Emily's Birthday!

So I have shared the "pre-birthday" celebration - now it's time for the big day! The morning started with some proper princess accessories,

phone calls from her family and friends who couldn't be with her (she LOVED these calls!),
and a book and a new hat...
from Aunt Sarah and family.
Then there was a bit of coloring...
before we were off to the OC Zoo.

After the zoo we went over to ride the train...
(Everett too!)
during which Emily waved enthusiastically to everyone we passed...
and showed me how old she is now! Also, quite enthusiastically!
Finally, we went over to contemplate riding a pony for the first time.
This is not the first time Emily has contemplated the idea, it would have been her first ride! But, after some consideration she decided against it.
Or did she?! As we were walking away she was crying and wanting to go back to ride a pony. We agreed to one more try before we would head home.
She got very close and even pet the pony before saying that she wanted one that didn't have hair in it's eyes. Understandable, right?! I mean, who wants to risk life and limb on a pony that can't SEE?!?!
But, in the end (even after finding a pony with trimmed bangs) Emily touched the saddle with her hand alone. Poor girl. She REALLY wants to ride a pony but can't seem to force herself to do it yet! Maybe next time!

After leaving the ponies we went home for a nap. I think everyone slept a little that afternoon and upon waking Emily opened some presents. She got more princesses from Everett (this finally completes her collection),
a fairy costume from Aunt Sarah, Uncle Reagan, Lauren, Cole, and Cooper,

and a wagon from Nana and Grandpa.
Since we decided against going to the beach (It was a chilly afternoon. Plus, nap was late and long.) Emily helped assemble the wagon...
and then took it for a ride.
She even fluffed her fairy skirt out over the edges.
Grandpa, Daddy, and Aunt Sarah were nice enough to take it out on the open road...
and Everett enjoyed a little "down time."
That evening Emily ate pizza and listened to her new CDs... she got several for her birthday.
She had a great day and was pretty pooped.

*Wondering where Nana is? Unfortunately, she was under the weather and missed the festivities.