Happy Birthday...and the smurfs returned!

It was a happy, but bittersweet day for this mama. Emma turned a year old today, and I still can't believe that a year has already come and gone! It was such a fun year, and is enjoyed it more than I would have ever thought possible. 

God gave us a special gift in Emma, and she is well loved, protected, and smothered by her older brothers! :) Apparently, Emma was supposed to wake up this morning ready to walk. The first things Garett said to Emma was, "okay, Emma, time to walk!" :) Wyatt wanted to know why Emma didn't walk today. While she is close to walking, she hasn't taken her first steps yet, but that's okay by me. :)

Garett was able to ride in the truck while my dad hauled sweet corn last night. Garett had a great time, and stayed awake until one in the morning! Needless to say, he's a bit tired today. I'm so thankful that my dad willingly offers to take them along on trips like this as the boys can glean so much from real life experiences. Tonight Chandler gets to ride along, and oh, is he ever excited! He's determined to beat Garett's record of one in the morning...we will see. :)

We were able to visit at a friends house for brunch today. Phil and Autumn Hammond have a pond with a paddle boat, so the boys were as happy as clams! :) Travis did not stay a awake on the way home, but the boys all talked about what a fun time they had at the Hammonds house. 

I was a little sad this afternoon thinking about Emma's birthday and how different this birthday has been compared to the other children's first birthday. With out Roger here, it's kinda difficult to get excited about birthday cakes, small gifts, and pandemonium. However, all the kids wanted Emma to have cake, so at six o'clock, we piled in the car to go get cake. Emma "picked" out some princess cupcakes with the help of her brothers...after Travis was voted down on his attempt to have the digger cupcakes. :) Back at home, we lit the candle, sang happy birthday, and let Emma enjoy her cake. She loved it...and made a huge mess, and the boys were delighted! :) I'm glad I made the effort, and while it's not the same, it is still a memory created. 

The boys wanted to do an art project today, and they decided upon shaving cream "paint". What a mess! You take shaving cream and mix it with food coloring...which I forgot how much that can dye clothes...and hair! They painted all over the deck, and themselves, and had a marvelous time while doing it. I was a little worried about all that coloring in the tub, but they rinsed off in the pool...which is now blue! Thankfully, all the food coloring came out of the clothes and hair! I'm really thankful that we were able to do that project outside! 

Another day has come to a close, one that was both delightful and challenging. I'm thankful for memories created, family, water, and soap. :)