Emma Kate's 7th Birthday "Party"

Emma Kate's birthday falls right in the busy time of gymnastics meets, so we usually have to do it mid-week or wait a couple of weeks after her birthday.

This year we waited until 2 weeks after her birthday when she had a weekend off from gymnastics. Rather than a traditional party, she wanted the 4 other girls from her team to go out to eat and then to a Gymbacks Gymnastics Meet. (yes, everything for her revolves around gymnastics. She seriously needs a shirt that says "Eat. Sleep. Gymnastics.")

I was thinking we'd go someplace cheap for dinner like Cici's Pizza, but she wanted Shogun. I immediately said no, but not 5 minutes after saying that we happened to be driving by Shogun and saw a banner that said $4.95 kids meals. Wow. That is cheap. So I called Cici's and their price for kids is $4.76. So I could totally justify taking the girls to Shogun. It's a win-win for me too because I don't really like Cici's to begin with but I love me some Japanese!!

One of her teammates was going out of town so it ended up just being 4 girls total. Emma Kate, Lauren, Sammy and Amanda.

It wouldn't be Japanese teppanyaki without the fire....


The chef was soooo good with the girls. He gave Emma Kate an egg to hold (look in her lap) and told her to come inside the cooking area to crack it, but she said no. That is typical Emma Kate. Doesn't like to be the center of attention as you can see by this look on her face.

Something tastes good using these kids chopsticks....

Once again a disgusted look on her face. They lowered the house lights and turned flashing lights on so the whole restaurant could sing Happy Birthday to her. She was not thrilled.

Once the lights were turned back on, our little group of girls sang Happy Birthday to her and she was much happier.

She picked out these sparkler candles (I didn't even know there was such a thing). They were a bit tough to blow out.

Mmmmmm, cookie cake.

Then we were off to the Gymbacks Meet. The girls were H-Y-P-E-R by this point. They skipped and sang a made up song from our car all the way to the arena. The song went something like "This. is. the. best. night. EVER."

Inside, propped up on a balance beam display...

Still all smiles at the end of the meet!

Happy Birthday to my 7 year old. Can't believe you are already 7. My quiet, sweet, helpful Emma Kate.