Happy birthday, Emmacakes!

Six years old!

What a day for sweet Emma Kate.

She'd been counting down for at least a week.  Every day she'd ask if it was her "happy birthday" and every day we'd count the days left.

Until finally, upon her early morning arrival we greeted her with the long awaited song and day!

To her utter delight!

Six years old has never been so excitedly meet, with such joy and anticipation and wonder.  By all of us.

The day was all hers.  Emma Kate YuXiao's every minute of birthday glory!

Long morning snuggles (a.l.l. morning long), followed by books, puzzles, games, a favorite lunch (tuna fish!) and the best bonus ever...

Jeb home with a migraine that abated after lunchtime!  Emma Kate's day was made.

Nothing says love to her like her "people" all at home with her.

Jeb, Emma and I played a rousing game of hide and seek complete with squeals and shrieks (by Emma and by me).

We went ice sledding at the hill and managed to break all speed records previously set whizzing down glazed sled tracks.

We had hot cocoa and played more games.

And last night?  Annabanana Emmacakes (aka banana pancakes) for dinner.  Our family signature dish, considering our resident Anna Banana and Emmacakes.  :)  Named by their Baba and made with lots of love and joy.  Nothing says happy birthday like breakfast for dinner!

We have a family tradition at birthdays of individually sharing something beloved about the birthday person.  It is a way to bless and speak goodness over them on their special day.  A marking of their uniqueness and our shared gladness at growing together.  There are enough of us that it always ends up being quite the blessing fest.  And it is a highlight for all of us.  Speaking the blessing is such a treasure, and hearing what the kids say about one another always warms my heart.

Presents were a hit and it was such a joy to watch Emma's winsome pleasure in the celebration of her.  She really drank it in in such a sweet way.

Emma Kate, happy birthday!  We delight in celebrating the beautiful you that God created.  We take such true joy in having you as our daughter and sister.  Having you here with us this day and this year is magical.  We give great thanks that you are home and here.  That we know you in our arms and have you in our hearts.  Us in yours, too.  And for everything that this year holds for you, we give thanks in advance.  God's good work in settling you here at home, growing in His grace and our mutual love.

You, Emma, are sweetness personified.  Your gentleness and tender spirit bless us all.  The laughter and sparkle that you bring light up whole rooms.  The bravery we've seen in you is the definition of graceful strength.  You are quick and so smart.  We are astounded at your command of English already!  You've grown in your physical abilities in leaps and bounds in only two months home.  Climbing stairs, into cars, running, traversing hills and trudging through snowbanks are now second hand to you.  You greet each day with hope.  And we greet you each day with joy.

May we bless you as you've blessed us, Emma Kate.  We pray this year you learn the deep love of your family, and that you can trust us and lean on us in all ways.  May the Lord bless you and keep you, our treasured and beloved girl.  May He make His face to shine upon you, and may you soak in His love.  Fully.

Happy birthday, dear Emma!  Happy birthday to you.