My baby turns 5

making her story board for Birthday Circle at school

So what do you do for a special 5 year old when you have ZERO time to plan a birthday event?

You throw out a text to all her friends that very same day and invite them over for cake!  Viola! Instant princess party.  No fuss, no big expense - and total happy perfection for the party girl.

skye, ashtyn, evelyn, haidyn, ella
birthday princesses

that's a happy birthday girl!

nothing like homemade! and rainbow candles from scott & suzy

November 2014

One of many Elsas at Chloe's birthday party, but the loveliest for certain

These princess parties are hard core -- this one was at the Peobody Hotel

Front row seats for the march of the Peobody Ducks (Chloe was the Duck Master that day)

not one to be left out ...

Fun game with Oma - it never gets old !!!

How to make shopping fun?  Car Cart !

Halloween 2014

We invited some friends over to join us for trick-or-treating -- more fun than just going by ourselves! It was a cute little party with Oma's special jack-o-lantern sloppy joe's -- Elina and Evelyn decorated the door (a monster!) and the table, and hung up decorations around the house.  The weather, unfortunately, was awfully cold and wet so we didn't last too long going door to door for candy - but it was nice to have fiends to commiserate with.

Evelyn as Cinderella, and Skye as Mary Poppins

sweet Hannah as a monkey

Ella having fun

Emerson the Giraffe

October 2014

October weather in Memphis is fantastic.  We spend as much time outdoors as possible - there are lots of outdoor festivals that are fun for kids.  We especially love the craft tents and the petting zoos (Emerson took a ride on the back of a tortoise at the Pink Palace Art Show!). 

At home, Emerson is reaching higher and farther and practicing standing on his adorable legs - surfing the furniture, and enjoying his expanding world.

A garage tea party with poppa 

Air show party with Skye Stewart

hanging out with the Blue Angels

Corn Bin !

my beautiful performer - the world is her stage

potato gun.  oh boy.

Emerson Turns One

One year ago, I woke in the night to labor pains and a few short hours later we held this amazing, sweet, gentle boy in our arms.  He is such an amazing gift. I love that he and Evelyn have each other. Now that he's one, he is more fun to play with - and I can see that Evey appreciates a more cooperative playmate!  We made him his own pumpkin cake and watched him destroy it in true baby graham form - with Ev encouraging him and demonstrating the proper tactics.  Oma and Opa and Elina were with us to witness this special day. My heart breaks to see time passing so quickly - but he sure is at a fun stage.  And such a love - he's a very affectionate little man.

with his favorite caretaker, Elina

Sweet sweet boy

This little man just swells my heart. He is so fun to watch - great sense of curiosity. Loves being outside and going for rides in his Little Tike car. He is a gentle soul. With a contagious smile!

September 2014

School Picture (in Queen Elsa gown, naturally)

The movie Frozen continues to capture Ev's imagination. Her love of the Elsa character hasn't diminished at all.  I treated her to a dress-up gown that I found on-line, one that I thought represented the real Disney costume better than the crunchy, flimsy dresses we'd see in stores.  She put it on and immediately walked with a tall back and a regal smile.  Oh my.  She's an actress.  When school picture time came up she asked me carefully if she could please please please wear her Elsa dress for the photo.  I told her, "if Ms. Beaty says it's okay, then it's okay with me - but you have to bring it and only wear it for the photo, not during the normal school day."  By 11am I had an email from her teacher telling me it was okay to wear the dress (Ev never misses a beat).  It was a great decision -- the photo of Evelyn is incredible.  You can see how magical that dress makes her feel.

so in love with this happy boy

Auntie Laurie came for another fun visit

Em enjoying his mobility....my pantry doesn't stand a chance

building a fairy house

just plain lovin' being outside