Caesar

We can't believe Caesar is gone.  Josh and I got him as a kitten when we lived in Denver.  He was 15 years old and seemed to be going strong.  A few months ago he got a UTI and began losing weight.  He couldn't fight the infection and we had to put him down.  

He was such a good and tolerant cat.  The kids adored him.  Looking back at pics of the kids as babies, Caesar was always curled around them or sitting on their laps.  He loved them and they loved him.  We will miss you, meezy cat.

Saying goodbye

Pumpkin Train 2017

We went to Bryson City to ride the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad.  The boys were not too excited about it this year.  They basically did it for Emma.  They were troopers but it was sad to see that they were outgrowing it.  Emma loved every minute and the boys were happy running around.  Sadly enough, this might be our last ride on the "Pumpkin Train".

The kids were given Snoopy ears.  Grady didn't even open his.

Just look at that smile.  

Can he not take a normal pic?  I think its impossible

She was telling him a secret.

Eating roasted marshmallows

Picking her pumpkin

The "Wizard".  He was a scarecrow but Emma refused to call him anything but a wizard.

Emma offering the "Wizard" a piece of candy.  She has absolutely no fear at all.

This hardly ever happens but the train wore her out.

Peace out, Pumpkin Train!

"Hair Like A Boy"

Emma is one of the most unique people I have ever come across.  Lucky for me, she's my daughter.  She is also the reason for all of my grey hairs!  There is a lot of power, strength and ferocity in that tiny body.  Recently, she has been asking for "hair like a boy".  I wasn't exactly sure what she was looking for as her brothers have super long hair.  We looked at photos online and I got the general idea.  Basically, she didn't want me to have to brush it.  EVER.  So, we went as short as we could.  Originally, she asked to be bald.  I didn't think she could pull that look off.  

I love that she doesn't care what people think.  She is her own unique person and happy to be who she is.  I hope that never changes but I know social pressures will eventually get to her.  For now, I embrace who she is and roll with the punches (literally).  Emma, be who you are.  Use your strength for good.  Protect those who can't protect themselves.  Be a champion of the underdog.  Be brave.  Be kind.  

The first day of the cut

Emma with another person who doesn't follow the crowd.....

When I asked what her friends thought of her hair she said, "Willow said I was CRAZY".  As if that was the biggest complement one could pay.

Just playing in a cape and heels

She also has interesting fashion as most 4 year old do.

Em with her friend, Mason

What would I do without you?