Party Time

Turning 10 is a big deal, a really BIG deal! We got a good laugh when Emma said "now I am double digits--next up, triple digits!"  Sweetie, I won't be around to throw you a party in nine decades, but the celebration of your first decade was truly a blast!

On her birthday we spent four hours as a family at the local charity in the afternoon and she was a trooper having to wait until afterwards to open presents.  She was delighted with every gift, oo-ing and ahh-ing over each one.  She is so fun to watch opening gifts as every word on a card and every gift is just the best ever.  Luca was too cute making her a money holder card all on his own in which he gave her $3 and 50 cents (everything in his wallet).  Emma kept getting the money count wrong by saying "thank you, Luca for my $3" and he would respond "and 50 cents!" My heart sings for joy when I see the sibling love come out in unexpected ways.

Emma's birthday meal request was a steak dinner.  I was thankful not to have to cook that meal as we headed out to our traditional birthday restaurant of Bam Bam.

This girl loves parties and maybe the planning of them just as much.  However, she was kind of stumped on a cake theme this year.  To me, the obvious choice was to highlight her rainbow loom craze with lots of colors.  Emma got busy making cupcake pencil toppers out of rubber bands as party favors.  Everyone was super excited about the little gift since favors are not a part of Italian party customs.  I had to frantically make the final few as we had last minute confirmations and man, do I have more appreciation for her work and the hours of patience she has to pour over a project.  I had more rubber bands flying around the room than I could count.

We hosted Emma's party the day after her birthday and even then it was a bit crazy trying to fit it into our schedule as we had to make a turnaround transition from party to Bible study within an hour of each other.  But we did it and it was a great success.

Emma invited her entire class and eleven of her classmates and four siblings came to celebrate.  Three of the siblings are in Luca's class so that was a special treat for him too.  The kid count was 18 and the house was rocking.  The kids brought their elastic cords to play the same jumping routine game I played in elementary school.  I can't even remember what we called it, but it is funny how the same games get passed on from generation to generation.  At one point there were three separate games going on, then it was on to Twister.  A few of the moms stayed and we amazingly had really good conversations despite the decibel levels being through the roof.  A couple are seriously interested in a Bible study with us! Be praying.

Presents and cake rounded out the evening.  What a fun week of celebrations!  Happy 10th Emma!

And more rainbow colored food...