The Final Countdown (by JennyO, not Europe!): Party Time!!

Before we delve into the Halloween extravaganza that was October, and the Holiday fun in December, let's take a peek back at Emer's 10th birthday. Yes, I said 10th. This Tiny of mine has been around for 10 years! I can't believe it's been so long. Lately I find myself thinking back to when she was much smaller - a toddler who I brought along everywhere...a preschooler - one of only a handful of girls in her classroom w/ a very kind teacher...a kindergartener who cried nearly every day...a second grader who never shed a tear at a brand new school...a fifth grader excited for middle school but loving her teacher and all that they do. So to celebrate this 10th year of life, of course we had a party! Here are a few pix from that fun day: The theme was balloons -

Hot Air Balloon cookies

Water Balloons

Balloon Races

"Balloon" Ice cream

It was a "ballooning" success!!

Happy 10th Birthday, Emerson Rachel Cripe <3 a="" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOwcBiA5Ndogw4M9sjiowg4Av94Wo1sQOducUEwnI2NIF08CEtTMjUcWXyeUdeLjF1utmZIEahWvT1Big0I59e3kgzj_GOp8HbeXbCUYMBCesdPQuVh_CI3ktIpXSevQXD5TVEfWW3xM/s1600/IMG_20180630_134120_906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">

Every year, since she was old enough to walk really, Emer and I have been enjoying Halloween fun. This year was no different. We had our annual Halloween party for everyone in her class and swim team. We figured this was probably the last big party we'll have a for a while as she can't invite the entire grade next year! So, of course, we went ALL OUT!

We had a '60's Murder Mystery Halloween Party!!!

Emer was Blissity Lovewell who was hosting a party for her friend, Nutmeg Van Zant who had just returned home from being stranded on a deserted island!

Here's the whole gang!

A little action shot as the kids mingle and learn more about each suspect:

In the end no one figured out who killed Billigan (portrayed by George) but they had some really god theories and loads of fun was had by all!

On Halloween Emer invited some friends over to go trick or treating w/ Sam and Alex. Here are all of her friends: Tootsie Roll, Greta the elf, Jordyn, dead Hope, and Minecraft George!

Just a side not from Emer's parties, I held an Ugly Sweater Beautiful Drinks party at Christmas time. Friends from all my groups attended and we shared some delicious drinks, played pool and ping pong and gossiped all while wearing our best Christmas/holiday sweaters! Emer helped set up and prepare by decorating sweaters for all the Colts players pictures in the lower lever :)

And now I will finish this blog entry (months after beginning it!) while sitting at home waiting for our flight to NYC. We are trying to kick off 2019 in style in our fav city but the flight has been delayed by 3 hours and 20 minutes. Ug! Emer and I could have slept in (b/c you know we made it to midnight last night!) but we were up and ready to go by 7:30 when the text came through. That's OK, we will just roll with the punches. Nothing else we can do, really, and I'd rather be relaxing at home finishing a blog than sitting at a crowded airport w/ nothing better to do.