Christmas Traditions

We've really enjoyed getting into the Christmas spirit this year. 

Ezra tried to escape out the back door to help with the tree.

I created advent garland full of christmas activities leading up until christmas day.  It's been full of crafts, outings, and treats. Here we used ice cream cones and decorated them with homemade buttercream and sprinkles. Voila! A Christmas tree.  Emerson first drank her sprinkles (the whole bowlful) then ate the cone. I must say it was delicious. 

I had seen on this idea on pinterest. I worked on a Christmas tree that was bigger than planned. Over 6 feet to be exact and I couldn't get it to stick to the wall. But, after I cut it in half it worked perfectly and it was the ideal height for a 2 year old to decorate. We have been busy baking christmas treats and yesterday Emerson delivered cookies to our neighbors and said, "Merry Christmas!" I love getting her in the spirit of giving. Only  5 more days until Christmas Day!

Conversations with Emerson

When I walked into Emerson's room following her nap I said, "Do you want to come into my room and watch a show so I can dry my hair?"

Emerson,"Dry your hair?"

"Yes"

Emerson, "Mommy, you wash your hair? I'm so proud of you!"

~

While we drive around looking at the christmas lights in the country club she says, "Is that a castle?!?"

~

While leaving the neighbors, "Bye honey! Bye honey!"

"Emerson her name is Annabelle."

"Oh....Bye Annabelle!"

~

Emerson sitting beside Ezra, "We're girls." Thinking about it she corrects herself, "We're brothers!"

Ezra 8 Months

I can't even say Ezra is 8 months old. Seems totally bizarre. He is definitely getting around very easily. Pulling up and crawling with ease. He even speeds up his crawl if he is trying to get to one of us. It's really the cutest thing as he giggles to himself. Ezra is definitely a ham. He smiles and loves when we acknowledge his accomplishments. He'll let out a huge grin and laughs and laughs. He is starting to begin entertained by his sister. He laughs at her like he totally knows what she is saying. I suppose it's that sibling connection. Lots of babbling going on now with bababa's. He also does a high pitched squeal when he is super sleepy. He's also is sticking his tongue out all the time now. He folds it and sticks it to the side when he is happy, leaves it out loose when he is relaxed. It cracks me up. Ezra has one tooth now that he worked very hard on getting. But, it didn't do anything for his interest in eating. He has been offered pumpkin, banana, avocado, apples, squash, and sweet potatoes and turned down every single one.  So all that chub is courtesy of Mama's milk. I estimate he is almost 19 lbs. Right now he likes to tear up paper for fun, chew on his socks, and push a ball around. He is still not loving the nursery. Hopefully he will eventually figure out that there are much more interesting toys there than our house! We won't even talk about his sleeping patterns. :)


This picture is from November but I couldn't resist sharing. I think we have a little model in the making.

Disney on Ice

We were more than excited to tell Emerson that she was going to "Disney on Ice" yesterday. We had told her about at all because she wouldn't understand when we were going etc. But, instead I put it on our home made advent calendar. When she woke up from her nap I asked her if she wanted to find out what we were doing today. When I read, "Go see Rapunzel!," she lit up. She kept talking about it and as soon as Mark got home she told him, "Going to see Rapunzel with Avery!" She put on her rapunzel dress and after some convincing put on a shirt underneath because it was going to be cold!

Here they are waiting on our tickets. She told us about ten times on the way she wanted to see Rapunzel.

Walking around the outside of the RBC Center

We ended up having really good seats! Much better than I had thought we would have. 

Trying to take a picture of Emerson and Avery. Not an easy task with all the excitement. Emerson kept asking on the way, "Is Avery excited? I'm excited?"

I had never been to disney on ice so I didn't know what to expect. They went through three disney stories and acted it out. The princess and the frog with Tiana was first. Even Ezra was entertained!

Next was Cinderella. I thought the costumes were amazing!

Finally we got to Rapunzel's story and Emerson stood up. It was really an amazing production. Rapunzel and Flynn were suspending in the air by her hair flying around. 

Emerson couldn't stop watching. When Maximus came out she yelled, "Maximus, it's you!" She danced and twirled around, having a blast. This morning I could hear yelling coming from her room at 7am. I walked in and she was reciting lines from Tangled. She lifted up her hand and said, "I"m Rapunzel." Needless to say I think she really enjoyed it. What a wonderful memory to have. 

Painting Pumpkins

I bought pumpkins early in October with every intention of letting Emerson paint them. But, it wasn't until November that we got around to it. It was still fall so it was fine. Truth be told we still have them out as decor. Anyways Emerson had a blast painting a masterpiece. It was unusually warm, hot even for October.  

Emerson was so excited to paint and get messy. Of course she sported her tutu as only a true artist would. 

Ezra was a good sport observing his sister. I suppose it was a little bright. But, he eventually gave a wave. 

Since we used washable finger paint, the next time it rained it came right off the pumpkin. Traumatizing the artist. They were pretty while they lasted. 

Trip to the Apple Orchard

Make this post one in my going back in time to update our blog. We had a very fun trip to the apple orchard back in OCTOBER! But, I'm just now getting around to posting this. I had never been apple picking but thought that Emerson would really enjoy it. So while we were close to the mountains we made the trip to Apple Hill Orchard where you could pick your own apples. We started off with a wagon ride to tour the orchard and learned a lot about apple growing in general. After our ride we stopped for a snack. Apple cider doughnuts and hot apple cider! Delicious doesn't even come close to describing it.  Emerson wouldn't try the doughnut but I didn't mind she left more for me. We ventured out to pick apples. Emerson was so excited. We picked gold rush, golden delicious, fuji, rome, and more. Emerson took a bite in no less than 5 apples as we filled our basket. She thought it was an apple buffet. Ezra even enjoyed playing with an apple or two. We filled our baskets to the rim and enjoyed a few apples along the way.

While we were walking the route we saw some horses very close to the fence. We walked Emerson over and she was reluctant since she wanted to pick more apples. But, as soon as she saw the horses she started running saying, "Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!" These horses were no strangers to visitors as they came right up to us. I even got a little horse kiss on my shoulder. We fed them some apples and they were extremely grateful. As well as I'm sure half of the visitors. I just loved seeing her eyes light up since she loves horses. We had a wonderful time and I know we will come back next year. The apples were great too! What a fun tradition to start. 

Ezra 7 Months

Here are some pictures that I took of Ezra when he turned 7 months. Finally. Things have been busy here so I'm sure all my posts in the near future will be recapping events that happened a month or two or more ago. The leaves were at their peak. Gorgeous warm color. Ezra is such a happy guy and the camera loves him. I was dying for the shot with that infamous grin and the beautiful leaves in the background. But, I soon found out Ezra loves the camera but he loves grass and leaves more. I was jumping like a maniac, making all sorts of noises and getting nowhere. 

A few grins but still looking down. I just love the warmth though and the beautiful bokeh. This is one of the biggest reasons I prefer outdoor pictures. Especially during fall, my season.

In true boy form he turned and gave me a growl. 

Then the money shot. No eye contact but I can't get enough of this sweet grin and chubby cheeks.

On the move

Here is big boy on the move and Emerson acting crazy. Emerson started climbing out of the crib and Ezra started climbing the stairs this weekend. So things are getting busy here as if they weren't already. Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

Ezra 7 Months

Ezra is 7 months old! I have been meaning to write his update for a week now but struggled to find the time. I took this picture the day he turned 7 months. It's not perfect, but the only one I could take before he tried to jump off the couch. With that grin I guess it will do. He is just always on the go! Since last week Ezra is crawling on all fours now. He is so strong and is getting so fast. He is a full month and a half before Emerson! He can put himself in sitting position with such ease and it's really amazing how stable he is.  Today I even found him on climbing the stairs! He loves to play and crawl around. His favorite toys right now are an empty bottle that he likes to toss across the hardwood floors and our leap frop table that I have taken the legs off so he can sit and play with it. He also loves to chase balls across the floor and is interested in anything Emerson has. In the last month they have really started to interact with each other. Many times I have spotted them playing peak a boo in the back seat of the car and Ezra chuckles with laughter. It's so fun to see them enjoy spending time with each other. 

Ezra is still a ham. He has the most magnetic smile. If I just give him a big grin back he will burst with laughter. He has a deep manly laugh. Fitting for a baby boy. 

We have tried some food but much to my surprise he is not interested. Not one bit. He acts like we are attacking him with the spoon. Maybe next month! Good thing he loves milk, and as you can see he isn't hurting for calories. A sturdy 17lbs he is full of rolls. He is wearing pretty much all 12 month clothes. Especially pjs since he has big feet. In some clothes that are 6-12 months they fit perfect but I'm sure not for long. I'm amazed at his growth compared to Emerson. I think at this age she was wearing 3-6 month clothes. 

Ezra has started to be over the paci. I don't know how it happened but I thought for sure he would be attached for some time to it. Only on occasion when he is sleeping will he take it. He loves to find his Mama. Wherever I am he will crawl across the room to find me. A mama's boy for sure. I don't mind. Who could resist this grin and baby blue's? He even gives me his own version of a kiss. He grabs my face firmly and bites my chin and growls. I guess he is loving on me. Ezra is still waiting on that first tooth. It seems he is changing a little bit everyday with development and he really is a joy to have around. We love him! 

I have some more pictures I will share later that I took outside. Let's just say this smiley guy could care less about his Mama when he is in the great outdoors. I guess I'll keep him inside for those toothless grins. 

Halloween Part 2

On Halloween we headed to Mark's work so Emerson could trick or treat there. When we were getting ready her pink dress was not dry yet so I was relieved she was excited to be Snow White. It matched Ezra's costume better anyways so it worked out well.  She really enjoyed grabbing some candy but was a little on the shy side with so much going on. She enjoyed a break half way through at Dad's desk and snacked on some candy.

Emerson didn't know what to think of scary costumes but she was fearless about going through the spiders! After we got enough candy we enjoyed some yummy ice cream.  It started raining pretty hard as we left and we got stuck in some nasty traffic. So we scratched trick or treating since both kids had colds. 

But, that didn't dampen their spirits.  I must say they are pretty cute together.  

Didn't she make a beautiful Snow White?!? Next year we will definitely trick or treat. I've already got her costume thanks to Target clearance and costumes in mind for the whole family. 

Halloween Part 1

We got to celebrate Halloween early this year. The library had a Halloween themed trick or treat story time. We came straight from dance class so we barely made it in time.  Emerson was excited to meet up with her friend Addie. It was her birthday and Emerson was thrilled to say, "Happy Birthday Addie," for the 10th time this month.  Their eyes were glued to the dressed up librarians. They went over some fun rhymes, and a couple stories and at one point turned out the lights. I'm not sure the toddlers knew what to think about that. Afterwards there were bubbles as usual. I tried to get a picture of everyone, Ezra included. But, he scooted away and the chances of two toddlers looking at the same time is slim.  

After storytime they had a parade around the library with trick or treat stations. Emerson was the kaboose and taking her sweet time.

Ezra was a great sport as a little clown. He enjoyed the storytime as much as anyone else. 

After all the effort for Emerson to have a crown with her princess costume she didn't want to wear it. Go figure!

After she collected all the treats she sat down to enjoy her pretzels. 

A peaceful moment

Playing together

State Fair

I was thrilled to go back to the fair this year. We went three times last year! This year instead of going on the popular can food day we went the day before. Notorious for being a slow day. On top of that it was a rainy, chilly day so it was perfect for crowd control. Before the fair started I bought a ride sheet. I didn't know if Emerson would be interested but figured she could ride some of the "kiddie" rides. Little did I know I had a little dare devil on my hands. First I spotted a carousel.  Emerson loves the carousel so I thought it was a perfect first ride. She hops on with Mark and the ride starts spinning super fast! Apparently it wasn't the little kiddie carousel. I was surprised when she didn't even flinch at the increase of speed. She hopped off and spotted the ferris wheel. I was hesitant but she was full steam ahead. No fear. This was no rinky dinky ferris wheel. It was a big ferris wheel with wobble buckets for seats!

I couldn't even spot Emerson because she was so tiny in comparison.

Until she turned around to peep out. Not the least bit concerned.  After the ferris wheel we found there were several rides she couldn't get on since she wasn't 36 inches. She wasn't thrilled about that. But, we found a few good ones and she had a ball and Ezra enjoyed watching her. He was laid back as ever, enjoying the fair from the stroller. We indulged with some homemade chips, cupcakes, and a corn on the cob. Food, my favorite part. 

Emerson also enjoyed looking at the farm animals. Although she was a little weary being so close to the big cows. They all had their calves and she loved seeing them. I have to admit I love it too as the animals are adorable to say the least.


Here is one of our favorites, a baby donkey. Emerson was insistent that she needed to touch it.  We also saw some super cute bunnies on the way out. She about took them out of the cage she wanted one so bad! After a fun filled time we headed out.

While enjoying the beautiful view of the fair.  Mark made sure to capture some of the fantastic lights. Can't wait until next year's fair! We might need two sheets of ride tickets. 

6 months later...

And he hasn't stopped smiling. :)

Teething Time

Ezra has been working on two teeth for awhile now. Emerson had a teething necklace from Inspired by Finn and it worked wonders for her molars. I'm so eager to get Ezra one before he starts popping all these teeth in to alleviate the discomfort. Good for Mama and baby.

How can you not feel better with a necklace named sunshine?

Bring a Friend

Not a day goes by that Emerson doesn't say, "Where did Addie go?"Literally every place we go she hopes she is also there.  So when it was bring a friend week at dance class Emerson knew exactly who she would invite. She absolutely loves Addie and was so excited to dance with her. The watched the big girls dance before their class began and were completely captivated.

I love seeing Emerson develop friendships. It's very sweet. I think here Emerson is looking at Addie's leotard wishing she had some stripes. Ha!

The girls walked in holding hands and even though Addie is a little younger than the rest of the girl's she did great! As you can see they had a good time dancing together. I'm sure they have many more memories ahead!