Emilia is 2!

We had such a busy and fun birthday week for our girl- parties, and dinners, and fun at home. On her actual birthday, it was just the three of us. We wanted to do a few of her favorite things. Joe got up early to bring us Mcdonald's breakfast. Then Emilia got her birthday present- the Little People Disneyland. She loved it!

 After lunch, we went to the local cheese store for some ice cream and shopping.

 She was pretty tired when we got home and she fell asleep cuddled up with me, which was pretty special because it doesn't happen very often anymore. It was a nice reminder that she is still my baby.

For dinner, we went to her favorite Chinese restaurant and then shared a piece of brownie cake. She loves blowing out candles!

I am so happy to have a toddler. Tiny babies are cute and sweet, but they are so difficult. Toddlers come with their own set of challenges, but it is so nice to hear, "Love you, Mama!" and see her develop her own personality. She is so amazing!

2014- her first birthday

2015- her second birthday

2015 outtake- It took a little bribery to get that picture. She was tired and grumpy

Emilia's likes:
All animals, but especially horses
Her stuffed Orangutan "Monkee"
Chocolate
Skirts and dresses
Mickey Mouse and friends
Slides
Most vegetables, especially peas and cucumbers
Snow
Gymnastics
Pizza

Emilia's dislikes:
Most fruit (she only likes apples, bananas, and oranges. No berries)
When we try to sing to her "Mama, Dada, STOP!"

Emilia has a huge vocabulary and speaks in sentences a lot. Here are some cute things she is saying:
Giddyup, Partners
Wantyou, Boy
Awww, cute baby (or cat or puppy)
Love you, mama
2 hands, clap! (with Monkee)
Thereheis
Ok, Mama? (If I say ow or put my head down)
Happy birthday ah you! (she sings this to everyone)

She always puts her finger on her chin when she's thinking about something or deciding what she wants.

I am looking forward to seeing what the next year brings, Happy birthday, baby!

Yee-Haw, Emilia's 2nd birthday party!

I can't believe my baby is almost 2! On Saturday afternoon, family and friends came over to a horsey themed party to celebrate my little girl.

Joe and I spent the morning putting up horsey decorations. Emilia has always loved horses and was so excited for her horseee party.

The birthday girl!

All of the food fit the horse/cowgirl theme

Carrots with ranch, rice crispy treat "hay bales," cowboy chili dip, bbq meatballs, trail mix, and plenty of bottled sodas at the "waterin' hole"

Party favors

Damma and Grampy brought Emilia a very special gift: a tricycle!

The house was full of kiddos. It was so much fun to have so many friends and cousins to play with.

New binoculars!

Soon it was time for birthday cake! Emilia blew out her candle well before we were done singing. 

Happy birthday, baby!

Birthday party then and now:

2014

2015

Easter 2015

We started Easter weekend with the annual egg hunt at our city park. This hunt is so crazy- candy and eggs as far as the eye can see and SO MANY KIDS! Emilia was so patient waiting to start. She mostly wanted to wander around, but she did get a few eggs and lots of candy.

The next morning, she was excited to see what the Easter Bunny had brought. The Easter Bunny spoiled her a bit with a full basket and a few Calico Critter toys. The Calico Critters were a huge hit!

My family arrived later in the day for the annual hunt and Easter dinner.

It's impossible to get these three to look at the camera at the same time, but they are so cute together!

This one is always on the run

Soon, it was time for the big Easter hunt. The kiddos worked hard to figure out clues that took us inside, outside, and even a few places around town.

All that running around made everyone hungry. Luckily, we had an Easter feast to enjoy.

The kid's table- watching Beauty and the Beast