Emma's 8th Birthday

This past Saturday was Emma's 8th birthday. I can hardly believe that she is 8 years old. For her birthday this year, in lieu of a party, she wanted to take a family trip to Jacksonville and go to IFly. IFly is an indoor skydiving facility. Emma clearly has no fear. She also wanted to try Top Golf, which is also in Jacksonville, so we day tripped it to the coast for a birthday filled with excitement.

Things about Emma at 8:
1. She is still loving, kind, selfless, and intuitive about others' feelings.
2. Her love language is definitely physical touch. She is constantly touching people or hugging.
3. She is still very shy, but still shows much enthusiasm at school per her teacher.
4. She is the most observant 8 year old I've ever known.
5.  She LOVES math and science.
6. She does read, but it's not her favorite thing to do. She would still rather me read to her. (I'm guessing she will eventually be an audible fan like her mama)
7. She is an excellent student and has excelled tremendously this year.
8. She is an incredible athlete and is so unbelievably tough.
9. She loves anything purple
10. She is such a laid back, sweet soul in this family full of pretty intense personalities. She fits right in and keeps us all straight.
11. She loves mint chocolate chip ice cream, pickles, olives, and lots of salt on everything.
12. She is responsible, even at her tender age.
13. She has such a bright future, and her dad and I can't wait to see what unfolds!



We started the day off with a little bed head, morning doughnuts, and gift opening party.

A caboodle from Auntie Kate

Emma only asked for gift cards from 3 specific stores this year. She was an easy person to buy for . The Justice gift card was the most popular. 

We made our way to ifly in Jacksonville!!

We headed to Dave and Busters for lunch and games to kill time before our Top Golf appointment. 

Emma won 500 tickets shortly after we entered the game area. 

Ellie found the claw machine

I just love all 3 faces in this. Mack is so intent, Worth and Ellie are playing a game that apparently has them  seriously contemplating in the background. 

The motorcycle was Mack's favorite, I think. 

Most of my pictures were of Mack, because I was trying to keep up with him, while Worth kept up with the girls. 

We made it to Top Golf and it was so much fun! 

We made it back to Valdosta for dinner. Emma wanted Zaxby's and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Done. ✅

Here are some videos from our IFly trip:

Ellie:




Mack:




Ashley:



Emma:



Worth: