ESET Picnic at Mission Point

After 8 wonderful months in his new job at ESET Donald had an employee picnic. Neither Donald or I are big fans of employee events, but we knew Emma would love it. And Donald works with such an amazing group of people we decided to give it a chance.Emma and I had gone to the Zoo the day before and I got her this great pink hat. I knew that she would get lots of use out of it for the picnic and I was right! So cute and worth the $25!!


Like I mentioned Donald works with a great group, that is highly educated and loads of fun. The IT director for the company won the best IT Director for the Year Award in San Diego and Donald had dared him to get ESET shaved into his head for when he got the award. Instead he showed up at the picnic with his new cut! Very cool!
There was tons to do for little kids and big kids. Events ranged from tug-a-war, box hockey, football, soccer, volley ball, watermelon eating contest, Frisbee to bubble blowing, sack races, and a clown! Everyone was busy and having a blast! Donald had the camera most of the time so I missed out on getting pictures of him and his team doing tug-a-war and box hockey.

The event was catered extremely well, with loads of fresh fruit, cheese, drinks and then the bar-b-Q hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, corn more fruit and amazing desert choices of cupcakes, brownies, and ice cream all done ESET style.
Emma and I spent our time playing bubbles, coloring, getting her hands painted with hearts, playing with the other little kids, and watching Daddy play with his mates!

Emma loved the tug-a-war and really wanted to get in on the action it was hard to keep her out of the big kids way.
It was well worth the trip down Mission Point and forgoing Emma's routine nap! The whole day was fun.
It ended with Donald playing football at the point with his mates. The ball went into the water and Donald and a few others went after it. In the end Donald ended up soaked and minus his wedding ring. We were gutted at first, but we had been talking about getting Donald a new ring. His was so beat up despite it being platinum. A moment of sadness turned into another reason to go shopping!

Emma was such a lady, shaking everyone's hands and saying it's nice meeting you. I was so proud of what a little lady she is becoming. Everyone commented more than once how amazingly cute and wonderful she is. Made Donald and I feel really proud!

Home Again

After a whirlwind trip to Dixon full of memories, we were back at the Chicago airport. Emma loved watching the planes, and loved the idea of getting on one again.

Donald carried Emma and bitty baby on the plane, the three looked so cute!

We were exhausted, so I got in lots of cuddle time and kisses with Emma.

I am such a sucker for airplane food and had to buy an assortment of snacks once in flight. And Emma was fast asleep by the time we landed. Aunt Andra was waiting for us outside and then it was time to go home.

Time To Say Goodbye

After just a few amazing days, it was time to start saying goodbye to everyone. Merik was slowing getting use to me being camera happy, and Emma's constant need of hugs. He was a good sport.

Of course Daddy is always waiting with his arms open for his little Emma.

As guest started to leave we got in a few quite moments with Uncle Keith.

I started wondering through the big empty house. I found Emma watching everyone drive by the dinning room window. This was one of my favorite windows when I was a child. I loved the lion that has always graced this room and the long windows..
as well as the marble fireplace. I really think every dining room needs a fire place.I have also loved the windowpane doors that divided all the rooms downstairs, as well as the antiques that casually lay about the house. My mom confessed that as a child she hated the windowpane doors because every time a visitor came she had to clean them...ugh what a job.

But the nicest surprises for me was to find my art being displayed through out the house. No matter how old you get there is nothing better than walking into Grandma's house with your art all framed in gold! I sent the piece below to my grandma last year for Christmas, I did it just for her. She loves the red cardinal and I wanted to do a winter scene of my little Emma/ my Grandma Emma as a little girl finding her winter cardinal.Hanging on her fridge was one of my first Christmas cards, inside I put .."Grandam, I hope this makes it on your fridge" what a delight to see that it has.

After all the excitement a bit of a rest and a wardrobe change, Emma followed me through the house and my memories.

And then back outside for some Grandpa time. GG not quite sure what to make of her son-in-law and great grandchild.

We were also very lucky to get to spend some time with my mom's cousin Riley, who at 75 is still is farming the Padgett farm. I asked tons of questions and he was so great about explaining the farming world. All about the global trade market, to using GPS tractors for planting. It's a much different world than us city folks would expect. Riley was quick to say that it took him back years to see Emma..for him is was like looking at my mom as a small child all over again.
There is something magical about being at my grandmothers house that just seems to bring out the child in everyone.

These photos have to be my favorite yet of my dad enjoying my daughter!
mommy and Emma drawing on the sidewalk.

Grandma joining in!

Emma adding her finishing touches.Giving her farewell hugs to GG
And Grandma.

4 Generations of Love!

I am so glad this was taken on such a special weekend on my grandmothers porch, you just can't purchase times like these. Shortly after we got back from our trip my Grandmother sent us the most wonderful card saying again how happy she was that we came and what a joy it was to meet and spend time with little Emma. Signed GG

Picnic and Parade

It was time for the big picnic and parade! I got Emma dressed in her new outfit from Grandma so she would look extra festive for the days events. While the food was getting put onto the table in the dinning room, Emma and Merik had their fun with toy cars.

Then Emma started her snuggling mode, Merik being all boy thought this was quite strange.

So Glen and Holly had to jump in and help Emma out a bit.

Then it was time to get some food.

My Grandma, being the amazing hostess she is insisted on serving everyone their drinks. She stood by the punch bowl and made sure that everyone got at least one first good round of food and drink before sitting down to enjoy her party.
My dad and Uncle Keith enjoying a laugh and some wonderful food.
Looking out at all the guests taking their seats with their plates of food and noticing that all the surrounding neighbors were doing the exact same thing.
GG told me to go ask my mom for plastic bags for Merik and Emma so they could put their candy from the parade in them. I thought they wouldn't need them, but GG insisted so I was off to find my mom. She was working hard in the kitchen cleaning up after all the 40 plus guest that were enjoying the party. It made me think of the years my mom must have spent in that very kitchen doing that exact chore.
Emma and Merik playing after lunch.
Emma showing GG how much she ate by sticking out her tummy. It was full of chicken, watermelon, berries, corn, salads, and yummy cookies!
Emma saluting the flag as the parade is about to start.
GG bought a bunch of flags so that all her guest could wave them as the parade marched by. Emma and Merik were thrilled they each got one to hold.
Emma and Merik excited about the music and fun coming their way
Almost every float that went by threw out tons of candy, Emma thought this was a bit odd at first and wasn't sure what to make of it, but once she got the hang of it, she would rush out grab the candy and then start handing it out to all the other kids. She would then deposit a few pieces into her own bag. She always amazes me on how giving she really is.

This was a cool little semi! Driven by a 7 year old boy...what little boy wouldn't want one of these?!
A happy clown had to stop and give Emma a high 5
Watching the pipers, it just isn't a parade with out them.
A lion trying to give Emma a hug
Being a country parade, there were loads of John Deere tractors...

and fabulous old cars

The best part was watching Emma dance with all the people on the floats!Finally after almost 2 hours of parade fun Emma and Grandma watched the end.