Bishop's Pumpkin Patch

This weekend we drove out to Wheatland to a great Pumpkin Patch. We took a hay ride, ate a picnic lunch, enjoyed yummy pumpkin cake....
It was a fun group outing with 6 other families.
Em thought the gourds were neat
There was a petting zoo, a corn maze, and all sorts of fall fun.
We missed the pig races so Em could head on home for a snooze. :( She was like this by the time we got out of the parking lot.
Once we got home, a realtor wanted to bring some people through to look at our place, so Em decided to refresh herself with a Dr. Pepper instead of more sleep.
Don't worry, it's Diet. Actually, the tab is still in place, but apparently she knows how it's done.

She walks!

Emily has finally taken those long-awaited first steps! She did it on her own...we just happened to be near enough to notice. The motivation was wanting to get from the arm of the couch to Daddy (who was near the kitchen). She REALLY loves Daddy.

In other news, she has a molar, and it looks like a few more are on their way! She can eat a whole nectarine really fast now!

We are headed out to the Pumpkin Patch tomorrow. If we remember our camera, I'll post some pics soon!

I've been quite delinquent in my blogging. I'm just now getting back to taking and uploading new pics. Emily is not quite walking yet, although she seems pretty close! She loves her straw cup these days, and the switch to COLD milk. :)
We played in the park today... this is a dress I wore when I was a wee lass.

We are still waiting to hear from the bank about our housing situation. Meanwhile we are trying to sell, store, or dispose of everything we own! That's plenty to keep us busy!

We drove out to visit with Sandy and Sue and Rebecca

Emily got to stay up late. She says the flash is especially bright. :)

What a weekend!

Emily reported for surgery Friday at 7:30 am. She got her own drafty gown and everything!!
The Happy Juice kicked in pretty quickly, so there were no tears when they wheeled her away from us... well, no tears from her at least.
An orange sticker dot.... the high tech way of making sure they do surgery on the correct eye. And lots of monitoring wires to grab at while she was feeling happy go loopy.
She came out from general anesthesia okay, and by that evening she was feeling fine. So we went to hang out at the Lansings and play Catan. Emily was on Chris's team. She especially liked eating the dice. No Heimlich necessary, thankfully.
Bridger was on David's team. They beat us all as they settled and seafared their way to victory!
And on Saturday we went and hung out with the Amanos. Emily thinks lots of children = lots of fun!

Emily's first airplane ride.... to Montana

She found flying to be exhilarating. She was crazy hyper all the way til we got there at 11pm, which was very entertaining for us, although a little tiring since she didn't have a seat.
We stayed at Grandma Donna's house for the 10 days, and were treated to some good eats! Grandma also babysat Em so we could go do fun things... out to eat, see Mummy movie, etc.
Emily had fun playing with Papa Eakman and her 4 cousins in Montana.
Here's Scott and Em with Scott's grandparents... (Em's great-grandparents).
Scott's brother and his sweet family. These kiddos are wonderful little people!
A belated Birthday celebration for Emily.... complete with a cake made by Grandma Donna. Emily really liked the frosting! I had to hold her grabby hands back so someone else could bring the cake close enough for a picture. Grandma put an edible transfer on it... pretty cute!
Enjoying a Farmers Market/Community Bazaar on Saturday morning.
Scott's brother, dad, and dad's parents.... lots of Eaks
Emily opening presents at her birthday party
Cousin Brae helps Em count her birthday money
Going out to eat pizza with Uncle, Auntie, cousins and Grandma
Fun with the cousins at their house! It was great to see everyone up there!

Xian comes to visit!

Xian, Carey's dearest friend from China, came to stay with us for 10 days! We had so much fun!
My mom and I took her to San Francisco, here's Lombard Street
A very yummy lunch in Chinatown!
It was the first time for Xian and my mom to ride a cable car
Me and Xian with sparkly man
Xian cooks Chinese food for us at home
We take her out to Mexican food
Everyone has a good time at the doggie park
Leatherby's is a treat for all!
We had a blast together.... Emily and Bridger both just adored Xian!

Emily is ONE YEAR OLD today!!!

We always heard they grow up fast, but wow..........
Gramps and Grams Buss came to enjoy the occasion with us! Emily drew a crowd when she busted out her busy ball popper toy!

Grams taught Emily lots of fun new games!
Shopping at IKEA!
Emily loves IKEA as much as the rest of us now!
Puppy dog cupcakes, and hats for one and all. :)

Learning how to open presents!
These goggies taste good!

Whoa, sugar rush.
This is the best birthday ever!
You can see Bridger stayed close by to clean up the floor.


When Em was cleaned up and put to bed, we played a rousing game of Settlers of Catan. My parents celebrated their 34th anniversary this weekend as well. :) What a blessing!