Emma is 5!

Emma had been anticipating her fifth birthday for MONTHS.  She learned all about how calendars work on her own because she was so insistent on knowing how many months or weeks or days it was until her birthday.  We were all glad when the big day finally arrived.  :)

Along with counting down to her birthday, Emma also frequently pondered the type of birthday cake she would ask for.  Tinkerbell was the front runner for a long time, but in the end Jake and the Neverland Pirates finally won out.  I'm grateful for that, because the cake (inspired by my friend Sara) was easy and fun.

I had promised Emma that she could have a friend come over to play during the day on her birthday.  We tried several friends that were her age, but no one answered, so we called Katherine.  Katherine is 11, but she's been a good friend to all of my kids.  They really love her.  Katherine was able to come play, and when she came she brought presents!

What a sweet friend!

 While the kids rode bikes around the parking lot and played on the playground, we discovered a giant hairy caterpillar walking on the pavement.  Katherine was much braver than the rest of us and got it up high where it was easier to see.

That thing was huge!

We observed the caterpillar for probably half an hour. . .it was quite fascinating!

For the big birthday "celebration" we went up to the ranch to have dinner, cake and presents with Grandpa and Grandma Robinson.  We're so glad they've been close this summer.  Emma had chosen to eat cheesy chicken and rice casserole for her birthday dinner, so we had that with watermelon.  I was thrilled she picked something besides homemade macaroni and cheese, which I don't enjoy making at all. :)
It was stormy when we drove up to the ranch with low clouds, rain, and LOTS of lightning.  It was actually kind of creepy, and I was glad to get up to the safety of the cabin.  We had a quiet evening while the dinner baked, but once it was done and we'd eaten, the party began in earnest.  Emma was so excited for PRESENTS!

Snuggling with Jellybean, the little rabbit Katherine gave her.

 Emma was super excited about all her gifts, especially the Lego Friends airplane set.  She couldn't wait to play with everything she received!

And then it was time for CAKE!!!

We put on our party hats and got ready to serenade our beautiful five year old.  Dad had perfect timing and called right as we were getting ready to sing, so we put him on speaker phone and he sang along with us.  It was unconventional, but it worked!

Ready to blow out all 5 candles. . .she did it like a pro!

This girl is gorgeous inside and out. . .we're so LUCKY she's ours!

Our Sweetheart

Emma's 5 year old Birthday Interview:
Who is your favorite person in the whole world?  Nyla
What is your favorite color? Pink, Purple, Silver
What's your favorite television show?  Jake and the Neverland Pirates
What's your favorite outfit? Rainbow symbol shirt with blue or purple comfy pants
What sport do you like best?  Soccer
What song do you love?  Jack Johnson, Fairy Lullabies
What's your favorite cereal?  Very Berry Capt'n Crunch
Who is your best friend?  Henry
What do you want to be when you grow up?  An astronaut
What is your favorite book?  Fancy Nancy
What are you really good at?  Drawing
Where do you wish you could go on vacation?  A boat on a lake
What is your best memory?  Learning how to ride a bike.
What would you buy if you had $1,000?  A four wheeler
What vegetable do you hate the most?  I don't hate any of them.  I love peas.
If you could have a wish, what would it be?  I don't know
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?  Rainbow sherbet or playdough
Who is your biggest hero?  Dad
What do you like to do best with your friends?  Ride bikes
What do you hope you'll get to do before your next birthday?  Come back to Star Valley