Couldn't let this week go by without doing a birthday blog for our oldest child, Emily, who was born on a beautiful sunny day on Dec. 3, 1975. ( For this year, I'm going to do a birthday blog salute for each of my children and their spouses (so look out!).) Next year, it'll be for the grandchildren -- after that, who knows.) We feel so blessed to have had Emily as our super exciting first child. Emily was such a sweet, good baby, and as she grew, showed a very compassionate nature. She'd clean up the house without being asked to, and,with her sister Lauren, was such a help with babysitting. The highlights of her life are her mission to northern Germany and her marriage to a very sweet, caring husband and the birth of her own four beautiful children. She is also a very good cook, interior designer, and an awesome graphic designer and artist (who is a few credit hours short of her degree in graphic design, due to the birth of her first baby). Emily also loves music, has played the piano growing up, and has sung in choir in junior high and high school. (When she was a toddler, my piano teacher heard her singing and told me she has "perfect pitch".) Well, hope all this bragging hasn't embarrassed you too much, Emily. Happy Birthday ! We love you!
The joy of having almost everyone together. (missing-- Andy in Utah, Walter and Jessica celebrating with Walter's family, and KoKo, feeling too sick to join in the group photo.)
The joy of babies' first Christmas. Laila and Colby are just one month apart in age.
The bitter-sweet joy of having KoKo with us for her last Christmas. She mainly kept to herself, being in pain from a sudden, rapidly growing and huge cancer tumor. But on Christmas Eve, when we were gathered in the living room celebrating the birth of our Savior, she joined us. She is out of her pain now, and passed away peacefully this morning. How I am missing and sorrowing for her. After we get back from our trip, I'll post a memorial for our beloved pet. 
