Happy Birthday Emian!

Our little pirate at heart turned four on October 3!

For weeks now we’ve been planning her first friend birthday party. She has been so excited. Of course it was a pirate themed party. She invited 13 kids from her primary and pre-school classes. Well, being conference weekend, I didn’t think for one minute that all 13 kids would RSVP or come. To my complete surprise, they ALL did. We planned a party and turned her 13 friends into true pirates. They had to walk the plank (cross the wading pool filled with sea creatures on a board), hang a flag on the ship (pin the tale on the donkey), claim an island (mix between a cake walk and musical chairs), decorate their toilet paper telescopes with pirate stickers and finally, of course, hunt for buried treasure. After doing each activity they first earned a pirate tattoo, then a bandana, and lastly an eye patch. When Bryan asked Emian what her favorite part of the party was, she replied, “All of it!” So, at least in Emian’s eyes, it was a success. Now she’s done until she turns 6! Every other year is the way we do it. With 13 new presents (and may I say that I am shocked at the caliber of gifts kids gave) Bryan and I think we should skip Christmas!

Two hours after the end of her friend party it was time to celebrate with the Cavin family. She has a cousin her turns 7 two days after her birthday (today—Happy Birthday Hattie!) So we combined their celebrations and Emian had a VERY full day of birthday fun!

Emian’s birthday cake request was originally a pirate ship. I had it worked out (in theory), but worried about the work it would take (I usually bite off more than I want to chew with birthday cakes; simpler was the way this year). I steered her in the way of a pirate map instead and skull crossbones cupcakes for her party. After her birthday party was over I added her cousins’ name and age.

Emian is so excited to be four. Unfortunately for us, I think the terrible twos, three’s, whatever you want to call it is hitting at four. I guess I should consider myself lucky that she is a bit older and maybe it will be easier for us to charter through this by more reasoning than when two and three. We thought we would skate through unscathed; she’s apparently a late bloomer! Hopefully the tantrums just now starting will be short lived!

I am so grateful that Emian came to our family. She made us feel complete. She is generous, happy, loves to sing and generally complies without too much hesitation. Her very laid back personality has suited me well!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMIAN!