Emily's Birthday!

Okay, we're a little early - it's not until tomorrow, the 3rd - but we celebrated early at, where else, The Cheesecake Factory yesterday. It's Emily's default place of celebration after all so that's where we went.

I think her expression has more to do with Dad using his cell phone camera to take her picture than her mood. Inside, she's thrilled. No, really:

Ah, but you couldn't tell we were at the Cheesecake Factory unless there was some kind of Cheesecake Factoriness in the background. A tilt of the camera and there's the proof:

Emily allowed us to embarrass her the best we could by telling our waiter it was her birthday. They sang to her and then gave her her dessert with a candle.

Oh, Dad, if you must:

A splendid time for all.

And a great time to remind us again about the blessing that is Emily. It was thirteen years ago that we were anxiously awaiting her arrival. The 3rd was on a Sunday that year and we had gone to the zoo because Clara was feeling kind of bored. Emily wasn't due to arrive until the 7th so what was the harm? We had a wonderful time with Rachel at the zoo like we always did and came home to messages on our voice mail: Emily had arrived. I told Clara she wouldn't be feeling bored anymore. Off to the hospital we rushed and we greeted our Emily and welcomed her to our family. She completed our family and we've been blessed by her ever since.

So, yes, quite a day to celebrate.