Emma's Birthday Party 2

So Thankful for these 2!!

Emma's Birthday Party

Emma had a very busy and fun circus game themed birthday party. We invited all of Emma's 1st grade class and our close neighbors and friends. I really was not expecting 18 kids to show up. BUT, thankfully my good friends were here to rescue me when I looked up and was so overwhelmed I did not know what to do. We started the afternoon with cupcakes first. (I was not thinking about the sugar high and than low that would soon happen) And then we passed out the goody pencil box holders and explained the games out back. Things continued to be a little hectic as the kids made it through all 5 circus games and then planned numerous party games. We ended the party with gift opening and more playing as we waited for the parents. All in all many lessons learned but Emma had a GREAT time.

Washing the Jeep with daddy

Matt was so kind to come home one day and start washing the Jeep. Logan of course, jumped at the chance of playing in water and "helping".

A little gardening

After many months Matt and I finally found a little time to buy some flowers and weed the front yard a little. I picked out a few new planters and flowers and when Emma got home from school she was so good to help me plant them and arrange them in the front. It feels so nice to have a little more color in the front now:)

Pine Mountain hike

Matt planned a beautiful hike and picnic for us today. We set out to explore Pine Mountain and see what we could come across in the form of a hike. In my mind I had 10 miles while Matt only had a 4 mile hike in mind. We ended up doing 7.8 and really enjoyed it. Along the way we talked about hiking into a campground just the 2 of us. I for see many long kid free weekends ahead of us while we camp and hike.

New Truck and Bowling

After much thinking and hardships with only one vehicle we made the decision to buy Matt a new truck. He was so tickled to drive off the lot in his new 2010 Dodge Ram.

Of course, like any new vehicle purchase you spend HOURS at the dealership. And we spent 4 hours there with the kids. And they did great, so we decided to treat them and us to 2 games of bowling with friends. The kids had a blast and we always enjoy our time with our Michelle and Paul and Tyler.

Motorcyle Fun

Matt and I took a chance to get out on his bike. We enjoyed a nice ride to my friends house and than back onto post before Emma got out of school. I gotta say, I am enjoying this biking thing:)

First Day of 1st Grade

Today was Emma's first day of school. She was so excited to get to school and meet her new teacher and friends. What she really did not realize was that she was 3 days late. So, when we went into the classroom she was a little intimidated but quickly jumped right in. The teacher wasted no time and with a big smile said, "We have been waiting for you, I have so many goodies for you". Emma did great and rode the long ( 30 minute) bus home even.

Final day in Oregon

Our final day was filled with many memories. We spent a few last minutes with Great Grandpa Jerry. Emma was able to spend the night at his house with Gramie a couple of times and really enjoyed the bond she now has. (She is a card shark too)

We than headed to the cemetery Baby Daniel Thom is buried at. Uncle Patrick choose a perfect Eagle project, which was 2 benches and aisle markers there. Way to Go Patrick!!!

We rounded off our visit with a grilled dinner and a movie and popcorn with Gramie. Again, the day and evening went by too fast:(

Emma and Great Grandpa Jerry

Logan and Great Grandpa Jerry

Us with Uncle Patrick sitting on the new benches at the cemetery baby Daniel is at(his Eagle project)

Time with Gramie & Grampie

Today we finally were able to see Grandpa David and Patrick, and we had most of the day and evening to enjoy them. Grampie, Gramie, and Uncle Patrick put together a little early birthday celebration. The kids had a blast being spoiled and enjoyed the cake and ice cream too. The time went by way too fast!!

Gramie helping Emma try on her new dress
Grampie took out one of the kids many favorite things to do

Uncle Patricks and Logan with his new cars

Emma and her new Barbie clothes

Happy early Birthday!!

Day with Nana, Papa, Aunt Sara, Aunt Holly, and Uncle Ricky

We had a fun filled day with the entire side of the Cowan family. We started at my brothers for bagels. The girls put on a cute dance show for us. We then headed over to Holly's for lots of fun and fun with Nana and Papa. It is so fun to be around family and enjoy the love and laughter.

Play date with cousing and dinner out with the Cowan side

The kids have been very excited to play with their cousins Kayla and Morgan. After a quick trip to the park and a picnic we went back to the house to run through the sprinkler, eat ice cream, and play barbies.

A little later the adult children met up with my parents and enjoyed a meal before we hit the town to play some pool and take a walk along the Boardwalk.

Visit with Great Grandma Sandy

We next headed out to Malala to enjoy some time with Great Grandma Sandy and Matt's cousin from Alaska. The kids enjoyed playing in Grandma's huge backyard while she made us her special meatballs. We enjoyed getting to know Matt's cousin and visiting with Grandma Sandy.