Emma shortly after her arrival .
Emma celebrating her 1st birthday in Ephrata, Wa. At grandma and grandpa's home. Erika trying to help her blow out the candle and make a wish.
Emma in Lincoln, City. This is one of my favorite photos of Emma. Arianne took this pic and I sure do love it.
Emma was born on Friday ,Novemember 10,2000. In Spokane, Wa. She was the only baby I had scheduled for a C-section. Emma arrived at 1:08 p.m. She weighed 6lbs. 4oz. and was 17 1/4 long. She was a quiet and content baby. She slept wonderfully at night. When she was up she did not require anything other than being fed and changed. She was not at all fussy.
Lauren and Erika waiting for the arrival of little baby Emma. They were so excited to see her and hold her. Grandma Jo- Jo and Grandpa Neal were both there. They came over to help out with Erika and Lauren. As well as bring them to the hospital to see Emma. They were such a great help to Dan and I.
Emma in her blessing outfit. She was a happy little baby. My mom flew up to help care for me after my C -section. She could not believe how content Emma was. I was thankful for a happy baby. Erika was a colicky baby. It was refreshing to have Emma be easy going.
Emma crawling around. She found this little play lizard. She would not let him go. She would have him curled up in her little fist while she moved around. Trying to keep up with the girls. 
Emma enjoying a day in Couer d' lane, Idaho. She always liked being outside and at the beach.
Emma at Alissa' s wedding. She loved being a flower girl at the wedding. I thought she looked so beautiful in her dress. She loved the braclet Arianne made for her. Emma is now in 3rd grade. I can not believe how fast time seems to be passing with her. She is her daddy's baby. And always
Emma chose I-Hop for her birthday dinner. She also wanted a chocolate cake. Emma we love you and are grateful you are a part of our family. Happy Birthday M! We love you.
Emma ready to go out trunk or treating at our ward party. She is excited to paint her face on Saturday nite. She loves Elphaba from "WICKED" and wanted to be a witch!
Strutting his stuff around the zoo!
Falling for fall! The colors are so vibrant. The leaves are falling off the trees. I will miss all the colors and the feeling that comes with fall.
Dan, Emma and I. Taking a break with some hot chocolate. This place is great. They have great cider, music, cornmazes, pumpkin launching, and a petting zoo. The best is the hay ride out there. To find our pumpkins!
More Fall colors.
Pumpkins for launching! This is one of Dan's favorite things to do at the pumpkin patch.
Waiting in line to wash our pumpkins!
Emma looking for her "great pumpkin!"
Lauren mashing some rotting pumpkins...gross. She was the only one smart enough to wear boots. It was muddy.
Decisions, decisions, decisions. Erika took the longest time deciding. Lauren was determined to go green this year. After a while Emma was telling the girls "to just pick one."
The corn maze that we didn't even do. There were no maps this year and with all the mud, we passed. None of us but Lauren had boots on. We waited to late this year to go out. I was so glad it did not rain. The sunshine was out and the weather was beautiful.
Dan getting ready to carry the load. He is so good about having the girls get what they like. No matter how big or small. Our little worker bee. I like this photo of Dan. Thanks for carrying the load!
Dan and Emma enjoying the hay ride. It's amazing how many tractors are running and shuttling people to and from the pumpkin patch.
Emma on top of the world! She really likes climbing on this big haystack tower.
Lauren has always loved animals. And she still enjoys visiting all the animals in the petting zoo.
Lauren is getting older. But, she is big on traditions. She kept asking when we could go to the pumpkin patch. She really enjoys it! She was so happy and excited to be there. It's the little things.. things like this brings out the kid in her!
Dan didn't want to look up at the camera because he was worried that the sheep would take a bite.
This goat cracked us up. He was looking for a way out!
This little rabbit was so cute and content! I think he was a little frightened with all the little ones reaching to pet him!
I'm greatful that they taste better than they look. 
Erika opening some of her gifts. She has lots of favorites. Lipgloss, Dove chocolates,coke,$$, i-tunes gift card, and clothes, are just a few of her favorite things. 
Erika smiling for the camera. Erika is such a good helper around our home. She is very compassionate,sincere, and always wants everyone to be happy. She is truly a blessing in our home. We are so proud of her and the young women she is becoming. She always wants to do the right thing.( I know her dad and I hope that doesn't change!) Lauren and Emma both love her. We watched some baby movies of the girls. It was so fun to see Erika as a toddler. She was always happy,singing, and dancing. She was always looking out the window waiting for lauren to come home from school. And always kissing baby Emma (at the time) and saying "how is my little buddy?" She is a good sister to have. I'm so glad the Lord sent you to our home ! We are so blessed! We love you Akoos!
Erika blowing out the candles and making a wish! She loves chocolate cake as much as she loves that raggedy ann blanket ! My mom made it for her when she was about 6! It's one of her favorite things! Happy Birthday Erika! We love and adore you.
Emma and Lauren enjoying some time together. I had mixed emotions about school starting. We had a busy summer and the kids were to tired to argue. Two weeks before school they starting fighting and getting on eachothers nerves. As well as mine. It is so quiet now. I'm starting to enjoy it. I have Mondays off and look forward to some ME time. I do love the girls. They are daddy's girls and he loves thems so much! 
Erika on her way to her open house at the middle school. Dan showed her how to open her locker and would not leave till she got it. He took the morning off to see them off to school. He has done that ever since Lauren started kinder. She is now a sophmore. Dan and I can not believe how fast the girls are growing up. It's bittersweet. I think we are finally enjoying where we are and not wishing time away. Before we know it Lauren will be leaving to college ! YIKES!!!
Erika and Emma on their way to meet their teachers at back to school night. Emma started 3rd grade. She has a brand new school. It's big and really nice! She misses having Erika there for her. Erika was so good about saving her a place on the bus, checking up with her on the playground. I loved both of them going to school together. And having eachother. Erika is adjusting to 7 classes,7 teachers and lockers. She has P.E. first period. I know she will have a great year once she adjusts.
