Celebrating 20 on 12

The month of April was a whirlwind, but full of fun. On March 31, we took Emma Claire on her first BIG road trip to Augusta, Georgia. It was time for the Masters! She was so great during the car ride (thanks to a little help from Baby Einstein movies on Daddy's iPad). As you know, Masters week is sacred to me. It means making memories, sharing special moments with my family, hearing dad's stories from "sitting in the corner" over the years and getting to walk on the most gorgeous golf course ever placed on this earth. And now that I was able to share this special week with Emma Claire, I was overcome with joy. After missing the trip in 2011 (for good reasons!), I had some catching up to do. What made it even more special was this year was my dad's 32nd year as a volunteer, and his 20th year working on the coveted #12.

We stayed in our usual cabin at Fort Gordon, where the lake is like glass and the gravel road let's you know you are home for the week. I love staying out of the craziness that Masters week brings to the city. It is nice to come home from a long day on the course and just relax. My brother and his girlfriend, Ashley, were there this year. They brought the good news that my brother had been accepted to USAF Weapons School (way to go big brother!).

On Sunday, April 1, Emma Claire had her "Hole-in-ONE Par-tee" to celebrate her upcoming first birthday with our "Masters Family". We were so blessed to have so many friends join us to celebrate our soon-to-be toddler. It was a simple, laid back party with lots of friends, fun and a martini bar...thanks to the "Crazy Canadians"!

This was the one and only time that Emma Claire ate a cupcake (more on that in a later post). She scarfed down the entire thing, green icing and all! We should have just dipped her in the lake to wash her off.

Masters Monday is always so exciting. All the memories come flooding back when I step onto that beautiful grass. It is sad to see how commercialized the tournament has gotten over the years. As my dad says, "It ain't what it used to be." I remember being able to bring in my backpack and lay in the grass on the 12th tee working on homework. Now, your bag has to be smaller than a diaper! This was quite an obstacle for us to overcome. Bringing a toddler meant bring ALL the stuff that comes with her. The rule is one bag per ticket. Well, since Emma Claire had to have a ticket (yes, believe it or not), I was certain she was entitled to a bag. So I had torn up my closet trying to find three bags small enough to meet the requirements. Yes, I said three. Poor Chris had to carry a murse (man purse) with him. He was a trooper about it! I was quite a site walking into the gates with a baby strapped on in a carrier, my Masters chair and one bag on each shoulder. The traffic cop we walked by on the way in wished me luck surviving all day with my "luggage". He must not know what mommies are capable of.

I couldn't wait to get down to #12 to see my dad and his reaction to his baby girl being on the course. He snatched her up right away and immediately started showing her off. She was wearing one of the Masters dresses that my dad had overnighted to the hospital last year on EC's birthday.

After sitting on #12 for a little while, we decided to walk the course. Walking Augusta National is a workout in itself. Walking Augusta National with a 20 pound baby strapped to you is insane! We walked over to #2 where my brother was practicing his professional rope holding skills (that's for you, Ashley).

After walking the course, we made our way back to the corner to watch a few players try to make the perfect tee shot on one of the world's most difficult par 3's. Since it was pretty hot, we decided to let Emma Claire play in the shade. We couldn't fit many toys in our tiny bags, but fortunately she found a way to entertain herself, and learn a new word in the process! She loved the "cups".

When you play hard you sleep hard. A little story time with Gaga and EC passed out lounging in the handcut grass of Augusta National. What a life!

Our family crew, minus Gaga.

On our way out of the course late that afternoon, that same traffic cop (remember him?), tipped his hat to me for carrying EC around all day. He didn't even know I'd be back for two more days!

Monday night, we all gathered at family friend's house to eat dinner and share stories from the day. After a long day on the course, we were ready for some rest before another big day.

Tuesday we were up early again, ready to take on another day on the course. Emma Claire had on her "Boppy's Golden Bell" shirt and her golf shoes. She was ready to go!

It was nice and overcast, so we were able to sit at the rope with EC without getting beat down by the sun. She had some of her first "celebrity" sightings, including Freddie and Phil. A while later while we were walking the course (yes, again), we saw Phil Mickelson walking down the fairway. I shouted, "I'm holding your tiniest fan, Phil!" He yelled back, "She sure is cute! Congratulations!" That's my girl!

Emma Claire spent another afternoon playing in the shade. She sure was a happy girl!

Tuesday night was a very special night. We were invited to join my parents and some of their very best friends, Lance Banninga and his son Steve Banninga, for dinner at Calvert's. This is always a special dinner shared between friends and we were honored to be there. Lance made special arrangements for Emma Claire to be able to join us. This was the same restaurant where my dad (with Lance's help) got Arnold Palmer to autograph Emma Claire's ultrasound pictures the night before she was born. We were hoping to get to see Arnie this year, but unfortunately he didn't make it to Calvert's that night. It was no surprise to me that both Lance and Dad came prepared with sentimental gifts for each other. It was a special night, indeed.

On Wednesday, Emma Claire was invited to spend the day with the newest members of her fan club, the Mundy girls. Yet another close family friend, the Mundy family lives in Augusta with their three adorable girls. Emma Claire had the best time playing with them! I don't think she even missed us! Chris and I went to the course to watch the Par 3 contest. We have never been able to stay for the Par 3 contest on Wednesday, so this was a treat for us! We headed to the Par 3 course to drop our chairs at the "danger zone" on the green of #4. Thanks to some good strategizing by Steve Banninga, we were able to get our chairs on the ropes. Watch out for long drives from the tee!

We waited with anticipation as the three legends, Arnie, Jack and Gary, got closer to teeing off on #4. Just as they were walking up to the tee box of #4, the weather alarm sounded and play was suspended! What a sad ending to our perfect day! Luckily, Jack and Arnie walked down the 4th hole to get to their car, so we were able to snap a few photos. There's always next year!

Here are a few more pictures from Wednesday.

We (finally) made our way out of the parking lot and picked up Emma Claire to head back to the cabins. I was sad to see our time in Augusta come to an end, but it was such an amazing week with so many memories made. I cried on the way home, partially because we were leaving Augusta, but also because my sweet baby would be turning one the very next day....