Emma Lena's Birthday

Happy Birthday to Emma Lena! She is five years old today. She was born during my first year of teaching at Curlew. I only had one week to get to know my students before taking two weeks off for paternity leave. She was the baby that I could snuggle to sleep. I would put her in the crook of my arm and walk/rock her to sleep. I'm pretty sure the other kids always needed their mom to fall asleep.

I remember living at Lone Ranch for her first two years. We had a lot of fun living up in the mountains. Christmas of 2007 Tera's family came to visit. I can't remember if the Hoffmeisters lived on Customs Rd. then or not, but Tom Savanoe came to visit and her sister Keri and brother in law Tim. Here's a picture I found of her (I swear she's usually smiling!) on my old work computer.


This morning, Emma Lena got up and got dressed before anyone else. She was practically dancing. Tera called and talked to her for a while which turned her a little melancholy, but she bounced back quick. The kids were really cute with her. I had a meeting, so I couldn't have breakfast with her, like I wanted to. Tonight we are having a few of the neighbors over for dinner (breakfast, again--her choice). I cut her bangs last night--she practically made me after her bath. I usually leave that to Papa Alan or Tera, but I think I did an adequate job. Emma Lena liked it, anyhow.

Happy Birthday Zu-Zu!