BFF's birthday party

Emery's good friend, Sterling, turned 1 on July 27th. Sterling's mommy, who also happens to be named Ashley, and I became instant friends the momemt I moved to Greenville. We have so much in commom and were beyond ecstatic when we learned we would be having precious little girls just six weeks apart. We try to get Emery and Sterling together for regular playdates and I have already decided that Emery will marry one of Sterling's big brothers (Duke and Smith Jackson). Sterling had a pool party at their neighborhood pool and we all had a fabulous evening. Happy birthday, Sterling!

Daddy and Bobbles taking a swim

The birthday girl!

Ashley and Will with their princess

BFFs and their daddies.....so adorable.

Fun party idea for kiddos

For those of you in the metro Atlanta area (or Greenville, SC!), check out Greg's Reptile Roadshow when planning your next birthday/Halloween/just for fun party. Greg Greer is my uncle and an animal expert. He's decided to hang up his boots and leave the wilderness adventures he experienced with International Expeditions for the past decade. Greg wants to enlighten his audiences, get them excited about wildlife (and preserve it!), and share his knowledge. His parties are fun and educational....not to mention unforgettable. Greg's web site is http://www.birthdaypartyatlanta.net/. Please visit for more information. Below are a few pictures from a party he recently did. I'm already booking him for Emery's party in about three years. Hear that, Greg?

At first glance I didn't even notice the enormous snake in this picture! Brave kids. They don't look at all scared, do they?

Gymnastics

Emery has been taking a gymanstics class for babies at The Little Gym of Greenville for the past six weeks. Although things started off a little rocky (Emery HATED any sort of movement that involved going upside down), the weekly class has become the highlight of our week. Emery befriended a cute little friend named Harper and got over her fear of flipping. Now she runs wild all over the gym. We've even gone to a few "open gym" play sessions so that Emery can become even more familiar with the equipment. I have enrolled her (and Harper) in the same class again for the fall/winter semester. Looks like we'll be spending every Wednesday morning from August through January at The Little Gym!

Emery and Harper climbing on the "cheese mat"

Jumping off the mat

Dangling from the lower of the uneven bars. The picture was taken about two seconds too late.

Emery will eventually swing through these bars, but for now she enjoys just walking between them.

The start of a backwards roll (teacher Miss Shea is assisting). Both of the teachers for The Birds (Emery's age group) are wonderful. I was thrilled to learn that Miss Shea and Miss Brittany will both be returning next semester. They are wonderful with the kids.

Climbing up to the balance beam

On a side note....50 days to Notre Dame football!!!

The Fruits of our Labor (literally!)

For the second year, Ben planted a vegetable garden in our backyard. We learned from our mistakes last year and have quite the bounty to show for it! In addition to jalapeno, serrano, banana and bell peppers, tomatoes, and an assortment of herbs, we have a cucumber vine that is taking over our backyard. At least twice each week we pick several enormous cucumbers. Although we are struggling to figure out ways to eat all of our peppers (salsa, poppers, etc.), the cucumbers are quickly gobbled up. They really are delicious. Now we are trying to think of vegetables we can plant for fall.....I'd like to make this a year round activity. Emery enjoys going outside with Daddy every evening to water the "crops" when Daddy gets home from work. It's so cute. Hey neighbors, if anyone wants any peppers or cucumbers, let me know!

Cute, practical and supports a great cause

http://www.helpusproject.org/ is helping animals affected by the oil spill in the Gulf.

Staying Cool This Summer

Looking a bit like Stevie Wonder!

Emery refuses to wear her own little sunglasses, but she's decided that Daddy's are pretty cool.