Miss Emi is TWELVE!

Dear Emi, 

You are TWELVE!! This year your birthday celebration was spread out over several weeks for a few reasons, but I think we're pretty much done now?

On your actual birthday we had a party with your friends plus Grandpa who was visiting from North Carolina. Your chosen theme was the Wings of Fire book series (about dragons) and you designed some games to play and Baba made pizza. Later that evening Matt and Rhi came over with gifts as well as some weird foods for us to try--flavored crickets and chocolate-covered pine cones!

Originally we were going to have your family party the next day but Grandma and Papa Stan had Covid so we postponed it. The following weekend we had to postpone it again and you were pretty bummed, so we decided to go on a day trip to the beach. On the way home from the beach we went to a mall that had a huge arcade and you and Maya spent ages trying the claw machines. Maya had a lot more luck than you so she used her skills to snag a snail stuffie that you wanted. It was so sweet to see her do that for you and to see you tackle her with a grateful hug! We kept the excitement going with your first trip to Hot Topic where you both got new accessories.

Finally, a couple weeks later we had the family birthday party which was for both you and me. It was good to finally see everyone and have pizza and fruit and so, so much cake. Unfortunately Baba had to quit the outdoor pizza making operation early because a thunderstorm came through. Little did we know, while we were celebrating, three huge trees came down around Matt and Rhi's house, taking out their power for a couple days. Thankfully there was no damage to their house or car, though!

One more event that's not quite related to your birthday but that happened this week was our trip to NYC to renew your Japanese passport. Maya stayed home and spent time with Grandma and Papa Stan, but you came with Baba and I for a whirlwind day trip. We went to a few fun shops before and after the consulate appointment: the Japanese used book/toy store we always go to, Muji, Miniso, etc. But the one you were most excited for and the one I was surprised that you requested was Mood, the fabric store made famous by the TV show Project Runway. You picked out some buttons for a cardigan you're crocheting and it was awesome to see your excitement--and to see how proud you were when a cool-looking design-student type complimented your accessories and overall style as soon as we walked in. Unfortunately our return train was delayed two hours, making our day trip longer than anticipated, but it was a good day up to that point. 

As always, here are photos of you from each month over the last year to see how you've grown:

July 2025

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

And here are the answers to your annual birthday interview!

Favorite toy: Nintendo Switch

Favorite game: Wobby Life, Tomodachi Life Living the Dream, and the Gator Game

Favorite thing to do inside: crafting, making kandi (pony bead accessories)

Favorite thing to do outside: play frisbee

Favorite place to go: water parks and the Renaissance Faire

Favorite book: Wings of Fire, book 16: The Hybrid Prince

Favorite TV show: Wednesday, Over the Garden Wall

Favorite movie: Nimona

Favorite song: Main Character by Will Wood, Knife Fight by Lemon Demon

Favorite animal: cat

Favorite breakfast: bacon and scrambled eggs made by Lori

Favorite lunch: sushi

Favorite dinner: homemade pizza

Favorite fruit: kumquat 

Favorite vegetable: carrots

Favorite drink: lemonade

Best friend: Nora, Sage, Estella, Emmeline, Alice, Elliot, Eevi

Biggest fear: not being alone when in the dark

When you grow up you want to be: an artist and an author

Things you take to bed: my tortilla blanket, my stuffed dragon Jellie, and my tablet because I listen to audiobooks

We are so proud of you and love you so much!

First half of 2026

 

Dear Maya & Emi, 

Another 6 months have passed without a blog post--whoops! Our days and weeks and months are so busy that the years seem to be speeding by. Here's what we've been up to...

• Art--Maya, you had a piece of your artwork in an exhibit at the local community college, and had several pieces in a show at school. You also had a history project to do that you made into a really cool origami collage: 

• Music--Emi, you had 2 band/chorus concerts, 2 all-county concerts, a NYSSMA competition, and 2 ukulele performances. Maya, you also had a band concert that was excellent. Whew!

• Family--we celebrated our family as often as possible! Grandma's birthday, Baba's birthday, Grace and Papa Stan's birthdays, Aunt Bobbie & Kelsie's birthday, and Father's Day:

• Easter: We celebrated with an egg hunt at our house early, and then at Grandma and Papa Stan's house on Easter day: 

• Museums--We went to the The Clark art museum and also Art Omi sculpture park:

• Saffron--We lost Saffron in April after having her for just under a year. We miss her dearly but we're so happy we were able to be her loving retirement home!

• Style updates--Emi, you've added bangs, pierced ears, and so, so many pony bead accessories to your style this last 6 months!

• School stuff--Emi, you participated in your last Learning Fair with a project on worm holes (!!!) and you also won just about every award they had at the year-end ceremony. You had so many medals around your neck that they clanged together every time you got called back to the stage:

• Dressing up--Maya, you and your friends dressed up for Spirit Week and ended up in the yearbook. Mommy dressed up to march in the Pride Parade with my choir and you both watched with your friends from the sidelines. You both also went to a Renaissance Faire in handmade costumes. So much fun:

• Last day of school--Emi, you graduated elementary school (eek!!) and Maya, you finished your freshman year of high school (double eek!!): 

• Party--Maya, as always we celebrated your half birthday with your friends. You again went with a Hollow Knight theme and your friends brought you such thoughtful gifts. It's amazing how much sushi seven kids can eat:

And now we're gearing up for your birthday later this week, Emi. It's going to be a roaring good time!

Love you both!