... and we're back...

We made it back from a whirlwind trip to Utah. It was time for Emma's yearly appointment with her Pediatric Pulmonologist, and we made a weekend out of it. Dr. Uchida was pleased she has not been sick since we started her on the current medicine routine, and we will go back down next October. The two of us did a little shopping at the Gateway mall - Emma desperately needed a pair of jeans and we did a little Christmas shopping (from the clearance racks... score!). Kynlee and Ambria both have October birthdays, so we had a family party for them while we were down there too. Here are 5 of the 6 grandkids on the James side - love that cute little baby Tavyn!

Special Party Day

The girls and I went to a Halloween party this afternoon and all day Emma called it our "Special Party Day." I didn't have their costumes completed, so I asked Emma if she wanted to be a ladybug like last year. She thought for a minute and said "Hmmm, I just want to be a bunny ballerina." And so she was! We found a black leotard, pink tutu and bunny ears, and I added a tail to the tutu... perfect! Macie ended up as a ladybug, and they were too cute!

She is always on the move, and won't stay still for pictures. Emma's best ballerina pose!This was actually the best picture I got of them together. Emma, cousin McCarty and Macie enjoying frozen bananas at the party. She was the cutest little bee!

We also made these ghost cookies yesterday - super easy and yummy! Got the idea here.

Fall fun

Emma has been begging to do more fun things together, which usually means she wants me to dig into the craft closet and do something with her and not Macie. Lucky for us, Macie has discovered Cheetos, and is happy as long as she is eating. Love that. This first craft idea came from Funny Days with Mommy and Maddie, and Emma loved it! Little apples!

She has been hauling them around in a basket for days now, and instructing us that they are actually not good to eat, and we can have a make-believe apple if we are really hungry. Just don't eat her apples.
I am just introducing the idea of taking turns/following rules in a game, and it's not going so hot right now. I got this idea from Chasing Cheerios, and adapted it to use a dice, as that is what Emma is interested in right now. The basic idea is roll a number, pick a piece from that section. We get to 'make pumpkins' and it's pretty fun!

I love Macie's big Cheetos grin!

{accidental discovery}

The kids and I were at the thrift store a couple months ago, and there was a bundle of tupperware containers there - 7 for $5. All different sizes, but in great shape. I settled them all in the car, with a little one between the girls. Emma thought that was a great idea, and set her purse, sunglasses, etc. in it. Well, I took it from there and have since been packing a 'toy tub' in the car. This is what is usually in it, although I do rotate some.

Yellowstone Wildlife guide - Emma loves to pick out the animals we see

Colors & Shapes books

Magna Doodle

Penguin

Kaleidoscope

Melissa & Doug wooden worm

I Spy bag

Polka dot bag for crayola roll-up crayons

My Little Pony Activity Pad

Lacing cards (in black zipper bag)

Even when we just head to the grocery store, the girls love it! It has sure been a lifesaver when we go to Idaho Falls or Ogden. For the long trips, I picked up the Brain Quest flip card things, as well as some 'what doesn't match?' cards and I sit in the back seat and play together. I am also always on the hunt at Target's dollar section for something new to add. I love those accidental discoveries that make life easier!

silly sisters

Instead of naps lately, Emma grabs her boppy and blanket and lays down to watch TV and have some 'quiet time'. Guaranteed within four minutes of Emma laying down, Macie comes over to bug her. It's funny to watch because Macie knows she is just going to make Emma mad, and Emma knows if she lays there, Macie is on her way. Yet it still happens. Almost daily.

Leapfrog

Nick got this LeapFrog Click Start Computer for Emma, and she has been loving it! She has played with it nonstop for two days... connected to the tv and just sitting next to Nick on his laptop. Too cute!