Emery's 2nd Birthday {An Elmo Party}

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Well, my littlest baby is officially two (cue the tears). She's not a big TV watcher, but Sesame Street locks her attention everytime. So, we had to give her a very Elmo party!

In the driveway, I used chalk to write "Today's party is brought to you by the letter E and number 2" to set the tone for the party! Such an easy idea to add some Sesame Street flair when your guests arrive.

This party was essentially pure torture for the little lass. I forget how shy she is, since she is such a goofball around us. When she is the center of attention, she HATES it! Luckily, her sister doesn't mind having all the attention on her, so Caroline helped her open gifts and take some of the attention off of her.

I kept it pretty simple with the food. Daniel smoked some boston butts, and I finished them in the crockpot for bbq sliders. They were so tender and yummy! I also made redneck caviar, artichoke dip, and an Elmo fruit plate. And of course, for dessert, we had a Sesame Street cake!

Most of the decorations came from Party City, but a found a few things at the Dollar Tree (like a teacher wall border, which I used to border our back porch door!). My favorite decorations were the Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster hangers. For the price, this wall scene was a great backdrop for opening gifts and taking pictures with family and friends.

 Ems got so many fun presents, but my favorite is an Elmo that talks! It programs to your phone, and I can have it say all kinds of cool phrases (like, Emery, do you need to go potty?) using an app on my phone. She also got an Elmo potty training book, so fingers crossed this is the answer to her potty
stubbornness!


It was SO HOT outside (which is probably why two years ago I went into labor with her two weeks early, just too blasted hot!), so unfortunately the kids were cooped inside for the duration of the party. But they still had fun playing with all of her new toys and just running around like crazy people.

We had so much fun celebrating our little girl! Now...to begin thinking of ideas for Caroline's 4th birthday!

Road Trippin'

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Last weekend, the girls, my mom, and I spent some time with extended family in St. Louis. I hadn't been in years, so it was good to catch up, see my cousin's baby, and visit some fun places.

__one__ On the ride up, we decided to stop at Steak n' Shake in Illinois. It was some pretty bad service, but the girls got a huge kick out of their hats. When I was little, we would always stop at Steak n' Shake on road trips, so it was nostalgic and it's a fun tradition to carry on with my girls.

__two__ Of course, Caroline would not nap the entire way there. It's about a six hour drive, seven with the kids. The iPad was a huge lifesaver with her, and we downloaded a couple Netflix movies for her and she plopped some headphones in and was happy the whole way. Of course, she fell asleep about 10 minutes from my aunt's house....hands still clutching her precious iPad.

 

__three__ Once we got to my aunt's house, Emmie and I got outside to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather St. Louis was having. Highs of 80 degrees with a slight breeze - yes please! We were also smiling extra big because we were so thankful to be out of the car.

 

__four__ Saturday, we braved the zoo. I was scared it was going to be packed due to the amazing weather, but it actually wasn't bad. The St. Louis zoo is awesome because 1) It's FREE and 2) It has so many different exhibits and things for the girls to see/do. Caroline was DYING to see a gorilla...and had no interest in much of anything else. Emery had the best time watching the sea lions get fed and do a few tricks. She made sure to clap for them every time they caught a fish in their mouths. 

  

The stroller Emery is in you can find HERE. I absolutely LOVE her stroller - we've used it since Caroline was a baby.

  

__five__ The ride home was pure torture, because we were all over each other at that point. When we got home, I was so glad there was frozen pizza and wine in the fridge!

 

                                  

Five on Friday: Where did summer go?

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Hello, friends! I can't believe summer is winding down and school is starting back. Since my kiddos are still in daycare, the end of summer doesn't mean too much (other than more traffic and school zones to deal with in the morning), but it definitely feels less relaxed once everyone is back in the school grind!

We left for a weekend trip to St. Louis this morning, but here's a glimpse into our life the past week:

__one__ This past weekend, Daniel's sister and brother-in-law stayed with us, along with my nephew and niece. My nephew is SO GOOD with the girls. He is 13 and seriously the BEST. He let Caroline ride on top of him while he pretended to be a boat for a solid hour without complaint.

 Don't mind the potty in the background. Anyone have good potty training tips? Caroline was fairly easy. Emmie just sits on the potty and says "I pee pee!"...but she doesn't pee pee at all.

 __two__ Sunday after everyone left, we filled up the pool and had popsicles and hung out at the house. Fresh air is sooooo good for the girls and they love playing outside. I can't get over how old Caroline looks with her hair pulled back and her sunglasses on. Three going on eighteen!

Caroline's bathing suit//Makeshift Water Slide

__three__ Sports day was at school this week and the girls  I love representing our favorite team! I was in Alabama for work last year, and of course browsed Target while in my spare time and snagged these adorable cheerleader outfits on clearance (similar here). I never can find Auburn stuff in Tennessee, so I always snag it when I can. Emmie's ended up being a little too big, but since I bought it almost a year in advance, I'll live with it!

__four__ I LOVE these pictures of Emmie and her daddy. Daniel is a big guy, but it just melts my heart to see him with his tiny girl. 

__five__ This picture sums up how I currently feel right now! I wish I could sleep this hard!

Happy Friday!