Happy 4th of July

Hey Sweetie....What do Divas love more than anything?  Having all our family together under one roof and getting a family picture.  Didn't everyone do a great job in their silly glasses and beads?  Thank you for coming all the way from Canada.  We miss you so much and are always glad when we get our special "Emma Time".

When it starts to get dark, Uncle Tim sets off fireworks in the back yard.  Baby Lyra didn't like the loud noises and it made her cry.  You and the boys like the sparklers and helping to set the fireworks off. Diva is like Lyra, in that I love the pretty sparkly effects, but not the loud explosions.

I had to laugh at your funny faces in this picture.  What fun to have everyone together again!  The glasses light up when it gets dark.

Your Momma started a new Bennetch family tradition and taught us how to make "Auntie Anne's famous pretzels"  I love seeing your Momma and Auntie Suzy laughing together like they did as little girls.  Your Momma still knows how to flip a pretzel to make the "x" in the middle.  The boys like making  pretzels too.  They especially like to eat them.

Charlie was really pleased at his finished pretzel.  What really made me laugh was Henry's funny face.  I think we have a new 4th of July family tradition.

Happy Canada Day

Dearest Emma,

          Today you got to teach Charlie and Oscar about Canada Day.  Tomorrow we will celebrate the 4th of July (or Independence Day) here in Tennessee with Auntie Suzy, Auntie Rachel, Uncle Tim and Uncle Andy as well as your cousins Oscar, Charlie, Henry, and baby Lyra.  Poppa and Diva are so happy to have all our family together again.  Your Tennessee cousins are so excited that you are here and have planned some really fun adventures for you. 

Diva and Poppa love our Canadians!

Lyra's first Birthday

Dear Emma Bug.  

What fun we had at Lyra's first birthday.  Auntie Suzy had the porch all decorated in red, white, and blue for our "littlest firecracker".  Your Momma bought Lyra the sparkly big bow. You and cousins helped decorate the high chair.  Lyra had a smash cake so she was dressed in a diaper for a quick clean up after the pictures.

  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Everyone wore party hats to celebrate the big event.  You made and decorated cupcakes with the boys.  Lyra wasn't exactly sure what she should do with the cake so of course

her Daddy (Uncle Andy) thought he would help her out.

Poppa and Diva made her a treasure box with her name on it.  You gave her some board books on dogs, and Auntie Suzy made her a special book with her pictures in it.  I'm sure Lyra won't remember her special day but I will never forget it.  Thank you for helping make Lyra's first birthday special.  

I love you sweet girl.

Your Diva and Poppa