Emery Anne Turns Nine

We had a great day celebrating our best girl turning nine! Covid-19 couldn't stop the celebration and hopefully it will be one she always remembers. 

The day started with gifts ... a soccer themed room, Lego Friends and a couple cards with money. And then a special surprise in the front yard. We wouldn't have normally done the yard signs, but when in quarantine, you look for new ways to make the day special. It was a fun surprise and throughout the day she got some extra birthday wishes from neighbors walking by so it was definitely worth it! 

Maw Maw made the coolest pop up birthday card! 

Drive by birthday wishes from the Shelbys. 

And then some of our neighbors had arranged for a drive by Easter bunny to visit the neighborhood that afternoon, so even the Easter bunny got to wish Emery a Happy Birthday! 

Ended the day with some Milk Bar milkshakes. Yummy! 

Emery,

Happy 9th birthday! We hope you had a great day and that you will always remember the birthday when we were quarantined. We all loved celebrating you on your special day and think you're pretty special, yourself. I (Mom) always wanted a little girl and you have surpassed all my expectations. Your free spirit, your creativity and imagination, your grit and determination, your spunk and sass, your smile and sense of humor, your kind and caring heart, is all a part of what makes you YOU and we are so blessed and grateful to be your parents. We love you BIG and know that the Lord loves you too and has great plans for you! 

Mom and Dad

Quarantine Diaries: Part One

So this thing happened. Called Covid 19. And the kids did not go back to school after spring break. And now, on April 1, we are under a Stay at Home order and only "essential" businesses are allowed to be open. So we are basically at home all day, every day. It's a bit crazy to say the least but we are well and surviving (for now) and trying to take it one day (or one hour) at a time. 

First of many puzzles!

It's been a crazy and surreal time for all of us. Something we will never forget. More to come ...  including Emery's Covid 19 birthday!

March Happenings (before COVID 19)

Took my girl to see Aladdin the musical as part of an early birthday happy for her. It was so cute! 

A trip to Mtn. View to kickoff spring break. Beautiful weather = afternoon hike!

James and I left the kids in Mountain View for a few days so we could spend a few nights in downtown Memphis. Such a great little staycation enjoying our city like tourists. We stayed at the Central Station Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton. It was the coolest hotel I've ever stayed in and I've stayed in a lot of cool hotels. The mixture of old and new was so neat and the location was perfect. We walked or rode the trolley anywhere we needed to go. Never saw our car after we parked it until we checked out. 

Quite possibly the best food we've had in this city @ Bishop

DJ spinning vinyl records at the lobby bar. 

We finally made it to a Grizzlies game to see Ja Morant play. The Grizzlies came up short but it was an exciting one! 

And a trip out to Mud Island to see the new Memphis sign. Such beautiful weather and over 20,000 steps!