As Good As I Remember

2017 marks the 100 year anniversary of my sorority's Iowa State chapter, and planning for a grand celebration has been in the works for a long time.  Last weekend, Rho Chapter Alpha Gams from near and far gathered in our beloved Ames to celebrate the Centennial and walk down memory lane.  I flew into Des Moines Friday afternoon and rode with Brooke and Leigh to Ames.  The night started casually enough, but had to end at one of our old favorites, Paddy's.  The floors seemed a lot stickier and the drinks a lot cheaper than they did back in the day!

 Saturday morning we attended a brunch with sisters from pledge classes spanning many decades.  These ladies are two of my all-time faves.  Although I'm super jealous of all of the fun they have together in Kansas City, I'm so thankful for their loyal friendship.

 Saturday afternoon we visited the chapter house, and it looks amazing!  So much work has been done since we left, and as we walked the halls and laughed about our many crazy stories, I found myself feeling so thrilled for the collegians who are in the midst of some of the very best years.  We had to take a sign pic ... climbing up didn't used to seem so hard.  Pretty sure I got bruises this time around.

 I was so excited because my mom and sister drove to Ames to hang out with me for a few hours on Saturday.  We had lunch, shopped at the bookstore (well, Melissa didn't shop), visited the house, and had a couple of cocktails with my friends.  It was so fun to see them!

 Saturday night was a dinner and dance.  Apparently the DJ didn't believe that a women-only party would do any dancing, but he hadn't met the Alpha Gams.  Young and old and in between were on the floor all night and it was a blast!  We may or may not have ended the evening teaching the collegians a thing or two at a house party.

It was the very best weekend.  I love my life now, and I wouldn't trade it, but being in Ames always reminds me that if I had to live four years over again, it would be these ones.  The place, the ladies, the fun ... just as good as I remember!

Party Time!

It feels like a long time ago now, but on September 3rd we celebrated Emma's birthday with her first party with friends.  She had been planning it for months and was SO excited!

 She chose a "Trolls" theme, and although due to popularity trolls items were in short supply, I did my best to find appropriate decor.  I couldn't find a trolls swimsuit anywhere so I ordered a cheap one online last minute.  When I felt the material, I knew we'd be lucky for it to last through the party (which it did), and the well-placed troll right on her bottom was a nice touch ... geez!  But she wore it with pride.

 I was going to go the easy route and purchase cupcakes, but Emma really wanted to make her own, so we did.  We had an outdoor swim party (thank goodness for good weather on the heels of Harvey), and kept it simple with hot dogs, chips, fruit, cupcakes, and fresh air!

 This was moments before the party was to start.  Zoom in for the full effect.  Sara was already in the pool practicing back flips and Emma was mad about something ... I have no idea what.  Change of tune a few minutes later when friends began to arrive.

 Emma was super excited to have a pinata!  Everyone got in a few good hits before it broke open and the rush for candy ensued.

 Emma was so happy to have her friends at her party.  I think it was everything she was hoping for ... and now she's planning for 6!

Wordless Wednesday: Sleeping Beauties Edition

High Five!

The baby in our house is five.  FIVE!  It is nearly impossible to believe that it's been five years since Emma entered this world as an itty-bitty 6lb 8oz baby.  She was feisty then, and along with her "yellow" hair, that characteristic doesn't seem to have an end in sight.  I sometimes laugh to myself about her name.  Steve and I went back and forth for the longest over what to name her, and finally in pre-op decided on Emma Grace, even though that middle name was really Steve's second choice (I was the one going into surgery, so I won).  I remember thinking that it would be such a beautiful and fitting name for our second girl, who was sure to cool, calm, collected ... full of grace.  And it's not that she's not, but ... she sure beats to her own drum marching band. This girl is smart, silly, and strong.  She speaks her mind and stands her ground.  While it tests my every fiber in the meantime, I can't wait to see who Emma becomes.

Emma loves her soccer team.  I love that she isn't afraid to get scrappy.  She is so proud of her big muscles!

 Pre-K at the "big kid school" was a great decision.  She is in heaven, utilizing all parts of the building including the library.

 After birthday donuts at school on Friday, she said to me, "Best birthday ever!"

At five, Emma loves playing school, drinking apple juice, and eating ham sandwiches.  She likes to build with legos and play in the home living center at school.  Her favorite days are the ones she has jobs in her classroom, and she treasures her teachers and friends.  She insists on picking out her own outfits and always thinks she looks fantastic.  Who am I to squash that confidence?  She's a great swimmer, fast runner, decent cartwheeler, and serious "Paw Patrol" follower.  For as much as she tests every limit, Emma is a rule follower and isn't afraid to put herself in charge of friends (or adults, for that matter) who are struggling with the rules.  May her conscience always be her guide.

Happy Birthday to my sweet, intense, independent Emmy.  You are truly one of a kind, five going on twenty; you drive me crazy and make me swell with pride ... sometimes all at once. I know you think you are super big, but you'll always be my baby.  High five!