At The Kitchen Table

 

They might be eighteen and sixteen-and-a-half, and one might be leaving for college this coming weekend but there's nothing ike hanging out together and making slime on a perfect late summer day! xo

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 

An Impromtu Visit

 

In which Erin (not pictured), David and Mundo stop by for a visit and meet Clover. xo

Weekending

 

It was a weekend full of time outside, visiting with friends we haven't seen in far too long and apple picking! Oh, and the big news, the first two eggs were laid! xo 

Last Saturday

This past Saturday some of our most favorite people came to visit! Russ, Patricia, Alice and Patricia's mom journied down from New York state to spend the day with us (and the weekend in Massachusetts. And since it was Gnomevember at Tower Hill we started our wonderful day together there! 

Gnome scavenger hunt.

Counting gnomes. 

After our trip to Tower Hill and a stop at New City for ice cream, the girls went swimming at the pool and then everyone came to our house for dinner. Lasagna, salad, molasses cookies and a delicious chocolate cake (made by Alice!) was the perfect ending to a fabulous day! Thanks for coming to visit, dear friends! xo

A Sweet Celebration

A Harry Potter themed cookie decorating party a few days ahead of her eleventh birthday. Many thanks to my dear friend Sade for sharing her incredible talent with us yesterday! It was the perfect way to celebrate our girl who loves cooking/baking/decorating AND Harry Potter! xo