A mini get-a-way

I wanted to open with this picture because I just love the happiness it exudes! I think this picture is amazing. This one picture is a story of emotions for me. I am going to miss seeing this face all day when I go back to work. I only have a week and a half left of my leave. It is a career choice for me to go back to work. I don't see myself as a stay at home mom, simply, because of how hard I have worked to get to the point in my education and career that I am at. I feel blessed that I have had the opportunity to spend this amount of time with her and watch her change and grow everyday. Although it will be hard, I know it is best for us all and I am excited about all that Emily is going to learn at her school! (School is what we are calling it, because I believe it is a learning experience for us all and not merely a daycare. She will learn and grow through her experiences there.)

So, on to this past week. Emily and I made a last minute decision to get a way for a few days. We left on Wednesday and headed to Ash Flat. I figured, since I am going back to work so soon, I wouldn't have much of an opportunity to get away, so we had better go while we could. We saw Grandma Robe and Great Uncle Harry this week. Some how I managed not to get a picture of Emily with either one of them. I don't know how that happened, but we are planning to see them again this next weekend in Kansas City when we go watch my brother Jeff's band play, so hopefully we will make up for it then!

This is Emily in one of her outfits from Nana and Grandad in Texas. You may have noticed that the socks don't appear to match! Well, they are rattles for your feet! The bugs rattle and crinkle as well as the bugs on her wrists! She seems to enjoy them! (thanks Mrs. Kimberly)!!Such a sweet baby! (She is staring at Grandma Robe, trying to figure her out I assume!)
Dorthy and Emily playing at line dancing.

On Thursday, we went and watched Grandma and Uncle Harry at line dance practice. They are involved in a line dance group that tours around and entertains locally. My mom is one of the teachers there. I love to dance and just couldn't see myself sitting this one out, so Dorothy willingly volunteered to hold Emily. I snagged a few pics of everyone in action too! (Ms. Dorothy also gave Emily her first two dollar bill this weekend. What a lucky little girl!)

Uncle Harry bustin' a move! LOL

Roberta and Emily

All of the ladies were fighting over who got to hold her next. Emily has inherited a few more grandmas!

For anyone familiar with small town life, they know that you can't possibly go to Wal-Mart without running into at least 20 people that you know! Well, this trip was no exception. We ran into my cousin Matt and Tevis and their baby River, as well as my cousin Mike's ex-wife Brandie and their two kids Braden and Madison. I couldn't resist taking a pic of these kids, with Wal-Mart in all it's glory in the background. Apple Juice anyone? :)

Braden, River, Madison and Brandie

This picture of Trigger and Emily was before we left for Ash Flat. Trigger always takes a moment to visit with Emily at least 10 times a day. This is her morning sniff! (check out Emily's old man hair-do. The hair in the back keeps getting longer and thicker, while the top just has a few sprigs.)

We got home last night. It was a quick trip, but it was a blast! Daddy couldn't bare for his girls to be away any longer than we were. Plus, weekends are a big thing to us and we don't want to miss out on quality family time any more than we have to.

This picture is from this morning. Emily loves her hands and has since day one. She loves putting them in her mouth. Today, she managed to cram all of her fingers in her mouth! What a cute picture. She looks like she was "caught with he hands in the cookie jar."

We don't have any big plans for this weekend, just hanging out. We will probably make our weekly trip to Sams today for formula and needed supplies. As for the rest of the weekend, you should probably catch us just chilling! Hope you have a great weekend!