played hard. I am so proud of my girl. Even though she is one of the youngest on her team, and has been known to start twirling in the outfield when bored, she still follows directions and is respectful to all her coaches. I keep overhearing some of these kids on her team and the temper tantrums they throw and the attitude the have towards adults and I am just repeatedly grateful to have been blessed to be Emma's mom. <3 br="br">

Labor Day (a day early)

 Yesterday we went over to Jen's house for a Labor Day weekend BBQ/ pool party/ bonfire. It was a great time, as usual. The kids were very excited when Jen brought out the s'mores kit and Chris built a fire for us. Sitting around the patio with a fire going and chatting with great friends. What a wonderful way to close out the summer...

Sleepover Fun!

Emma had her little besties, Hayden & Sophia, over to spend the night on Friday. First, Karen & I took the girls, along with TJ & Mikayla, to the church for the outdoor movie night. The movie didn't seem to hold their attention but the snowcones, popcorn, and cotton candy sure did! Then we came home for some more playing and snacking and cartoon watching. TJ wanted to slumber with the girls as well, so we set up a bunch of air mattresses and the kids were able to all knock out. Emma was overtired and having issues but she eventually settled down and they all went to sleep. In the morning, the kids all played together reasonably well and the girls even decided that they needed matching hair for the day. So we did alphabet hair: "S" for Sophia, "H" for Hayden, and "E" for Emma... Such girl power. Even their hairdos spell out "SHE." :)