The Last Year of Childhood

Last Sunday we hit the end of an era. Emily turned 12! It's her last year of childhood before becoming the dreaded.....teenager. We had a really nice day as a family. After church we met our neighbors from the fall for lunch at the restaurant of Emily's choice. I would like to tell you her choice was some truly exotic restaurant that had cool, uniquly Filipino food, but alas we are a little boring and she chose to go to Chili's (are you jealous Aunt Chris?) Our meal took a while and we enjoyed talking and visiting with our friends. If you know Em, you probably won't be surprised that she really loves for the waiters to sing to her on her birthday. The waiters at Chili's out did themselves with tamborines, banging metal glasses, other noise makers and lots of loud singing. Will doesn't like it and hid under the table as soon as her heard them coming.


We returned home for a relaxing rest of the day. We watched a movie, Eragon, just hung out together, and had cake. Of course there were gifts too. I had my Mom mail out a couple things from the states. Emily has become enamoured of Nascar in the last year. Her favorite driver is Matt Kenseth who is actually related to the Nelsens. She got a Matt Kenseth hat, night shirt, and of all things a toothbrush (because it was a dollar and didn't add any more to the shipping) She has told everyone she is so excited about brushing her teeth. What does that mean she's been doing for the last 11 or so years?

Happy 12th Birthday Emily!

We Love you!