Emma's 2nd Birthday Party

I'm finally getting this up, and only a week later. We did Emma's official Princess Party last weekend. It was a lot of fun! Thank you to all the family that came in and helped out, especially Jan and my mom. And thanks to everyone who attended the party.

The big group shot...

I managed to pull off the traditional princess cake my mom used to make.

The spread...

Emma got all dressed up...

And she approved of the results!

Morgan got perilously close to touching my masterpiece!

Emma had to have a little help with the candles.

They both loved the cake.

The gramdmas were busy helping out.

Here is some of the party crowd, watching Emma open gifts.

The Smiths + Griffins

The next day, Gigi read the new princess books many times.

Emma Turns 2!

It's Emma's 2nd birthday today. Her party isn't until Saturday, but we are celebrating today by allowing her to open her gifts from us and going to Mr. Gatti's for lunch. She got a princess dish set, a play cake decorator set, a dress-up bear family puzzle, and a sleeping beauty stuffed bear. 

Morgan & Emma Recite the Creed

For the past month, we have been working on the Apostles' Creed at dinnertime. Every night or so, we added a new line. The kids, and especially Morgan, picked it up very quickly. Tonight we finally finished it and were able to get it on video. As usual, Emma was being a little bit of a stinker...I'm almost certain she knows a good deal more of it than we were able to coax out of her. 

First Swim of the Season

It's topped 100 degrees a few days this past week, so on Friday we pulled out the baby pool. This year, Emma loved it (last year she cried anytime we put her in). She wouldn't climb up to the little slide by herself though. They both had a great time for about 30 minutes; then they got cold. Even at 102, the tree keeps the backyard pleasant.

First Trip to the North Texas Presbytery

I had the great privilege joining my pastor (Mike Philliber) along with another member of our church (Justin Smith) on a trip to the North Texas Presbytery on May 1st and 2nd. I had a wonderful time learning how our church government works and listening to reports about church sanctification and the gospel being preached all over the world. I was also fortunate enough to have attended when two pastoral candidates were being examined for ordination. I am encouraged by the intense level of theological scrutiny these young men were committed to and the passion they had for the pastoral ministry. God is truly raising up great leaders in the next generation. Here area few photos I took on the trip.