Four.

Emily didn't have as many life changes this year as she did last year, and still enjoyed many of the same activities (Romp & Stomp, gymnastics, playgrounds, reading,), but no question that she's grown up a lot!  She's come out of her shell quite a bit, comfortable being left at friends houses or her classes, and begun to really enjoy playing with her friends.  She has taken a real interest in the idea learning to read, often asking for help sounding out words or writing letters.  She does still love her independent play time, staying outside happily for long stretches of time (playing with the cats or her imaginary friends). At her doctor's checkup today she measured in the 90th percentile for height.  She's polite, sensitive, affectionate, and smart, and loves Westport, swimming, skiing, gymnastics, her cats, and stuffed animals.  Her memory amazes me, referencing an offhand comment I made months later or talking about a small detail of an event from a year ago.

A few interview questions with the birthday girl, asked over the course of a few days. 

Who is your best friend? Alex, and Rosalie

What is your favorite color?  Purple, and pink, and all the colors God made... but not gray.

What is your favorite book?  My new Curious George book   [most nights she asks for a Bible story before bed]

What is your favorite animal? Giraffes and everything that goes to the zoo.

What is your favorite food?  Everything that you cook me.   [ha!]

What is your favorite game?- Tug of war [I've never seen her play this, but she tells me that Austin taught her.]

What is your favorite song? Sin is Broken

What is your favorite thing to drink?  cocoa milk

What's your favorite thing to do outside?   Race around and have my birthday.

What animals do you sleep with? my special purple unicorn

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? Ride the bus, and dance with him.

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? Cook.