June 18 Erin and Emmeline

Wednesday:  While Kelly, Brendan and Cal were out shopping, Aidan busied himself with some screen time in the basement. Meanwhile, Emmeline, Erin's best friend who lives just down the street, came over to play. I was doing a little bit of kitchen clean-up, so the girls went outside to hang out in the tree house Kelly is making for the kids in the backyard.

After I finished with the kitchen, the girls came inside and we played some games together that I brought over from my house. Here is Erin teaching Emmeline how to play our wolf and fox tic-tac-toe game. We also played "Candy Land" and "Chutes and Ladders."

Finally, the folks were ready for gift opening. Emmeline stayed to watch the fun.

Here is Erin checking out the card I made for her ...

I got Erin the three things she had picked out on-line: the first one was a "magic" lantern that was interactive (more complicated than I actually studied out); a projector for her bedroom that had pretty stars and galaxy pictures on it; and a mini-robot (battery operated) that she was most excited to receive. Her Uncle Shane also got her a robot for her birthday--very similar size to this one; except it has a cool remote control and does a bunch of stuff that this one does not do. Anyway, Erin seemed pleased with it anyway, so that was good.

Here are the boys enthusiastically (!!!) watching Erin open her gifts.

Her brothers got her a new video game (I think it is a "Here's Kitty" one), and Aidan got her a Chess game (identical to the one I have at my house); but this cracked me up because Erin is not a huge Chess fan. It's Aidan who loves to play Chess. Well--at least Aidan was practical about his gift buying.

Exhausted Kelly and Dylan watching the gift opening ... sigh. I would not want to be parents of four young children in 2025! These guys never seem to get enough rest!

Dylan and Kelly got Quad Sakes for Erin--she was super pleased. Also, they got her knee pads (good idea!). AND a small-ish skate board. Super nice.

Erin requested that the family eat out for her birthday dinner and she chose her favorite Chinese restaurant! She also declined having a big birthday party this year and decided she wants Kelly to take her and Emeline to the mall to shop instead. I can just picture those two "shopping" at the mall. They are such darling buddies. Friends are so important! 

Thankful to the Lord for you, precious Erin. LOVE YOU!