Punkin Patch

 We had the BEST time at a local punkin patch, as Stella calls it, today. Emerson wasn't so sure what to think of a corn maze.

 But then she realized if it was with her big sis...it would be fun.

Taking it all in with this sweet pea.

 Stella LOVED the corn maze and was the ledder (leader) the whole way.

 Making sure we're still coming.

 But after she found the corn maze she found her new favorite spot...the corn pit.I really think she would've played there ALL day if we let her.

 Emme and I watched Stella play for a bit, but she had to jump in

 Emerson LOVED the corn box. We had to watch her like a hawk because she was tempted to put some in her mouth, but she had a blast.

 There were all sorts of animals including a baby goat and baby pigs (they were adorable).

 And of course there were PUMPKINS.

 Watching Stella run around looking for a pumpkin.

 I just love those sweet cheeks.

 Look at those baby blues!

At this point they were DONE taking pictures and just wanted to play. We also road on a hayride and went BACK to the corn box.

It was a great morning as a family! I LOVE this time of year. I wish fall would stay around through winter.

Happy Fall Y'all!

Chicken + Princess = Perfect Friday

 Stella's favorite restaurant..Chick-fil-a and her favorite thing to do..dress up = a HAPPY GIRL

 The local chick-fil-a had princess/super hero night and Miss Stella had a blast. She even got her nails done before chowing down on some chicken.

 Princess Emerson even joined in the fun.

 Sweet Princess snuggling with her favorite prince.

And of course every princess needs to enjoy a royal night with friends!

Playing Together

 Stella is really into "doing hair" lately...I think it's because of Rapunzel. Anyway, here she is doing Emerson's hair...and they loved it. They've really been playing well together lately.

 Stella LOVES to love on Emme...this sometimes turns into tackling.

 Lots of love. I'm pretty sure Stella was squeezing really tight here, but Emme just loved the attention.

Warms my heart!

And yes, I know they have totally different coloring. It's crazy to me that these two girls are so different. I love it. Stella will definitely be dark while Emerson will be our "fair" complected sweet heart.

I love these two so much it hurts!

8 Months

 This serious pumpkin is 8 months! I can't get enough of her!

 Licking her lips is a favorite pass time  since her teeth seem to be killing her.

 My happy girl.

I had  to add this picture because she LOVES her pig that attached to her paci. I know she's 8 months old, but I'm still getting used to the whole paci thing. Stella never liked one.

What Emerson is up to..

*eat "real" food twice a day
*still nurse like a champ (including in the middle of the night!)
*wearing size 3 diaper
*wearing 9 months clothing, but your feet are still small
*your hair is growing but straight up :)
*you have your FIRST tooth...and are working on some more
*you take two good naps and if we're running around town you usually pass out
* you LOVE to watch your sister and listen to her sing
*you are a sweet pea...here's to hoping you sleep through the night soon  :)

We love you Emerson Kate!

Weekend Fun..Toddler Style

 So these pictures are backwards, but I don't have time to figure out why :)
Anyway, we had a busy weekend. I should really say Stella had a busy weekend. Two birthdays and a LOT of sugar.
How sweet are these 4 girls...singing happy birthday to the Busy Bee Hannah. Hannah was even singing to herself :)

 Sweet birthday girl. The Bee theme was adorable. Her mama, Stacy, did a great job!

 The Bee party was at a local jump place and of course Stella had a blast.

 We started our day at the Jones Center for a swimming party. Stella was even brave enough to go down the slide with daddy!

 She loved it, but once was enough :)

 The pool is awesome and there was a great current and I think her and Tom lapped it at least 200 times.

I'm bummed because this is the ONLY picture I got of the birthday boy Benjamin (he's the one with Tom in the water). Once we moved to the party room, Emerson needed  a break so I didn't get any pictures of the bday boy. Anyway, the lifeguards wouldn't let the bday boy go down the slide by himself (even though he wanted to and had a life vest on), SO Tom was the lucky winner to "escort" Benjamin down the slide. They had a great time. I'm not sure how many times they went, but I know Tom loved it. Benjamin even told him they weren't going fast enough so they had to push the limits more.

It was a great Saturday. We are so thankful for the great friends we have in the area and their sweet little ones that we get to celebrate!

Tomorrow I'll try to blog about our big 8 month old! Happy 8 Months Emerson!

Woo Pig

 Let's call those hogs! It's game day here in Fayetteville and the girls were showing their spirit. Since Daddy had plans to cheer on the hogs with Papa...we (the girls) decided we were going to have some fun too.

 When the Daddy's are away.. the princesses will play. We invited Cilla and her mommy, Rebekah, over for some fun. We had high hope of watching the game, but Stella was a big whiny (ok, a lot) and Emerson was all out of sorts. But don't worry once we got the princess attire out...we had a good ole time.

 What? There's a game on...

 Well like any good princess, LET'S CALL THOSE HOGS!

Their daddy's would be so proud.

It was a typical night with kiddos. Crazy and loud, but us mommy's got a little chit chat time. And let's face it...who doesn't like watching the Hogs with Disney Royalty :)

Beyond Blessed

 To say I'm blessed is a MAJOR understatement! This past week my mom AND 82 year old Grandma came to Arkansas for a special birthday party. It was such a good time and it went by WAY to fast. I could kick myself for not taking more pictures, but we were having too much fun. I have the memories. I know my mom and grandma have to be wiped out, but they didn't show it while they were here. It was go, go, go as usual!

 Emerson talking to her great grandma, I'm so thankful for this very moment!

 Emme obviously thought Grandma Reen was funny.

 What else do you do when Grandmas visit? You have a taco bell picnic of course.

 So sweet.

 These two are usually inseparable. I don't know where it stems from but my mom (or as Stella calls her, Gaga) and Stella have a very special bond. When together, you will normally see them side by side. Stella doesn't always do well when saying goodbye to Gaga, but this time was a little easier because we dropped her off at school before going to the airport. But she has asked several times when she gets to see Gaga again.

 Playing!

One last picture before next time.

It's always hard to say goodbye when my mom comes, but this time tugged on the heart strings a little more. I am so thankful my Grandma made this trip. It's been a tough few months (we lost my grandpa in June) so it was a sweet time. My grandma and i laughed because she never thought she'd be in Arkansas again, but here she was. If I'm honest, I didn't think I'd STILL be in Arkansas, but God has continued our journey here.It's not easy being away...not easy at all. BUT I know there's a reason I'm here and while it's hard sometimes I'm eager to see what God has in store. We love our little life here, but we do miss family too.
However, I'll continue to count my blessings! I think I enjoy being a mom so much because of my incredible examples. Being a mom is fun. Being a mom is an adventure. Being a mom is a blessing. And while I don't want to sugar coat it and make it seem easy-peesy, it's challenging, I do know that because of my mom and grandma I LOVE IT.
Thanks for being incredible role models and loving me for me. We can't wait to see you in December!