Emilie is 12. (late!)

Emilie turned 12 this year.  Now, her birthday might seem to have been overlooked with a baby being born that day, the temple Open House going on that week and the next, and the Cultural Celebration... however, she could not have done these things without turning 12 (other than having a baby sister for a birthday present.)  She had to be 12 before the Kansas City temple dedication on May 6th to be able to help with the Open House or be part of the Cultural Celebration... and she was thrilled!

She still LOVES Young Women's, loved camp, loves having a sister with the same birthday (she calls Jules her birthday present), loves everything about the temple, including going there each month to do baptisms, and generally is a cheerful happy girl, except when reminded to clean her room or to be nice to her brothers, namely Benjamin.

Emilie is our 3rd child and we were very shocked to have a girl so soon in our family... boys run strong on both sides!  (now that we've had 2 more, we're still thrilled.)(and shocked.) 

She was born in Florence, Kentucky, in the hospital right near the Cincinnati Airport and Turfway Park (horse races).   She's always been in a hurry.  Though she was technically late to be born (because of various problems), she walked and talked before she was a year old and hasn't been known to slow down since.

Emilie, 8 years old.

This year we've really seen her grow up.  She is wanting to help, she's learning new skills like making bread (not in the bread machine) and doing more with her little sisters.  She's started babysitting outside our family as well.

I am glad she had a great birthday.  I love this daughter of mine.  She'll always be my baby girl, even when she's taller than me!  (which is most likely later this year!!!)

We really did go to the hospital RIGHT after frosting the cake.

This was after Tom went home... they still had Em's birthday even with Mom and Jules at the hospital!

Obnoxious :) singing card.  Emilie didn't know she had a baby sister born on her birthday... she was on her way to church for her first "official" Young Women's meeting when we called.

Birthday presents!  Clothes!