Tulip Festival 2013

Another perk of living in Sedro Woolley is being so close to the Tulip Festival.  I have always heard such amazing things about the Tulip Festival, but have never had the chance to actually see and experience it for myself.  Kent and I made sure we made time to check it out.  We actually went twice since there were quite a few fields of flowers to see.  The flowers were absolutely georgous and I look forward to next year!

Emma giving Squirt kisses

Our beautiful daughter



Mommy giving Emma kisses



Just a sample of the beautiful tulips we saw.

Emma taking a break from smelling the flowers.



Emma had a blast running wild in the flowers.

After running around wild Emma wasn't quite ready to settle down.

Mommy and Emma enjoying the flowers.

Anacortes

On our second adventure in our new home we took Kent's sister to a beach in Anacortes.  We packed a picnic and headed to the beach for some fun in the sand!  Aunt Laura helped Emma build sand castles and of course Emma immediately knocks it down.  While we were playing in the sand the fishing boats attracted a couple of sea lion friends.  We had lots of fun exploring the beach and hope Aunt Laura visits again soon!

Auntie Laura (Urla) and Emma building sandcastles.

Emma filling her bucket with sand for her castle.

Our friendly sea lion waiting for the fishing boats to leave him some left overs!

Emma escaping from being buried in the sand!

Daddy and Emma throwing rocks in the ocean!

It looked like so much fun Auntie Laura had to join in!

Padilla Bay

Now that our family has settled down in Sedro Woolley, we have had the chance to do a little exploring.  On our first adventure we headed to Padilla Bay.  We spent most of the time exploring the beach looking for crabs and other sea creatures.  Then we headed up to the Padilla Bay research reserve.  Inside they had lots of information about the bay along with an aquarium.  We hope to go back soon and spend more time exploring the trails.

Trying to find the perfect rock!

Digging in the very wet sand.  Emma wanted to try building a sand castle!

Emma's first crab!

Emma was not too sure about the crab.



But she did enjoy moving the rocks to find them!

Easter 2013

Since the majority of our family was out of town or working Kent, Emma and I spent Easter with Kent's cousin Kyle and his family in Olympia.  One of the perks of living in Western Washington is being able to spend more time with our extended family and attending our family events.  Kyle and Emily made a delicious dinner and of course put on an Easter egg hunt for the kiddos.  I was so happy Emma had the chance to participate in an egg hunt this year.  Last year she was still a little young and did not quite grasp the concept of finding eggs, but this year she definitely caught on quickly.  Thanks Kyle and Emily for having us over for Easter!  We had a great time and enjoyed watching Emma play with her cousins!

The Hunting Begins



And the hunt begins!

 

Look Daddy I found one!

Our attempt at getting all of the kids to smile for the camera!

Checking out the goodies in the eggs!



Some post egg hunt jumping!

The girls eating there Easter cupcakes!

 

Seattle Pacific Science Center

For Emma's birthday her Aunt Laura (as Emma would say Aunt Urla) bought her a gift certificate to be used at the Seattle Pacific Science Center, so since Squirt's baby shower was cancelled we thought it would be fun to head to Seattle with Aunt Urla.

Riding the ferry to Seattle! 

Bubble racing

Checking out the dinosaurs.

Taking a ride on what I think is either a caterpillar or a centipede.  Not quite sure.

The coolest exhibit at the science center was definitely the butterfly sanctuary. 

This little guy was very fond of Kent.

Thanks Aunt Urla for taking us to the science center!  We had lots of fun!

 

The PURRfect birthday!

Well,  Emma's best friend in the entire world right now is her very furry kitty cat Walle.  From the day she was born she has loved Walle.  During tummy time as an infant Emma absolutely loved wiggling her toes in Walle's fur.  Though it has taken time for Walle to warm up to Emma he seems pretty fond of her as well.  So, for Emma's 2nd birthday I thought it was fitting to have a black and white kitty cat themed party for her.  At first I thought there would be lots of ideas out there for decorating, cake ideas, etc.  Well I was wrong.  Everything I found was either Cat in the Hat or Hello Kitty.  But, I did find some really cute ideas and Emma's birthday was a blast.  I hope everyone who came enjoyed themselves and thanks for celebrating our precious little girl's 2nd birthday!

 

The Inspiration!

 



 

Emma wiggling her toes in Walle's fur!

Best Friends

Kitty Cat Party



I made cat ears out of headbands and felt for each of the children.  I think the boys thought it was too girlie, but Emma and Lainey enjoyed them!

Emma and her friend Lainey!  Don't they make adorable kitties? 

The yummy food!

Emma's kitty cat cupcakes!

We couldn't have a kitty cat party without some mice!

To keep the kids entertained we filled a tub with rice and added plastic animals! 

 

It was quite the hit!

Unwrapping presents!!!

She received a very cute dolly (Rita) from her Great Aunt Kathy.  Thanks Aunt Kathy!

Waiting patiently as we sing happy birthday.

YUMMY!

Eating her favorite pink ice cream.

(Prior to the party I scooped the ice cream into cupcake wrappers.  I definitely recommend doing this for parties!)

Our beautiful 2 year old!!!