Emily's 17th Birthday!

Emily turned 17 on Friday! We celebrated in our usual way, with all the things she loves most (including lots of Larry!). Here is what Emily was doing at the exact minute she was born, 17 years ago: reading in her room.

Emily's birth minute: 8:32am

Her main birthday gift: a new summer wardrobe

Jessi and Emily love to give each other very thoughtful cards and gifts. This year, in addition to a couple of necklaces, Jessi crocheted Emily a Larry keychain and coded a surprise game on Scratch!

Emily has grown a fraction of an inch since last year, bringing her total height very close to 5'-8". Perhaps this is her final height?

Having to stand on tiptoes to see better!

Top height four years in a row

Answering birthday messages from fellow Scratch members

Jessi's chocolate chip cookie tarts for dessert ♥

(Tart filling too soft for a proper birthday candle)

Birthday Girl's favourite lunch & dinner picks

Today we hosted dinner with my family to continue the birthday celebrations. Emily is so loved!

Our resident bakers

And she is growing up quickly! On the 17th of August Emily passed her G2 driving test and can now drive the car on her own! This Fall she'll start applying to University programs. And only one year left before she becomes an adult!

The first outing

Here's to growing independence.

Happy Birthday, Emily! xox

Visiting in Kitchener & Visitors from Saskatoon

What a busy week we've had! Two days after our trip to Montreal, we spent three days in Cambridge/Kitchener to visit Grammy, John, and Aaron's family. Then on our way home we picked up Sarah and Tess from the airport for their 3-day visit from Saskatoon! Here are snapshots from all that fun social and family time.

Day 1: Arrival and dinner with Grammy & John

Interconnecting rooms: perfect for our family

Lucky that this major traffic was in the opposite direction...

Wow! Grammy's jade plants

Day 2: Lunch, water park, and dinner with Aaron & fam

Day 3: Hotel morning, lunch with G & J, and airport pickup

Free hotel breakfast. Yum!

Sarah the driver...

...while Tess and I watch Anne of Green Gables

Day 4: Book club with Sarah, Tess, Veronica, and chickens!

Discussing The Grace of Wild Things vs. Anne of Green Gables

Dresses and Anne braids for all

Plus an evening swim at the neighbour's ♥

Day 5: Games, painting, karaoke, baking, cooking, oh my!

Homemade peanut butter blind taste test

Day 6: Games and departures after a wonderful visit!

Re-creation of the departure from 9 years ago ♥

Three cheers for summer visitors and visiting!