BFF's

They are first cousins and best friends.

They just click.

Like peas and carrots.

They were the first two granddaughters, surrounded by a sea of boys.

All Emma needs for a Birthday Party is a Becky.

This was 3 years ago.

Emma was 5.  Becky was 6.

Nate was 6 too, and a really good sport.

 This is today.

Emma is eight, Becky is 9.

They're having fun, doing girly type stuff.

Like trying on jewelry.

And the hair styling has turned into a tradition.

Emma's present this year was a digital camera.

Oh, relax.

It's an old temperamental one.

But she loves it.

Here's some of her documentation.

Half of her cake.

As per tradition it will be breakfast tomorrow.

The Mom.

The Beckster.

Present from the Pentlands!

There was lots of Barbies going on.

And a dorky brother.

Mean older brother appears!

Lot's of dog pictures.

She does this.  Takes pictures of pictures.

Model pose?

Mess.

Emma

She was born 8 years ago yesterday.

I remember being struck with her eyes.

They were SO big it made her nose and mouth look so small.

She was my third baby in as many years.

I didn't know I wanted a girl till I had her.

I was in love with her the moment I laid eyes on her.

Her brothers loved her from the start.

Quin was 3, Nate was 18 months.

She was a great baby.

She was my only baby that I got to stay home with for the first few months.

The rest of my babies I was back to work in 5 or 6 weeks.

She has always been as girly as it gets.

She's a princess.

And yet she's really tough,

and keeps up with her brother's without a problem.

She was the baby for four years.

But was thrilled when she had a sister.

She's an excellent big sister,

and helps and cares for and plays with her baby sister.

She has an excellent relationship with her brothers...

 they tease her, but love her.

Since she could talk,

she's wanted to be a dancer.

And, as she says, "I'm an excellent dancer."

And she is.

She is sweet, kind, loving and thoughtful.

 She is emotional, passionate, sensitive, tough.

She loves rollercoasters, music, being in the spotlight, and schoolwork.

She will always be my baby, and I will love her forever.