Emma's 4th Birthday

We decided on a Luau theme for this year's hoorah! We even rented a giant slide that Emma was scared to go down. She did warm up to the idea AFTER the party, but we still had a great time! We were so thankful for beautiful weather and great friends and family to share it with!

The Hula Girl herself!
The three amigos! I realize that dressing Ella up in a hula suit was not enjoyable for her, but I freely admit it was for my own entertainment! How cute is she??? Even Caleb joined in the festivities and had a great time!
The ladies of Wysteria Lane!

Peyton, Emma, and Ava enjoying a snack!

More pics from the party...

A very tired Birthday Girl!
Here are all of Emma's friends on the slide we rented! You know, the one she wouldn't go down!
We even had movie stars at the party! See????
What a pair! Emma and Peyton! Those two were in their own world. Someone had broken a lei and these two decided to stamp the flowers on themselves! What a hoot!

Opening presents was such a blast! Check out these facial expressions!

Baseball '09

Caleb played baseball for the Cubs this year. After a very rainy season, we are finally finished. Here are some shots of him in action!

Waiting his turn at bat!

Gets a base hit!
Waiting for a ball in right field!
We lost in the first round of the playoffs! Look at those long faces!
It's tough to lose to a team we had already defeated!

Memorial Day in Jax Beach

Getting ready for the beach!
Which wave do I jump????
We are so thankful that Emma loves the beach this year!
Taking a break for the camera!
Playing together...and not fighting!

Ella Boo's Pool Debut

Ella made her first trip to the pool this weekend! Of course, we were all way more excited than she was! Emma enjoyed watching me get her dressed in her new bathing suit and coating her in sunscreen. It's amazing how unprepared I am with my third child. You would think that I would be so organized, since that is my nature, but for some reason, I've learned to let some things go! We were last minute getting Ella a float and the poor baby definitely needs a hat! Maybe I'll get it together soon! I'm so glad that the afternoon went well since the pool is my best friend during our summer vacation! Emma reluctantly agreed to using her new float even though she thinks she can swim because her feet touch the bottom! Swimming lessons from Miss Mouse are a must for her this year, especially since I will be taking all three of them to the pool. Caleb was not with us this trip, so hopefully I'll remember the camera next time and can add some pics of him later.

Getting ready for the pool! Ella was not as excited about her first trip to the pool as we'd hoped she'd be. As you can see she's just chillin' with her new swimsuit and cover-up.
The pool was a little cold, but Ella loved it!!! She just sat in her float and never cried until I was getting her out! I know she loves getting a bath, but I wasn't sure if Ella would like the pool because the water is not warm yet. Of course there were not the smiles I was hoping for, but for our first trip, I'll take it!
Daddy and his girls!
Ella was all pooped out! She was ready for a nap after her long swim. Once she dried off, I put her in her seat and sat her under the big umbrella at the kiddie pool and she slept while the rest of us enjoyed our time there.

Laying out with mom! It's hard work getting tan!