Happy 12th Birthday Emma!!!!!

Today is a once-in-a-life-time event. Emma turning 12 on the 12th! Emma has been so wonderful while we are/were sick! She really held things together yesterday! She deserves a special day-- not only for her outward works, but her inward heart. We all draw daily strength from her spiritual strength. Yet her humor keeps us laughing, and her manners keep us proper! She's amazing, and is truly a testament to Him who loves her and died for her! Hope your birthday is amazing, Emma-- just like you!

This is a photo of her reciting "The Lady Of Shallot"-- it's a nearly 10 minute poem!
Emma started violin lessons this past January and has really taken off. She played for us at a recent family reunion.

Emma's so full of joy!
... and so lady-like, too!

Above she poses with Rachel Clarke, a close friend.

On a ferry in Galveston

On the beach in Galveston

The following few pictures are from Summer of 2007:

On the James River with Elsia Rose

Emma is a very good sport about picture taking-- never getting mad, just showing me that I'm being ridiculous in chasing her around with the camera!

Always a willing worker!

And might I add funny?

Always into the moment!

And willing to do anything!

At Mount Vernon^.

Emma had a hamster-breeding buisness when she was about 8. Very responsible.
(You'll notice these pictures get younger as we go)

Our 2004 Colorado trip:

These last three are from around the time Willa was born-- Emma was 2.

She was the cutest! Thanks Emma for all you do! Happy Birthday.