Growing greater: A fun day at Eme's...

Julie and I decided that today would be a good day to take the girls' picture that we plan to put on their birthday invitation. Bless their hearts (and ours). Our photo shoot started inside. Julie pulled out all of the tricks! The theme is "jumping into their 2nd year" I guess you'd say. So, first, we tried getting a picture of them jumping on a mini-trampoline. That didn't work so well since Addi doesn't know how to jump yet and neither girl would "ham it up" and smile. Next, Julie blew up the huge "jumpy." Emerson bounced like a maniac, and Addi would have nothing to do with it and held onto me for life. Then, we moved the mini-tramp outside, which was fine but HOT! Eventually, we moved the girls back inside, and by this time, Ashley and Griffin had arrived for the play date. Ashley, Julie, and I tried dancing, jumping, and acting oh, so goofy, but never got many smiles from both girls at the same time. Sweet Griffin played and tried to help the girls "smile" through the whole event. Then, we headed outside for water day, but again, the heat was just draining- even with water, overhead cover, and a fan. The kids had a good time but didn't seem to want to stay out very long. It was a lot of fun despite the picture glitches. I still haven't quite gotten the hang of uploading my pictures in reverse to get them in the correct order on the blog, so these are all out of order. I'm learning- slowly but surely.

John, I have to tell you just how much we are missing you and look forward to having you come home (and not for the reason that follows)! I've always known that you do A LOT around here, but don't know that I could truly appreciate all that you do until now. I'm pretty worn out! We love you and can't wait to see you!

I've also decided that "the terrible twos" start before age two. Today has been so much better than yesterday. Yesterday, Addi and I had a busy day. By the end, she'd bitten me twice, had multiple time-outs and spankings, and almost/had her mommy in tears. Not one of our best days together. I guess some days are like that.