The last weekend being under one.

Emma has been loving walks on our street. She finds so many interesting things down on her level, we meet neighbors and their pets, and she studies her shadow or splashes through puddles. Here she is on Friday:

 I've been meaning to get Emma a small chair that she can sit in, especially for snack time. She likes to make a chair of different things (pillows, her Teddybear, Patrick and I) and I think she'd make use of a seat of her own. 

On Saturday Emma and I walked all the way to the farmers market. That is a long walk for a toddler! We met a dachshund on the way, pointed out starlings and squirrels, and admired lots of balloons. Everyone we passed by enjoyed seeing Emma on our stroll. It's nice that she brings so much joy to others just by toddling by.

Later Saturday we went to a garage sale of some new friends in the neighborhood and found a couple treasures: a toy piano and a hiking carrier. Both are awesome! Emma enjoys this new carrier and Patrick wears her high on his back, where she enjoys seeing over his shoulders. Emma also had the opportunity to play (read: stand) in a sprinkler and play with older children. 

On Sunday morning we spotted a dog wandering our street and with help from a neighbor I was able to catch and leash him. With no tags, returning him home proved to be a big to-do for Emma and I. 

So we borrowed him for a few minutes, got him some water (it has been Hot Hot Hot lately and he was a thirsty pup) then asked around our street if anyone knew this dog and where he lived. We eventually got him back to his own home and went home, dogless. One day he can stay, Emma!

We've been very busy preparing for Emma's first birthday and party on Saturday. Though Emma won't remember this day, we'll have many pictures to show her what a special day it was when she completed her first trip around the sun. As special as she is!