Emily is 9!

This was my first attempt to do any real cake decorating. With some supplies and tips from a friend, it turned out great. I'm very proud of myself. We made one for the family party to try it out and another one for her friend party. Emily did some of the decorating herself and had a blast doing it. We made a guitar cake since her party was with her dance teacher and they were going to dance to music from High School Musical and Hannah Montana.

Notice the side ponytail-that is her favorite hairdo now. The first time she did her hair that way (I don't know where she got the idea) my first thought was, that was how I used to do my hair, is that style really back in? I guess it is. She spends lots of time doing her hair now, often changing it multiple times a day.

Ashley couldn't get enough of the balloons!

She was pretty happy to turn 9. She'd been looking forward to and planning her birthday for months!

The kids all had a great time at the party.

The Sunday after her birthday, a friend at church mentioned to me that Emily is looking more like a tween and not like a little girl. I realized she's right, Emily is not a little girl anymore. She's interested in more grown up things and wants to look and dress more grown up. She is still very thoughtful, kind, helpful, organized, a good friend, and lots of fun to be with. We love her!