Originally we were supposed to spend Emma’s 8th bday at the Legoland hotel but as you know there is currently a pandemic and the hotel and amusement park are closed :( We’ve been taking online art classes with Fibo so we thought it would be fun to have a Zoom art bday party! It went well and was actually cool because friends from far away were able to join too! Even though we couldn’t go anywhere, we tried to make the best of Emma’s day…she was SO excited about turning 8! For breakfast, her and boyrobot biked to Euro Cafe to bring back some strawberry banana crepes. On the way there, our friends texted us telling us to turn back because they were here to surprise Emma with a bday parade! lol. We had no idea! It was such a sweet gesture from our friends and they left some amazing presents for Emma too! We also drew her a chalk obstacle course and had movie night (The Princess Bride is on Disney+!!). Foodwise we ate all her favorites, pad thai and sushi! And we baked her bday cake. She requested Red Velvet and even iced it herself.

Now a few highlights from when she was 7:

-got her first pet….a hamster!! We named him Hammie and he’s the best hamster ever

-graduated from a Daisy to a Brownie with her Girl Scout troop!

-went rollerskating at a rink for the first time

-Started 2nd grade with Mrs. Miller in a 2nd/3rd grade combo class

-Ballet – performed at the OC Fair, Children’s Festival at South Coast Plaza, the Cechetti Gala and the Nutcracker for the first time!! (she was an angel)

-was Hermione for Halloween this year

-lost her 2 front teeth

-started private swim lessons and is pretty much swimming now!

-got into GATE

-sewed her first skirt

-FOSTERED A CAT!!!

Trips

• Vegas – saw Jabbawockeez
• Austin – we left the kids with my sister for a whole week while we were in Iceland!
• Mexican Carnival cruise with friends
• San Jose – for boyrobot’s cousin’s wedding
• Lake Hemet – camping trip with friends
• San Antonio/Dallas/Austin – xmas vacation

Dear Emma,

This is the year where seeing your baby pictures sends me into a tailspin of emotions. When you’re in the thick of it and they tell you to enjoy every minute, it’s so hard. But when you are on the other side, all you remember are the sweet stuff. I’m officially on the other side and missing your little chubby cheeks and so sad I can’t pick your little self up and gather you in my arms. The only consolation is that you have grown up to be such an awesome kid. You have the kindest heart and sweetest demeanor. Your empathy for others amazes me. You are thoughtful and always thinking of others. When you were student of the week in your class and each student had to write you a letter, almost every single one mentioned how smart you were. So even though you don’t think you are, YOU. ARE. SO. SMART! I hope in the coming years, you will gain more confidence in yourself because you are so much better than you ever give yourself credit for. (And no I’m not just saying that because I’m your mom :))

I hope year 8 brings you back to school in the fall and that you get the chance to develop the meaningful friendships you yearn for. I know you miss the social interaction of school the most! I hope you enjoy being in GATE and that you get a great teacher. I hope you return to ballet and get to perform again. I also hope we get to travel again since like your mom you have such an adventurous spirit. Lastly, I know your one greatest wish is to have a pet dog or cat. I hope we at least get to foster another pet this year!!! Ultimately, I hope you have a fun year full of happiness and laughter. I will try to treasure these years before the teen years ;)

Love,

mama.

Here are the answers to her birthday questions this year with my comments in parentheses.

1. What is your favorite color? purple
2. What is your favorite toy? I don’t know
3. What is your favorite fruit? jackfruit
4. What is your favorite tv show? The Masked Singer
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Totinos Pizza
6. What is your favorite outfit? Anything with black leggings
7. What is your favorite game? Minecraft
8. What is your favorite snack? Cheetos
9. What is your favorite animal? cat
10. What is your favorite song? Believer by Imagine Dragons, Human by Christina Perri, and Dynasty by MIIA
11. What is your favorite book? Upside Down Magic series and the Dork Diaries
12. Who is your best friend? Katie B
13. What is your favorite cereal? Chocolate Rice Crispies with Cuties (“hidden oranges”)
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play jazzminton
15. What is your favorite drink? Mixed berry sparkling water
16. What is your favorite holiday? my bday
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? a book and a flashlight
18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Bagel with lox
19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? sushi
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? a teacher