Fourth of July Weekend Recap {2016}

I love that Fourth of July was on a Monday this year instead of the middle of the week, but man...I sure do like it better when it's on a Friday or Saturday so we can sleep in a little bit the next day. But we had a super fun weekend!

Emery and Daniel went on a daddy daughter date night a few weeks ago at Chick-fil-A and they both had the best time. She had been asking to "go date on a daddy"  for a few days so Daniel kicked off the three day weekend by taking her on another date.

She wanted to go to "Reddy's" {Freddy's} and get a grilled cheese and "i chume with a cherry on it"!

It makes me sad that she is growing up so fast, but it sure is cute that she's old enough for things like this now.

We took it easy and stayed around the house on Saturday. It was pretty nice outside...hot, of course, but not as humid as it has been lately. Emery *loves* going outside, so we got out the splash park that we got her last year so she could play in the water. She *hated* it last year...

What a difference a year makes!! She loved it! She was a little confused at first...she kept saying "Take shirt off? Take shorts off?" like it was a bathtub. 

She just looks so grown up...

She wanted to push Daddy in the swing...so sweet. 

Time to cool off with a popsicle!

Sunday was another relaxed day. We went to church and then stayed home the rest of the day. Emery even helped fold a little laundry. She asked for a towel and we were shocked when she ended up with this!

Don't be fooled, though...she does way more unfolding than folding!

We started Monday off with a bang and went out for donuts at Krispy Kreme!  Not sure why, but this is the face we get when we tell her to smile! 

Emery loves sprinkles!!

We did a little shopping the rest of the morning and headed home so Emery could take a nap before our big night!

For the last several years, we've gone to my parents' neighborhood for dinner and a fireworks show. It's such a fun tradition! They have a little mini carnival for the kids and Emery got to do the bounce houses. To say she loved it is an understatement! She kept saying, "I bouncing, Mama!!" 

This bounce house started deflating when she was in the ball pit. I about had a panic attack, but it didn't bother her one bit! She didn't want to get out! 

Climbing up the ladder so she could go down the slide!

Taking a little break for some pictures with Mommy and Daddy. This girl and her faces!

Then it was time for dinner. Emery made the rounds and got lots of treats. A little chocolate with Poppa...

And some ice cream with Uncle DJ. 

The girls played together while all the adults talked. They are just too sweet.

Then we headed outside to get a good spot for the fireworks! So excited!

Hanging out with Nana, Poppa, and Uncle Steve while we waited.

Emery and Vanna both got their faces painted while we waited, too! Emery was really excited about it, but was super serious when it was happening.  Emery will pretty much try anything if Vanna does it first!

Then it was time for the fireworks show! Emery was completely fascinated with the fireworks! She kept pointing, naming the colors, and saying "Look, Poppa!"

Watching with Aunt Allie. 

And that's it...another Fourth of July in the books and it was a very sweet one!

  

Mother's Day Weekend {2016}

We *love* holidays and special occasions around here, so we celebrated Mother's Day for the whole weekend. Yay for me!! ;)

I got to sleep in a little bit on Saturday {so nice!} and Daniel and Emery woke me up with breakfast in bed. Then I just spent part of the morning snuggling with my little sweetheart. She *loves* watching YouTube videos on my phone.

We went to lunch that afternoon at one of my favorite "girly" restaurants, Chicken Salad Chick. Then we went home so Emery could take her nap...and we may have taken a little nap, too. ;) #whynot

I got a special delivery of Shari's Berries from my parents on Saturday! They were so pretty and so good. Such a sweet surprise!

Once Emery woke up, we headed out to do a little shopping and go to dinner. She was remarkably content while we were at Best Buy.

That night, we went for a quick dinner at Five Guys. Emery loves the fries and the pickles!! She looks so sweet in this picture, but she had definitely had some "two-year-old moments" that day!

On Sunday morning, Daniel made breakfast in bed for me again! He spoils me! Love him so much.

He got me a robe that I've been wanting for a while from Love Ophelia. It's like the perfect robe to wear while I'm doing my hair and makeup in the morning! I love it!

We got Emery up and headed to church! After church, Emery gave me the present she worked on with Daniel. It was a picture from her two-year session with her hand print on the back and it said "The hand that stole your heart". 

My silly girl!!

We went outside to take a few pictures and Daniel caught this one. I love it so, so much.  She is so precious to me.

Since we were outside, of course we had to do some of Emery's favorite things. She loves to water the plants!

And blow bubbles!

And swing!! She is definitely an outside girl!

After Emery's nap, we headed over to my parents' house. Emery loves her Nana!!

She also loves driving this car at Nana and Poppa's house! She's not quite big enough to reach the gas pedal, so Poppa holds it down with a stick. She's getting the hang of steering, though, and she definitely knows how to switch it into high gear! That took us all by surprise the first time she did it!

My sister's family came over that afternoon, too, so Vanna took over the driving. They are just too cute riding around in this car together!

Then they had a little dance party together. Just adorable.

Emery was just having so much fun!

Then we headed back home to have pizza for dinner. Emery decided to chase after the car instead of riding along. She kept saying "I'm gonna get you!" She loves chasing and being chased! 

It was a great weekend spent with those I love the most. I am so blessed and thankful to be a mommy.