First Timers!

Emma has been such a joy lately - watching her grow and learn and think and respond is such a treat. It all reminds me of how fortunate we are to have Emma in our lives! Below is her "first day of school" picture. Actually, her first day back at Carol's for the fall. She goes for about three hours in the morning, gets the pre-K curriculum that Carol does with the kids, and play time and social interaction with the kids as well. She has really formed a sweet relationship with two of the younger girls, both three, who come running to her every time we step in the door. It is very endearing and also reminds me of how lucky we are to have Carol and Tuffy in our lives and as a part of Emma's life.

Emma had her first ballet class of the season last week, and I could not have been prouder!!! Ballet was quite a struggle last year - all she wanted to do was run around, boss the other kids around, do her own thing, and basically be silly the whole class. What a difference a year makes!!!! After class I told her how proud I was of her (over and over again to be honest!), and she said, "I know, did you see how the other kids weren't listening, and how they were running all around? I only looked over once to make sure you were there." Oh, my heart melts!

AND Emma has started soccer at the Y this fall. It is only about 7 games, but again, what a difference a year makes!!!! Elliott and couple other dads are "coaching" and there is such a great group of 4/5 year olds on her team. We also decided to do Saturday mornings, so Elliott wouldn't miss any. I think that was a wise choice for Emma, as by 6pm she is pretty wiped out from her day! Here she is in goalie, however most of her time in goalie was spent playing in the net, getting her hair caught. One time the other team scored a goal because she had gotten her shoe caught in the net and couldn't move:)

Emma is also progressing her in "reading" skills. The other day we were driving in the car and she said, "Look mom, this guys name is Tim!" She was looking at the cover of TIME magazine and had sounded out "Tim".... Bursting buttons of course:)

What else? Well, this morning she had her first cavity filled (hopefully the next will be many moons away!), Friday morning she has surgery on her cleft palate and will spend the night in the hospital for recovery, and then next Friday the 30th we MOVE into our new home!!!!

We are very thankful for all of the wonderful fruits of life headed our way lately. I am especially thankful Elliott is willing to work so hard at his new job, to provide for us as a family in so many ways!!! Thanks honey....

Love to all....