Emma is EIGHT!

And 8 is GREAT! We had a fun time celebrating our sweet middle child turning 8!  Emma is full of joy and so we made sure her birthday was too.  She chose to have a unicorn themed birthday party at Alley Cats and she had a blast with her friends. I let her have 3 friends spend the night after the party (way better than 10 like last year!).  She got the tumbling mat she has been begging for from us and enjoyed her family dinner at Babes. I can't believe my bald headed baby is already 8!

Aunt Rocks did it again!

I managed to not mess it up during transport.

Poor Polly was not feeling her best and napped on Chris
for the first part of the party.

Moscow Mule reward at home.

Emma and Polly ended up asleep in Emma's room!

She finally got the tumbling mat she has been wanting!

Chris and Emma knocked this out in one day.

Birthday lunch at Hill

Babes's for family birthday dinner!

8 Year Letters to Emma

Emma,

You continue to be my sunshine.  I have said that about you from day one.  One of my favorite pictures of you lives in a frame with the words "you are my sunshine" on it.  So true.  You are such a sweet and tender-hearted kid, but also such a fierce competitor.  You give your best and work every day to be better than the day before.  You love fitness and conditioning and you are becoming an amazing athlete.  I love watching you play sports.  We spend a ton of time at the soccer field and you are really loving and growing in this sport.  I have a new love for it as well, and am so impressed by your skill and commitment.  You are so fast, and can even beat your dad in a race and you remain the fastest girl in second grade.
You are smiley and happy most of the time, except for the mornings.  You are not a morning person! You can be a real handful in the morning and you definitely are strong willed.  Your love and compassion for both of your sisters is precious.  You root for Ryan and always try to boost her up and you are always my helper for Polly.  I appreciate you so much for this. You have a kind and giving heart for anyone hurting or in need and that is an innate gift you possess.  You make us so proud every day by the young lady you are growing into.  Thank you for being you.  Eight is great and so are you.  Keep shining my Pea Pie! Oh yeah, you still hate bananas!

Love,

Mommy

Happy Birthday Emma Reese,

8 years old......... are you kidding me?????? How can you be 8 years old already? You didn't have hair till you were like 5!!!!! I cannot believe how fast time has flown. You make every day an adventure. I love how caring and free spirited you are. You are a very special girl and I love you so much. Your kind and selfless heart make me so proud that I'm your Dad. I love watching you grow but please don't be in a rush to grow up fast! Have a great Birthday. 

Love DAD

Jiggle Butt Run 2019

I completed one of my favorite runs again this year!

Workout Partner

Polly loves to come along to CG.
She even tries to do most of the exercises.

Non-Stop Handstands

Emma has been teaching herself to do all sorts of tumbling and gymnastics.  This chick puts in the work.  I decided to sign her up for tumbling and she has a new tumbling mat on the way for her 8th bday!  I love her dedication to anything she wants to learn.

Parent Participation at Leap of Faith

For the first time LOF had parent participation.  I have always come to the parent observation, but this was a first.  It was fun and showed how much I am lacking in the flexibility and grace departments!  Polly loved having me there.

Broken Bow

We got to get away to Broken Bow, OK with a few families from our small group at church and we had a blast!  There were 9 kids total!  Everyone was unplugged and outdoors most of the time and it was a great bonding experience. Here are the pics from our fun weekend!  We have the BEST small  group!