Picture Perfect.

You know what I love about pictures? They capture the sweet little moments through life that you don't ever want to lose.  They give you the ability to catch all those precious little smiles, and all the firsts on film to remember for always.  They also allow you to take the opportunity to use that fantastic surprise "this almost looks normal" picture in a chaotic, full tantrum conundrum of screams and impressive body thrashing, to somehow trick your future self into thinking that her first parade was a success.  We still had a little fun even though we didn't get to stay for the marching bands and little guys on motorcycles ;)

Last weekend, Emma got to stay with Grandma Tina and Grandpa Dan while Brett and I went to Oklahoma City.  This weekend, she got to see them again while they came up for the Big 12 games.  Emma loves her grandparents! Next weekend we will be going back to Oklahoma for my grandfathers 80th birthday party.  I'm looking forward to see what kind of spoil withdrawals we will be seeing from Emma after her 5th consecutive weekend with some sort of grandparent around!  I'm grateful she has so many people that love her so much.  It's good for kids to be spoiled with hugs and kisses!

We are slowly getting acclimated to the time change, and we are excited about the few pretty days scattered throughout the past few weeks.  Emma points to the sky and says sunshine and claps her hands.  We are really ready for spring after all of our recent snowfall.  We are slowly making our way out of hibernation and getting together with the outside world.  I've had the chance to get out for a few girls dinners with friends, and Emma has been running around the neighborhood with the other twenty tots let out from winter captivity.

Em loves to watch and copy people dance.  She copies everything she hears!  We often hear her say "Oh, man!", "hmmm, I know!" (as she taps her chin then puts her finger in the air), and cupping her ear saying "Listen. what's dat?".  She will put her little shopping basket or purse on her arm and wave bye, and then pretend to shop through her kitchen.  We get lots of "I ie ooh", translating into I love you.  I just love seeing her little personality develop, and she is funny!  However, this little bundle of joy does not come without her moments.  Emma has certainly been searching for her independence lately, which can be trying for any parent.  Luckily, she is still sweet and we get to enjoy her funny imagination, dance moves, and snuggles.  And, with the help of Fujifilm, I'm sure we will hardly remember anything but picture perfect.

Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks!

Have a great week everyone!