Imagination Abounds

Emily has never been short on imagination and that continues to be the case. She is often dressing up and concocting elaborate stories or games in her head. What I find funny is how these games often result in a perfect combination of warrior meets princess. These are just two of her recent outfits. The first has that not so classic "ninja-ballerina" feel to it. She looks miserable, but she asked me to take this photo, and she is really just trying to look tough, I think.

The second photo was a candid one that I captured. Here there is a slight variation, but the theme is the same. To me, this one sort of screams, "Mom by day, superhero by night."

Emily also likes to internalize and act out stories that she hears around her (as I suppose all kids do). Most recently, we were recounting the story of a woman who owned a pet boa constrictor. She thought that her snake was sick - it hadn't been eating and just seemed to want to cozy up alongside her in bed all the time. When she took it to the vet, the vet said, "Ma'am, your snake is not sick, it has been fasting and sizing you up because it is preparing to eat you."

Of course this is the sort of semi-scary story that Emily just loves. Within a few days of hearing it, Emily began getting really snuggly with Grandma P., really cozying up next to her on the couch one evening, lined up right alongside her. Then she says, "I'm really hungry; I haven't been eating much lately." Still unaware of what was in store for her, Grandma P. says, "Yes, I noticed that. What's going on?" At which point, Emily turned to Grandma with her mouth wide open. This is the point at which it all became clear - Emily was the boa constrictor and Grandma was her meal. So much for innocent snuggles! :)

The other big excitement for Emily right now is her upcoming birthday. She wants the standard Pump It Up party - essentially a big place that specializes in bounce houses for kids' birthday parties. So, the location is set and the invitations are out. Two weeks away and Emily can hardly wait!