Dallas Trip

When I realized that the kids had both the Friday before and Monday after President's Day off, I knew that I had to take advantage of that opportunity.  So, when I got a Travelocity update for $150 tickets to Dallas, it was a done deal. Kate, Emmett and I went to visit some of our favorite people, The Hatch Family, and Jackson stayed behind with Jason because he'd committed to a soccer tournament that weekend.  I was waffling about what I should do with Ava but in the end decided that I didn't want Jackson to feel bad about being the only one left behind, so she stayed.  Big mistake.  The day I was packing and Ava realized that she wasn't coming, she cried hard for over an hour - not a temper tantrum kind of crying but a real heartbroken one.  Through the tears she kept saying, "But I'm a good girl".  That about killed me and I had to tell her over and over again that she wasn't being punished and that she was going to have fun with Daddy.  Gratefully, she tired herself out and fell asleep on the car ride to the airport so there wasn't another tearful good-bye.

From the time we arrived in Dallas, Kate and Abby were attached at the hip.  They had the absolute best time together just hanging around and being silly together.  I just know that those two girls are going to be best friends forever. 

Sarah fell completely in love with Emmett and was the perfect helper the entire weekend.  She is going to be the BEST babysitter ever!

We were lucky to eat at Joe T. Garcia's, a famous Dallas Mexican restaurant.  The fajitas were yum, yum, yummy!

Valentine's Day was super fun thanks to Anne and her uncanny ability to think of the perfect thing for everyone.  The

 kids all got giftcards to Target and we spent a really fun afternoon with them while they shopped to their hearts content.

It is wonderful to spend time with friends that no matter what you do it is fun.  The kids all just hung out and played in yard for hours on end, creating a "Cool Kids Clubhouse" and making contraptions like this one.  What in the world?  Well, at least they had fun and so did I!  We already miss the Hatches like crazy.  Can't wait for the next trip. 

Emmett's Blessing - February 8th

I am woefully behind on my blogging.  After looking back at the 2007 blogging book I really appreciated the memories that I had recorded.  So, this year I may not always be spot on with my blogging but I am going to document those important events in our lives.  This is after all, the best journal I've ever kept.

Emmett was blessed on February 8th in the Brockett Ward.  It was a special day for many reasons not the least of which was that he shared his blessing day with my Mom's birthday.  The weekend was a total whirlwind of fun and family with both sets of grandparents making the trip out to Atlanta. My Dad arrived on Friday early morning and we were able to catch up and visit. Ava took him out to her favorite "hot lunch"  spot, The Grove.  Shortly thereafter, Mom and Dad Hansen and Mom Anderson arrived on the scene. 

Saturday morning the guys went to "Flapjacks and a Flick" at the local movie theater where they watched the Pink Panther 2 and ate pancakes to their hearts content.  The ladies headed over to the nail salon for a mani/pedi together. 

This was Ava's first experience at the nail salon 

and although she had a hard time sitting still, I think that she really loved every minute of it.

Kate, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran and knew exactly what colors she wanted.  Purple for the fingers and pink for the toes!  Being the kill joy that I am, I suggested that she reverse the two in light of church the next day and she reluctantly agreed.

Sunday was a wonderful day - hectic and harried  but wonderful!  Jason had to leave early for a bishopric (church) meeting so I had to rally the troops alone.  I had the bright idea to get some pictures before the blessing which made us 5 minutes late for church.  Classic.  I do love this picture of the 4 kids though.

We made it though and Jason gave Emmett a wonderful blessing.  We were thrilled to find that one of Jason's childhood best friends, Garin Hess, was in town and came to our ward for church.  It was wonderful that he was able to take part in the blessing. 

Here are a couple of my favorite pictures of the little man in his raw silk blessing gown (or dress as Gramma Hansen calls it).  

This is Emmett just before church began.  Fed, content and happy.  He slept for the entire 3 hours of church.  

Of course, he woke up as we were getting into the car and decided that he was indeed hungry.  Look at that bottom lip!

PC or not?

Three times now I have had people tell me that Emmett has "chinky" eyes!  Yes...they all said "chinky".  Seriously now, who says things like that.  I am not in the least bit offended or shocked that they think his eyes are slanted but because they each used a term I have always believed to be a slur.  I am wondering if I am mistaken about this though because one of the people that made the comment was actually an Asian girl in her early 20's.  Even if it isn't a slur, I honestly can't imagine myself ever using the word.  But just for the sake of argument, does anybody know the answer?  

As a funny aside, this weekend one person gently asked in a round about way "what my heritage was".  My reply, "Scandinavian and German".  Their reply, "Hmmmm.  Nothing else?  Really?"  It made me laugh and hey, at least they were polite. 

All Smiles

As previously posted, Emmett has found his voice and is easy to smile.  He reminds us a lot of Jackson at this age in that his arms and legs are always moving.  Apparently he's got places to go. 

The smiles come toward the end of the clip so hang in there.  Enjoy the cuteness Grandma and Gramma!

Blogging Book

Grandma Hansen won the favorite Christmas gift award, when she made a book out of my blogging from 2007.  The tears flowed as I looked back over that year and all that we went through as a family.  The book is something that I'll treasure forever.

I was so happy with the book that I wanted to create a book for 2008 and one of Kate's blog too.  I was so disappointed when I went to Blurb's site and found that they no longer had access to Blogger's accounts though.  For those of you that don't know, you can literally download your entire blog to Blurb and then you simply arrange the text and pictures to your liking.  Well, good news!  Blurb again has access to blogger so you can easily create your own book.  Blurb is very user friendly and easy to navigate so check it out if you are interested.

Growing Like a Weed

Emmett had his 2 month doctor appointment yesterday and he's definitely been doing his share of growing. He is in the 50th percentile for each area of growth. These are the stats:

Weight - 11 pounds 4.5 ounces

Length - 22 3/4 inches

Head circumference - 15 5/8 inches

Emmett began smiling 2 weeks ago, cooing and trying to "talk" back when we talk to him. I am amazed at how his gummy little smile melts my heart. The whole family is gettting a kick out his increased responsiveness and the kids try so hard to get those smiles. Emmett also began sleeping in his crib and wakes twice at night for feedings (can I get a whoot-whoot?). In other news, he is in 3-6 month clothing, loves car rides and is fascinated by his crib mobile.

Two months have flown by and we continue to feel so blessed to have Emmett as a part of our family.

PS-Emmett is wearing his blessing gown in the picture in case you were wondering what I was doing to my child by dressing his "like a girl". Fret not, he is normally dressed appropriately, this was the only smiling picture that I have right now.