Fifteen

 

And just like that she's fifteen! Every yaer seems to go by faster than the last! This trip around the sun was full of joy and laughter, tears and sorrow and so much growth! This fall proved to be one of her most challenging and difficult yet, but we have seen her emerg stronger and more confident because of it. Yesterday was truly a  day that was absolutely perfect for Miss Emma. She chose to forgo the crown I made her all those years ago ("it's getting a bit small, mama!") in favor of her favorite crown, which is far more grown up than the felt one I created when she was four. After we betowed our wishes on her for this next year, and the birthday crown was fully aglow, she opened her gifts and then went on a scavenger hunt for one final gift: a much wished for snowboard of her own! Thankfully Mother Nature bestowed the gift of snow upon Emma's birthday, which just made the day even more magical and lovely! That afternoon and into the night, the celebration continued with Mandy and Lucy joining us for make-overs, and movies, and pizza (since the ramen place was closed) followed by the most delicious chocolate raspberry cake for our chocolate raspberry loving girl. Grace and I had made it while Dave and Emma were out buying her bindings. All agreed it was delicious and was a recipe worth repeating! From start to finish, there could not have been a more perfect birthday for Emma Faith! Her next trip around the sun is sure to be full of joy and laughter, tears and sorrow and so much growth but we are here for it and cannot wait to see all that awaits her! 

Happpy Birthday, Emma! We love you to the moon and stars and back and are so proud to be your parents! We are with you every step of the way! xo 

Happy Birthday, Emma Faith!

 

The celebration is still going as I write this but just wanted to be sure that I got a post here in this little space of ours before the day ended! It's been a magificent day, full of so much birthday goodness! From a scavenger hunt in the morning, to celebrating with frineds this afternoon and evening, and lots of fabulousness in between, this is sure to be a day that Emma carries with her always! xo

On Emma's Birthday Eve

 

When I have said my evening prayer, 
And my clothes are folded on the chair, 

And mama has turned out the light, 
I'll still be fourteen years old tonight. 

But from the very break of day, 
Before the children rise and play, 
Before the sunlight has turned to gold, 

Tomorrow I'll be fifteen years old. 
Fifteen candles kissess when I wake! 
Fifteen candles on my cake! 

Can't wait to celebrate anotehr trip around the sun with our sweet Emma Faith! xo 

A Fabulous Fifteenth!

 
Grace's birthday began with cake for breakfast (something we have never done before), 

followed by family gifts. 

Opening her sweet present from the Faddens. 

After breakfast cake and gifts the girls and I went to bootcamp, where they both totally crushed it!

Love that Rachel was teaching and that Sharon made Grace a birthday sign! After bootcamp it was home to get ready for lunch at Pickity Place! 

This year, Jennifer and Abigail joined us. For those who don't know Abigail and Grace have been friends since they were three months old (we met at playgroup)! I love that they have been friends their entire lives and I hope that they remain friends for the rest of their lives, too! 

These three are such a great trio!

After a delicious lunch and exploring of the grounds it was time to get home so that we could get ready for the evening's festivities. 

But before the friends arrived it was time to open presents from Gramma Terri and Grandpa Gene!

A gorgeous fairy book and giant bubble wand (that we need to try out) because you are never too old for either thing! 

Abigail and Adelaide came over to celebrate. Grace decided to keep her friend gathering very small this year. The girls spent time outside chatting and hanging with the rabbit and chickens before dinner. .After dinner Grace opened presents and the girls watched Hamilton before it was time to make s'mores! I didn't get any pictures of those parts of the party but much fun was had by all! 

Adelaide gave grace a beautifully painted rock and journal. 

Abigail gave her a basket full of yarn and a book of adorable (crocheted) food! I am sure she'll have some of those items crocheted in no time! 

We had such a fun day celebrating Grace! Thank you, everyone, for all the calls, texts, Facebook messages, cards and gifts for Miss Grace! You all helped to make her day even more special! xo