Emma turns 12....

We celebrated Ems birthday last month with all the old familiar traditions.  Lots of orange, lots of cheesecake and lots of smiley hugs from the birthday girl.  Highlights in the gift department this year included a scabbard for Emma's coveted wooden sword, which was lovingly hotglued  made by Hannah.  New slipper boots and lots of new clothes also were favorites as was the rebounder net for soccer.  Dinner was Chicken cheddar chowder followed by snickers cheesecake.  We extended  the birthday until the next weekend when Emma celebrated with her friends Maddy and Pia.  We took the girls to breakfast after their last soccer game and then down to the river trail to ride bikes. Emma turning 12 was, as usual, bittersweet for me.  On one hand, I could not be more proud of who she is becoming and how much she has matured...on the other hand, she will always be my youngest and as such, will always seem like she needs to stay the baby to me.  I am so thankful for my sweet Emma and all the energy she brings to our family.  I am continually grateful for her positive outlook on life and her ability to make us all laugh.