Sunday, January 11, 2015

Emma's Birthday Celebrations

When there is a birthday to celebrate, Dom's is the place to go. Emma invited her friends, Meagan, Katie, and Maddie. Here they are making pizzas with Dom.



Ready to eat!
The birthday girl made a special heart shaped pizza for us
Sprite cheers!
Chris & Arianna hanging out
Our wonderful friends who helped Emma celebrate
Funny reactions while opening presents

Dom made Emma a special Nutella birthday pizza. He came out singing at the top of his lungs. :)
Making a wish
I think Arianna is enjoying it
4 slumber party girls watching cartoons before breakfast
The birthday girl was the first person up today, so she got her special birthday cinnamon roll on the couch (rather than a donut in bed)
The official birthday portrait
Opening some Littlest Pet Shop animals from Aunt Mandy
 Ever After High doll from Nana & Grandpa
 Camden was in charge of wrapping Emma's present from us.  He loaded up a cereal box with rocks to throw her off. She was over the moon excited when she pulled out an iPod touch.


 10 candles to make a wish on!



A Decade of Emma

As I sit and write this at 2:58 p.m. on January 11, 2015, it is hard to believe that a decade has passed since Emma Louise Kasparek came into this world at 2:58 p.m. on January 11, 2005.
A decade of smiles, laughter, imagination, determination, and most of all, love!


Here are 10 pictures of 10 years of Emma 










Saturday, January 10, 2015

Home for the Holidays: A Few Week 2 Highlights

A cold and sinus infection slowed this blogger down BIG TIME after Christmas.  I'm sad to say the camera stayed in its case most of our last week in Iowa.  

Emma in front of the Iowa State Capitol
Nana, Emma, Camden, and Grandpa
We surprised the kids with some special dinner guests: 6 of their fabulous Camp Adventure counselors from last summer
While hanging out at Grandma Rose's house, Camden, Cole, and Emma raided the candy jars
 This little lady is ready to ring in the New Year!
Our New Year's Eve fiesta dinner in Iowa City


Home for the Holidays: Merry Christmas!

Christmas morning in Winterset

2 excited kids, sitting at the top of the steps at Nana & Grandpa's house, waiting to see what Santa brought them...
 And they're off!
 A few of their priceless reactions




 Scooters and walkie-talkies on Christmas afternoon

 An after dinner game of Clue
 Touring the light display around the city park

I love my town square! 
 It was almost magical on Christmas night with no one around but us