July 4th in New York

After taking the night flight from California to New York on Thursday night, we arrived at Grandpa and Grandma's house just in time to celebrate with a parade and fireworks! (Any red eyes you see in the pictures may not be caused by the camera, but from our late night trip:)
Dan's home town of Penfield has a great 4th of July parade that we really enjoyed...
Grandma got Emma a wand to wave at all the parade participants...

This brought up the cuteness factor a little bit and Emma was rewarded with handfuls of candy being thrown at her. Grandpa helped her collect it...


There were bands...

floats...

and all forms of transportation to see


We left the at the end of the parade for a much needed nap.
That evening, we headed off to the fireworks show Emma enjoyed the pre-show music...
By clapping,

Dancing,

And waving her hands in the air.

Then Grandpa came with a glow stick necklace and more fun ensued...



Then the fireworks began...


The show ended and Emma was ready for bed

Hoping everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! Hugs to all!!!

Yosemite National Park

With Nana, G-pa, Uncle David and Erin visiting this week we decided to take some time out and visit Yosemite National Park. Although there was a lot of smoke from forest fires throughout Northern California, we still had a great time and got to see some awesome sights. We stayed in a home in a lake community. On Sunday, everyone had fun at the beach. Emma was the only one who agreed to have her pictures posted in her bathing suit, so here is some of the fun...

Throwing sand is always a fun past time

Emma also learned how to splash in water wars

Daddy found a rock for skipping
On Monday, we had a very busy day at the park seeing Mountains, Waterfalls, and giant redwood trees...
We had to stop for gas on the way... the prices were a little inflated
Dan is smiling because G-pa payed

The view of "El Capitain"

Emma tries out some rock climbing

Bridal Veil Falls

Daddy helps Emma wash her hands in the river

Yosemite Falls

Emma attempts to take a picture of the falls

Giant PInecones!

"Drive-thru" Redwood tree

Looking up at the redwoods

One last family picture of the day
On Tuesday, we had one more stop to make before heading home... Glacier Point. The views were very smoky, but still awe inspiring

A long way up with a lot to see

Ta-Da! Emma does a little more rock climbing before we head home

Bye Frog Hollow

After over a year of having two homes, we went back to Virginia to say goodbye to our old house on Frog Hollow. While we miss Virginia, this house, and the great neighbors we had here, we're happy to report that the house has sold.

From Bye Frog Hollow

While in town, we also played trading coasts with the Scotts. Missing the folks at the Home Depot, Mom and Dad worked on a little side project to help shorten Billy's "Honey Do" list.
Meanwhile, I had time to hang with Sydney.

Have a tea party.

And do some yard work with G-Pa

Mommy and Me

Once a month a local outdoor mall does a "Mommy and Me" program with lots of different activities for kids to enjoy. Emma and I went today and it was a lot of fun. The theme today was animals.
Emma decorated a cow puppet

and then she had lots of fun playing in one of the many fountains

Trying out the water

Feels good

Found a rock

Threw the rock

Placed the rock

Lots of fun!
After that we watched a program by a local animal rescue foundation. The speaker read one of Emma's favorite books; "Owl Babies" and then Emma got to meet an owl up close and personal

We ended the morning with lunch at McDonalds Another fun activity for our lazy summer days

Thank You, Sydney!

Thank you for my birthday present! I really like my new coloring book and markers!

When the color show up I like to yell "Ta Da!"

See you next week!

Princess Fairy Emma

Yesterday was dress up day in our household...Here is one of the more creative ensembles. We will call her "Princess Fairy Emma"
Granting wishes....

And giving orders.

Park Day!

Emma has missed having her playmate Sydney here, so we have been trying to stay busy!. Yesterday, Emma had her very first dentist appointment. She did a great job and let the dentist count her teeth and brush and floss. She loves her new electric toothbrush with Elmo on it. Then we went and got her hair cut. She loved sitting in the fire engine seat and watching Barney. Emma's friend Kaylie and her new little brother Zachary showed up to get a trim, also.
Today we had a park day with our friends from bible study. Emma had a great time playing with all her friends (and Adam's trucks :).
Preparing to dig

"Where are all my friends?"

Is there a buried treasure in here?

Emma a Kaylie have a talk over the sand pail

It is very hard to get a picture of busy toddlers!

Adam is really nice to share his trucks

Emma rolled the truck all the way up the ramp and then posed for a picture

Hello down there!

Is it really time to go???
What a fun way to spend the morning!