Our Birthday BONANZA!!

Greg wasn't sure that he wanted to marry me. Then he found out that our birthdays were only 2 days apart and determined that it simply must be fate. Here we are. SUCKA!

Greg celebrates on July 24th and I follow on the 26th. It really does work out splendidly, because we have one giant week of partying. This year was no exception. We turned the ripe old ages of 32 and 33. YIKES.

The best part of celebrating two days apart is all the FREE FOOD we rake in and enjoy together. I didn't have to grocery shop or cook ONCE last week. Happy Birthday to ME! Our free birthday food was brought to you by: Red Robin, Rubios, Baskin Robbins, Spicy Pickle, Daphne's Greek Cafe, Cold Stone, Yodipity and Moes. We missed Fuddruckers and Beni Hana this year, but don't worry, we'll get them in 2011.

We started the 24th with a church celebration of the pioneers. Greg always wears his favorite bonnet all day to make sure the pioneers know we commemorate them as well. :) We followed the ward party with swimming as our little family. All three of us enjoyed naps in the afternoon and we capped the evening with a wonderful dinner with close friends. We generally celebrate with this gang at the end of every July to honor Greg, Jeff Andersen (23rd) and myself. As always, lots of laughs and good times were had by all. Greg snuck in a viewing of "Inception" with friends into the later hours.

For both birthdays Emma was only concerned with one thing. Cupcakes.

So naturally, we indulged her and made a batch together. As I was finishing the frosting, she insisted on perching on the counter to "test it". When I put her down, she politely asked if I could bring her a bowl of frosting to her chair so that she could finish it. HA! Girl loves herself some frosting. Just like Mama.

On the 26th, I was awakened by breakfast in bed made by my sweet husband. If you are trying to adjust the color on your screen, adjust no more, the french toast is GREEN. It's a Krebs family tradition to have green pancakes on our birthday. Knowing that I prefer french toast over pancakes, Greg spoiled me with green french toast instead. And as an even MORE thoughtful gesture, he provided me with cheerios, in case my morning sickness did not allow extra sweet french toast consumption. He is so amazingly intuitive.

The rest of my day was WONDERFUL and unfortunately without ANY pictures because our silly camera broke (or bloke as Emma would say).

I organized a swim adventure at one of Chandler's incredible (and cheap) swim parks in the morning with my super fun friends. What is a Mom to do on her birthday but plan a play date with favorite people? Thanks Kate, Emily and Lana!

The afternoon was spent lounging on the couch talking to lots of friends and family calling to send birthday greetings. It was the BEST. So many people remembered my special day and it made me feel so good inside. Thank you Thank you Thank you to all the wonderful people that called (or emailed)!

When Emma woke up from her nap, we bustled right on over to my Aunt Sharron's for yet another birthday celebration. Her daughter Sheila is here with four darling kids. We enjoyed swimming, shish kabobs, JJ's amazing lemon cake, and LOTS of laughs. I felt so loved by the end of the day, I was overflowing with gratitude. What an incredible way to ring in my 33rd year.

Because I'm a dork, I've been desperately wanting a new frying pan and large soup pot. Mine were so cheap and old the non-stick covering was flaking off into the food I was preparing. yuck. Greg obliged. AND bought me two new maternity dresses because he knew I was getting sick of my ONE dress. I tell you what, he is really a great guy.

For Greg's gift I decided to repair our BOSE speakers that he received from his law school graduation. Emma had man handled it a few too many times and the connection to the IPOD was no longer working.

PLUG FOR BOSE:
When I called BOSE to check on repair costs they told me that I could send in the old BOSE speakers to be repaired for a flat fee of $100, or I could upgrade to their newer (more AWESOME) model for a mere $200, which is 50% off the price you would pay for new BOSE speakers in the store. And if you have never heard the amazing clarity of a BOSE speaker you are seriously missing out.

Although I normally would not spend $200 on a bday gift, I knew we were getting money from both parents that could off-set the expense. And how in the WORLD could I pass up an offer like that? A new BOSE speaker set for $200? Done and done.

I ordered it late, so Greg just got a silly card promising his speakers soon... but he was THRILLED anyway.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAYS TO MY SWEETHEART AND I!!!

High Pressure Car Wash

I just have to say something about my car wash experience this morning. I try not to use my blog as a place to rant and rave... but this morning just put me over the top.

I hate washing my car. Always have. Especially hate vacuuming my car. Always have.

When I want to pamper myself I don't get pedicures or manicures, I pay to have my car professionally cleaned. SERIOUS.

Cleaning your car in the Arizona summer is the WORST of all. Who really wants to spend time outside vacuuming a car in 115 degree heat? NOBODY I know, or would care to know.

But now I am officially in a car wash conundrum. Because as of recently I have begun to also HATE the professional car wash establishments. And don't worry, I'm about to tell you why. I rolled into a car wash today (as it has easily been 4 months since my car has been vacuumed).

Names have been changed to protect the SUPER OBNOXIOUS employees, but the following conversation is as close to exact as I can remember...

First Employee: Would you like gasoline with your car wash? It makes the car wash cheaper by $2.
Tammy: No thank you, I just filled up.
Second Employee: Would you like our extra super special duper dee duper car wash that will ensure that every square inch of your car shines?
Tammy: No thank you, I just want the basic wash.
Third Employee: It seems that you have a chipped windshield... go ahead and get out your insurance card and we will take care of that for you and your car wash will be free.
Tammy: No thank you, I'm not interested.
Fourth Employee: Would you like to have this baby detailed today?
Tammy: No thank you.
Fifth Employee: Are you interested in getting an oil change after your car wash?
Tammy: No thank you, I just got my oil changed.

What I wanted to SCREAM...
"Are you people kidding me? I just want a D*** car wash!!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!"

Is anyone out there as frustrated with these places as me? Or is it the extra pregnancy hormones? And do you have a place that you get your car cleaned that does NOT pressure you into a billion things in addition to the basic car wash? I'll drive to California if necessary.

SO you can see my pickle of a predicament. Do I get over my HATRED of car washing and just do it myself or do I get over my HATRED of professional high pressure sales from the car wash employees?

And we think the pioneers had it bad. GEEZ.

PS - I would not recommend searching google images for "car wash" anytime soon, unless of course you are interested in lots and lots of soft porn. What is it about topless women and washing cars? Maybe I would enjoy washing my car more if I tried it in my daisy duke denim shorts and bikini top? hmmmmmm.....

Just call us Beyonce and Jay Z...

That's right. You read the title correctly. Move on over Beyonce and Jay Z... Greg and Tammy are in the house.

You do recordings. We do recordings.

BOO-YA!

OK. So it may not be the same genre of music. But we wore headsets all day Saturday and if that doesn't make us recording artists, I don't know what does!?!

Greg and Rob have been pals since Kindergarten. We call them BFFSK's. (Best Friends Forever Since Kindergarten for all you dummies out there)

Rob just happens to be an EXTREMELY gifted musician and composer and lets us tag along his musical genius.

His newest project is the "Lamb of God" (http://www.spiremusic.org/2010/index.php) It is a new sacred work for choir, orchestra (London Symphony) and soloists - about the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Greg and I were very honored to be part of an auditioned choir of 60 people. I was definitely out of my league with a hand full of my peers appearing as major leading roles on Broadway... but I can blend with the best of them and learned my notes well. :)

We had two rehearsals last week and then recorded from 10am - 5pm on Saturday at the Camelback Bible Church. Amazing acoustics in that cathedral that made it so resonant for a choir to record.

To say this was an incredible experience would be a GROSS understatement.

And to say Rob has absolutely out done himself with this new composition just would NOT be an adequate description.

(I'm in the pink/white stripes and Greg's in the blue/white stripes - front row) - And thanks to Allyson for letting me steal her pictures.

The babysitting was a little bit of a logistical nightmare with all our Young Women at Girls Camp - but it was WELL worth the effort. And a HUGE thank you to Greg's parents and JJ who helped us out in a bind.

It was definitely a day to remember. Exhausting and wonderful all rolled into one great big ball. So much fun that Greg and I can experience these musical opportunities together.

A special thanks to Rob for creating such a magical piece of music and allowing us to be a part. The power and magnitude of the Atonement comes shining gloriously though Rob's composition. You won't want to miss these live performances or CD's when the become available. (see above web link for all the information)

And yes, Greg and I will sign your CD. We're still, we're still the Adams from the block.

2 1/2 ... and PROUD of it.

Emma was eating her dinner PAINFULLY slow one night (which is unfortunately quite common). Greg went over to help her finish. He said to her, "good eating sweetheart" and then mumbled under his breath, "not that you should need my help at 2 1/2 but whatever".

Not 10 minutes later we were both cleaning up the kitchen, when Emma proudly held up 2 fingers and shouted, "I'm 2 and a half"! Greg's comment had helped her discover that she was MUCH MORE than just 2 and she was very, very proud. Now she exuberantly tells anyone who asks that she is 2 1/2.

She turned exactly 2 1/2 yesterday, July 11th. We had a bday party for some of Greg's family last night and I jokingly told his Mom that it was Emma's half bday as well. Being the ever doting Grammie Lou that she is, she added Emma's name to the family bday cake and bought her some cute presents at the store. Wish I had pictures but my camera battery died. Stupid batteries.

In honor of my sweet and sassy 2 1/2 year old I thought I would write down some of my favorite things that she is doing these day (read: VERY LONG POST BELOW). Mostly for my memory, so I can capture this absolutely darling stage (read: EVERYONE ELSE CAN SKIP OR SKIM). She is SO. MUCH. FUN. Is it weird of me to worry about a new baby cramping all of my fun play time with Emma? She is such a great little buddy and we have spent such a wonderful summer together in pools, classes, stores and with friends. Just love this little girl and her precious, happy personality.

• She has really taken to swimming. She was petrified at the beginning of the summer, but now proudly goes "under" all by herself and loves to be brave while swimming with Mom and Dad. She has 2 swimsuits, 1 which I prefer (SPF in the top and bottom) and 1 which she prefers complete with tacky strawberries and ruffles. Guess which one she wears 95% of the time?
• She is now "scared" of things and has insisted that we now keep her bedroom door open (much to my dismay). It started after her first and ONLY viewing of Monsters Inc. - thanks a lot cartoons. She woke up the other night screaming for Greg and insisting that there was a "lizard" in her bed. He had to show her 3 times that her bed was vacant of critters.
• When asked to do things she (mostly) proclaims "SURE!" and "OF COURSE!". It is so freakin' cute. Of course she also screams "NO!" and "DON'T SAY DAT!" as well. Not so freakin' cute.
• She can now ride her tricycle. Poor thing has her parent's athletic ability, so she has been a little slow in gross motor areas. Of course now it's too d*** hot here to ride any wheeled metal item around anywhere.
• Emma walked out on our patio the other day without shoes and found out the hard way that really hot sun on pavement equals burned feet. She was screaming bloody murderer and seemingly stuck in her spot. At least she learned her lesson. She will now not leave the house without shoes on her feet and if I go out barefoot she yells, "Mom, careful you burn your little feet".
• She loves loves loves SYTYCD and proudly points out Cat DeeWee when we watch the show. She carefully watches each dance and then tries to mimic their moves on our red rug. Some of the sultry ones are quite humorous to watch her recreate. She also watches the costumes closely and will say "Dat girl naked as a jay bird Mommy". Very true my modest little friend. Very true.
• The other day I was watching her do something and she looked up at me and angrily exclaimed, "don't be crazy at me Mom". WHAT? Where in the world did she get that phrase?
• Emma LOVES to buy things for her Daddy at the store. She will anxiously wait all day until he gets home to show him what we purchased. We bought him a few ties many months ago and now when he wears ANY tie she says, "I buy dat tie for you daddy. You're welcome."
  
• She is Miss Bossy Pants USA. She bosses around anyone and anything she can find. It's funny and embarrassing all at the same time.
• My Mom often says that I "raised myself". I often have wondered what that meant until the other day. Emma threw food, told me she was going into time out, sat there for what she thought was the appropriate amount of time, came out, asked herself why she was in time out, answered her own question with "I throwed food", asked herself if that was a good or bad choice, again answered her own question with "bad choice", told me she wouldn't throw food again and went along her merry little way. I kind of just sat there dumb struck. Uhhhh... ok.... is that good or bad parenting? Still not sure.
• She LOVES to do things as a family. She will happily say anytime we are doing anything, "we all eat dinner together OR we all ride in the car together OR we all wear flip flops together!" She also loves to find things in common with other people/children and will use the same phrase for that as well, "we all wear pink together OR we all go swimming together." I think it's just her social nature that she loves to be with and around other people and finds great joy in this. Like mother like daughter. :)
• Her memory never ceases to amaze me. I wish my inadequate memory could recall more specific examples, but almost every day she will see something or someone that spurs a memory (some short term, some long term) and she will excitedly say, "Mom, you member when...?" We pulled into Arizona Mills Mall parking lot on Saturday when she looked around and said, "member when we came here to see the fishies together Daddy?" We had taken her to the aquarium a MONTH previous and there were absolutely no signs of the fish or the aquarium anywhere near where we parked. She just recognized the parking lot. Seriously?

• She LOVES sweets. I really try to limit her intake, but the other day I went to Paradise Bakery for a sandwich. They give you a free cookie which Emma spied immediately. I told her she could hold it in her hand, but could not eat it until AFTER her lunch. I looked back at her in the rear view mirror and saw her SMELLING the cookie, but very obediently NOT eating the cookies. I felt so bad for her that I told her she could have a few bites. Evidently, we need to work on the definition of "few" because when I looked back again, the cookie was gone. The only evidence was the chocolate smeared all over her face and a huge grin (see pic above).
• She is still our singing wonder and we LOVE it. It keeps us entertained all day long, every day. She now knows at least a dozen Primary songs completely by memory and will sing them for anyone anytime (if you bribe her with a cookie). Her largest audience was our family reunion last weekend where she proudly stood on her chair and sang "As I Have Loved You" full voice for 30-40 family members. Clearly gets her stage presence from her Daddy. She also knows at least 15-20 other kids songs that she just loves to BELT around the house. Our current favorites are "Hakuna Matata", "Together At Last" from Annie, and the "Hokey Pokey". She still thoroughly enjoys also making up her own songs and will frequently be caught singing to her stuffed animals or just to herself while she plays.
• Speaking of music, she also still loves to help her Mother with the church choir. Last month we sang "Teach Me To Walk" which is one of her favorites. She ran down to the pews during rehearsal, stood up on the bench, and started waving her arms in circles and singing the song with the choir in FULL VOICE. The choir had a hard time focusing so we had to tell Emma to stop. :)
• She is STILL almost DAILY reliving the wonderful moment when she was reunited with Greg after our trip to Kentucky (in May). "You member when I saw Daddy in his green shirt and screamed and ran to him saying Daddy! Daddy! I miss you."
• Emma has a bedtime routine that if broken can be disastrous. And she reminds us every night. She gets on her pajamas FIRST, then she drinks some milk while reading books/scriptures, then we say prayers, then she brushes her teeth, then she goes to sing songs with Daddy and go to bed. She still sleeps with a myriad of animals and insists on "roll call" with them every night to make sure they are all there. JJ and Zac watched her a few weekends ago and when they put her to bed they didn't know what she meant by "roll call", so sweet Zac made up a song using those words to pacify her. :) It worked apparently and she went to bed, probably a little confused, but satisfied. She loves to give me kisses all the way up every single banister railing and she still still droans like a monk right before she actually falls to sleep. Been doing that since she was an infant. We call her our own little "Moaning Myrtle".
• Emma has a new found appreciation for personal hygiene and LOVES to put on my "doderant". She takes off the cap, and rolls it up her entire inside arm and arm pit. I told her once she only needed it in her arm pit and she retorted, "no, I think I need it on my arm, too. I smell so really better now".
• She is obsessed with chewing gum. Obsessed. I've worked on teaching her to "chew" the gum, but inevitably she is turning around asking for another piece.
• She LOVES to pretend to talk on her princess cell phone. She most often calls her cousins Ben, Ty, Aliya and Anna - but will also make calls to Grandparents, Laura and other various family members. She has complete conversations where she can often be heard saying "well..., maybe..., really?..." and other such phrases that she SURELY hears from her Mother. She OFTEN invites the other telephone party to join her at the pool or movie on "Saturday". If she can't find her phone, she'll use any object that fits up to her ear.
• She loves to hide from us and will be heard saying, "where'd your baby doll go Mommy"?
• Emma is still infatuated with books and reading. She could read for hours a day. She has a handful of her shorter books somewhat memorized and loves reading to us. She is so happy reading to her stuffed animals or just browsing her books alone on the couch. Of course she also loves to cuddle up to Greg or I for a good reading session as well.
• I bought her some pipe cleaner and beads the other day at Michael's and she spent the better part of the afternoon stringing bracelets for herself and other family members. She was planning on giving at least 2 to Greg when he came home from work, but when I tried to take them from her she said, "Um... actually I think these are for Emma." :)
  
• As evidenced by the pictures below, she just got her VERY FIRST real haircut. When she was itty bitty, I used to cut her mullet to ensure that she didn't look strange, but once it got long, I just let it grow and only cut her bangs. (SIDENOTE: one of my biggest pet peeves in life is children's bangs in their eyes so I was a little nutty about making sure that you could always see Emma's beautiful blue eyes under her hair.) Anyway, her hair was getting REALLY long in the back and starting to get a little stringy. So, I took her to "Cool Cuts 4 Kids" and got her hair trimmed about an inch and a half. They were SO great. Let her pick her own car to sit in and her own movie to watch while they cut. The stylist even did her hair in braids and put sparkles in it like a "princess". Emma was pleased as could be and reminds me every day of the time that she went to get her hair cut in the fire engine. I paid about $10 more than a cut at Fantastic Sams or other such establishment, but I think it was worth it for her first trip. Now we'll see if I fork it out for other future trips?? I may have ruined her forever.

WE LOVE OUR SWEET AND SASSY 2 1/2 YEAR OLD! Thanks for bringing so much joy to our lives little "baby doll".

Our Grand Escape

Her sweet, content, little face says it all.

We escaped the 115 degrees of Phoenix Friday afternoon and arrived in the 65 degrees of Forest Lakes Friday evening. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.....

We are so blessed to have my Grandparents cabin to use as our escape resort when DESPERATELY needed during the summer heat wave.

We decided to celebrate our Fourth of July up in the mountains. Greg's extended family was having a reunion in Show Low (about 45 minutes away) - so we had a wonderful time bouncing from the cabin to the reunion. We even loved all the driving because the weather was so GORGEOUS!!

Laura joined us at the cabin and spoiled Emma - as always. What would an Aunt be without free chocolate hand outs?

We enjoyed a brief hike in the beautiful mountains.

If you look closely, you'll notice that Emma is taking my Grandpa's dog on the walk with us. She insisted on holding the leash.

I was really horrible at pictures this weekend and didn't get ANY of the reunion. But, we had a really great time with Greg's extended family playing games, laughing and sharing memories around the campfire.

We also enjoyed fireworks in Heber on Saturday night. Luckily, my Aunt and Uncle live across the street from the football field where the fireworks are set off. So, we crashed on their lawn with absolutely no crowds to fight and had a FRONT ROW SEAT. We were actually COLD as we watched them and got to cuddle in sweatshirts and blankets!! It was wonderful!! Emma was in a state of complete EUPHORIA with the fireworks. She was giggling constantly through the whole show and saying, "WOW! Oh my goodness! So pretty! Look!" I hope to upload a video soon of her hysterical enjoyment.

Hope you enjoyed a wonderful Fourth weekend as well!

Summertime... and the livin' is EASY...

The livin' is EASY, if you aren't living in LIFE SUCKING heat that is... and if you think I'm exaggerating, come to Arizona and spend an afternoon in 115 degrees running errands with a toddler. WOW. Good thing it's a dry heat, cause it makes me want to create all the necessary moisture with tears.

Oh and livin' would also be easier if all morning/afternoon/evening sickness would minimize... but I'm almost to 14 weeks, which is when things started to improve with Emma, so here's hoping.

But, in happy summertime news, the livin' really is easy for my little Emma. She enjoys swimming almost every day (either in a big pool or our blow up pool on the patio). We also enjoyed our first summer movie together at the dollar theater on Tuesday, just the two of us, and what a splendid time we had. She was just happy as a little clam, and I have to say, I was too.

We also try to stay busy with a few classes through the City of Tempe. This month we have done a music class and swimming class. I decided to let Greg in on the fun, and signed her up for a Saturday swim class, which has been enjoyable for daddy and daughter. Next month we'll do Art and Dance. They are so cheap and keep us out of the heat!

Below are some pics of Greg and Emma in her swim class...


We also have another little swimmer in the family. Thankfully, we don't have to pay for his/her swim classes quite yet. This is from an ultrasound on Monday. Just a question to throw out there... do they also train ultrasound technicians on PAIN and TORTURE?? Mine was seriously jabbing me in the gut with all the pressure she could muster. If I bruised easily (which I don't) I KNOW I would have had some crazy bruising. Ouch. At least we found out that our little person was alive and well, which is always comforting for a parent.

Happy Summertime living to you and yours!!

And HAPPY FOURTH of JULY!!! (cue music) I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free... cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA. What would the Fourth of July be without fireworks and cheesy music, huh? :)

A photographer's view of the wedding.

You tired of my Kentucky/Wedding pictures yet?

Well, too bad. We just received some of the professional photographer's pics and I just HAD to share. The photographer was Emily's sister and I think she did a really great job. Of course, two of my favorite shots are of my Dad and Emma... but I'm only slightly biased. :)

Sorry though. She unfortunately, did not get my "skirt on the floor" shot. (See previous wedding post for details if you missed the story)

And yes. This will be the last set of pictures from Kentucky, I promise.

Kentucky Krebs Kuzzins

Before I go into a HUGE picture post of our wonderful time in Kentucky, I'd like to introduce you to Emma's Krebs cousins...

Ben is the oldest (almost 4) and belongs to Jeff and Ashlee.

Tyler is 3 weeks younger than Emma and Ben's brother. Note the cast. And cupcake remains. (and YES, he usually does wear a shirt, but COME ON! We're visiting Kentucky where shirts and shoes are optional.)
Aliya is 4 months younger than Emma and Ty Ty and is Matt and Corinda's oldest.
Joseph is our newest cousin as of May and is Aliya's baby brother... best baby EVER! Only time I heard him cry on our 2 week trip was when Matt dropped his car seat carrier on the steps. Smooth move Exlax.
Emma's only requirement when told we were visiting Kentucky was that she see horses. She reminded my parents of it EVERY SINGLE TIME we spoke on the phone. And my Dad did not disappoint! He even got us hooked up to RIDE horses and Emma had the time of her life!

Stopping for a photo shoot. No joke - she seriously posed herself like this. I think she has a bright future in modeling, don't you?




One of the sad moments of our trip was saying goodbye to Uncle Bubby (John) for 2 years!! She refused to take the picture without Mickey.
We had a wonderful FHE evening at a jump house. Emma had never been to one and had the TIME of her LIFE. They had an area specifically designated for 3 and under. It was GREAT!


We took a Saturday hike to Raven Run - which seemed like a great idea - until we realized we had a SLEW of children and the hike was 1 mile down to the Kentucky River and 1 mile back up. Pictured here are some of Emma's adopted cousins (Sarah, Jacob, Josh, Annabelle) who belong to Sean and Amber Marcum. Sean lived with our family on and off through middle and high school and we love having them join us on adventures.
I believe this is the only moment where Emma was standing on her own two feet. She was not feeling well that day...
So the princess was carried down by Grandpa Krebs (yes she is 20 pounds too heavy for the infant backpack).
And carried back up by Uncle Bubby. What a lucky girl!! (a phrase she says to me often)
The cousins helped do Saturday chores... which at our home is a rite of passage.
We played at MULTIPLE parks on MULTIPLE days.
We splashed in the fountain in the middle of downtown Lexington. It's kind of what white trash families do for fun - but HEY the kids were hot and we're proud to claim a white trash title for their sake.

We enjoyed a fun trip to the Children's Museum where they could build life size lego castles...
And play in toddler size sinks full of water and toys...
And relax on an Emma size couch to read a book! What a life.
This was Emma's prized possession while we were visiting. She came with a Mickey fetish and when she found Glen's life size Mickey (from when he was a baby) - she flipped a lid. She carried him around everywhere. One day she yelled from the living room that she was "cuddling with Mickey", when I went to check on her she was actually laying on top of him giving him hugs and kisses. Guess we better work on "For the Strength of Youth" concepts NOW. And NO, for your information, she still sleeps in a crib still and has never "walked in" on anything...
The cousins enjoyed eating together...
And ROCKIN' out to Rock Band together...
And making play dough with Grandma Krebs together!
Emma thoroughly enjoyed all the extra attention and was pretty disappointed to come home to just ME during the days again.

My parents bought the kids a Slip and Slide while we were there and it was a hit for a few mornings. Of course, Emma did not like it to spray in her eyes and instisted that the water stay OFF while she ran along the slide. Kind of missed the concept, but whatever.


And when they hadn't gotten enough water outside, they came inside to play together in the bath tub.
Here we are making cupcakes for the wedding reception. When I got there, all the assignments had been given out, so they gave me the "difficult task" of putting the jelly beans on the cupcakes. I kind of felt like the token disabled employee who was allowed to participate... but just BARELY.
Special thanks to Julie Nicholls who let us use her AMAZING kitchen for the festivities. My Mom's recipes were incredible and it was as much fun to taste them as it was to make them.

The kids LOVED reading books with Grandpa, and this scene with the four of them surrounded by a book on his lap was a frequent occurence.
Of course, Emma (always the Mother) took it upon herself to read to Aliya when she was commandeering her baby brother's swing. How kind.

We just had such a marvelous time together. These cousins live in Oregon, Arizona and Kentucky and we just don't get to see them as much as we would like. The wedding and week after enabled us to spend lots of fun quality time together and the kids had a BLAST.

Thanks to my Mom and Dad who TIRELESSLY hosted us all for 2 weeks. Cooking dinner, playing games, cleaning, entertaining, shopping, babysitting, reading and so much more! The cousins sure LOVE their Grandma and Grandpa Krebs.