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

Emily's March Break: Driving & Climbing

March Break is almost over! Emily enjoyed a quiet week of sleeping in, hanging out at home, catching up on Scratch, and singing karaoke. We even fit in watching the Barbie movie and meeting Lorelei's newest pet: Patches the hamster. 

One of Emily's main events of the week though was practicing her driving! Since getting her G1 in August and doing her in-class driving lessons in October, Emily hadn't been interested in actually driving, especially over the winter. But as spring approached, Emily messaged her in-car driving instructor and he responded right away with availability during the March Break. So she practiced around the neighbourhood, then did three lessons (with 7 more to go in the coming weeks), and chauffeured me and Steve whenever she could. It was so fun to watch her improve and gain confidence with each driving experience.

First time driving around since August

To all the grocery stores and back!

Off to a lesson

Driving to the climbing gym

Mommy relegated to the back seat

Emily and Steve also went rock climbing with a friend earlier in the week, then the three of us went again today to meet up with our Vancouver friends who were visiting. Fun!

Emily definitely appreciated the break from school and is looking forward to seeing her little sister again, who is arriving in one hour (!!) from her trip to Greece! More on that next.