11 for Emma

Yesterday was Emma's 11th birthday. It was remarkable for 2 reasons. It was her first white birthday and also because it was the first birthday that her Daddy wouldn't be here because he had to take a business trip to Ohio for a couple of days. Because of this we also celebrated on Sunday with a birthday breakfast at Cracker Barrel (her favorite), going to see The Lorax (so-so), opening her big present (a Kindle-she's in love!) and having Daddy grill her dinner (steak) before hopping in his car and heading out of town.

Even though the day started with snow, it soon turned to this. It was one of many surprises, as it turned out. In an effort to try to make up for Daddy's absence, I packed a Parisian kind of lunch and headed to school to eat with her.

I spent the rest of the day finishing up this doll I made her from a pattern in this book by one of my favorite bloggers. I will tell you, she isn't perfect but she was made with love and I think that makes up for the fact that her hair is kinda crazy and 1/2 of her face is slightly off kilter.

 Upon our return from school that afternoon Emma and I were greeted by this.

 Just as Emma had hoped, her acceptance letter from Hogwarts came via Hedwig. We are sure going to miss her when she heads off in the Fall.

Folks, this was all Maddie. Her idea and her work. She is the reigning best big sister in the world.

 I had to throw this next picture in because it is just so typical of these two together. Obviously Em is challenging something Maddie is saying and Maddie is just smirking with the knowledge that she knows something Emma doesn't know.

 Emma was welcomed home with the rest of her presents which included, the doll, a wand, a Harry Potter game, a new purse and a cat's cradle book with string.

 Which her big sister immediately stole from her and has yet to give back. Notice the tongue sticking out of the side of Maddie's mouth. That's how you know she's concentrating. I bet she does that in every one of her college classes. You wouldn't believe how much time these two spend snuggled up like this in Maddie's room. Almost 8 years difference between them but they couldn't be any closer.

Later I surprised Emma by having her 1st grade teacher, who has practically become part of the family, join us for dinner and this birthday pie (only click if you are prepared to bake a pie tonight). So. That was a lot of surprises for one day, right? Well, it turns out that I got the biggest surprise of all when my Sweetie strolled in the door at 6:30 after driving back from Ohio a day early! Best surprise ever. Best Birthday ever!