Petite Picassos!

I took Emma & TJ to Color Me Mine this weekend so I could use up a Groupon I bought months ago. TJ painted a dinosaur and Emma chose to make a sunflower spoonrest for Grandma. They turned out pretty cute, don'tcha think? :)

Walk To End Alzheimer's 2012

On Saturday morning we headed out to Ontario to participate in the annual Alzheimer's fundraising walk. For the 4th year in a row Pauline's Angels ranked as the highest earning family team and we got to start the walk off again. :) This was the first year that Emma & TJ walked rather than riding in strollers and they both did great! I think it is so important to teach them about caring for others and taking time out of our days to do things like this. After the walk we headed over to Keno & Pauline's house for a BBQ and had a great time visiting with family that we don't get to see nearly often enough.The only thing missing today was mom. She was battling a migraine and some stomach issues and had to stay home. She was just as bummed as we were that she had to miss it....

Riley's Apple Farm Kindergarten Field Trip

Emma had her first kindergarten field trip today! And, due to the hidden blessings of required furlough days, I was able to take off from work and go with her! Grandma came along too and we all had a great time. Emma and her class got to learn about pioneer living, tin smithing, making fresh apple cider with a press, and they took a wagon ride. It was a wonderful morning at Riley's Farm. Grandma even bought us fresh backed apple pies and caramel apples. After the busses headed back to school, the three of us headed over to Los Rios Rancho farm down the road for some more home made apple goodness and a root beer float. What a great fall day spent with our 3 awesome generations!!!

Daisy Tea Time!

For the past couple of meetings I have been working with my daisies on their purple petal, which symbolizes "respecting myself and others." Last week we talked about personal hygiene - making sure we always take baths, brush teeth & hair, and eat healthy foods. Then we made personalized mirrors so the girls could check their appearance before leaving the house everyday. Tonight, we continued on with our "eat the rainbow" idea and each girl brought in a sample of their favorite fruit or vegetable to share. Then we talked about using respectful words with other people and how our manners matter. As a practice scenario, I set up a tea party for the girls in the back room, complete with tons of Emma's dress up gowns. They had to work respectfully with each other to choose their attire and then they got to practice their manners while having "tea." This meeting was a big hit! :):)

Where have the past 5 years gone???

Five years ago today my life was about to change in more ways than I ever thought possible. I was about to become happier, more patient, more loving, more cognizant of my effect on the world and those around me, and a better person in general... I was also about become overwhelmed, tired, an amazing multi-tasker, and unbelievably frustrated at the ever-increasing logic possessed by this awesome little girl! I love you more than you will ever know, my sweet Emma Grace... Happy 5th birthday, baby girl.
I also gave Emma her presents from me today. She got some legos, some new boards & cards for her Vreader, & a twilight turtle. But the big hit was a microscope and slide set. :) She loved it and keeps talking about how she has to go "do my science now." I love it!!!

GS Color Me Mine Event

 

Sunday was a busy day for us! After the Believe Walk we had a couple free hours so we went to the park with Sophia & Erin. Then it was back to girl scout stuff and we met the rest of the troop at Color Me Mine where they each got to choose a piece of pottery to paint. Emma chose a penguin cup for me and I think she did a fabulous job painting it! It makes my morning coffee just a bit brighter everyday....

Believe Walk 2012

Emma participated in her first community service event for girl scouts this weekend. On Sunday morning, we got up bright and early and headed out to Redlands where Emma's troop passed out water bottles to many of the 12,000 walkers and runners. The girls looked adorable in their handmade tutus and many of the walkers got a kick out of all their pink. It was a good morning.