Shorty's 21st Birthday!

Last Sunday was Easter; my favorite Christian holiday--or tied for first anyway. Sunday was also my little sister's 21st birthday. 

Erika and I are three years apart and growing up we were always the best of friends. I was looking through a scrapbook she made me for my high school graduation and came across this quote: "A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost." So true. 

We had a blast celebrating her birthday last weekend. The festivities started at my Aunt Terry's with a delicious homemade meal. Erika requested stir-fry, which turned out marvelously! (Thanks, Danae!) It was fun to eat together with family.

Of course there were candles for her favorite lemon-meringue pie. 

I think only she and Uncle Gordon ate some. 

 Kyle did the honor of lighting the candles. They were a bit tricky!

The rest of the evening was spent playing Scattegories, doing (free!) laundry, and watching a movie. Sunday morning, we got all spiffed up, took some pictures, and headed for an Easter service in Emporia. 

 Our wonderful Uncle G.A.!

We love him.

The service was wonderful, and A. Terry had generously packed us an Easter feast to enjoy in Empo-town. 

After lunch, I had a surprise planned for Shorty. 

Since it was her 21st birthday, I came up with 21 clues that would lead her to different places in Emporia. 

It was a BEAUTIFUL day to be outside. 

Yes, I made her wear a birthday crown everywhere she went! 

I'm that kind of sister!

She was super excited for her first clue. 

The clue led to the Granada Theatre downtown. 

Sadly, it was closed so we couldn't go in and look around.

This was the next clue: "I'll keep you young forever, if you just believe, my shadow I never seem to retrieve." 

Any ideas? 

Peter Pan Park!

Next clue: "I swoop, I fly, my home is the sky; 'Let freedom ring' is my cry." 

"I am old and falling down, but you don't have to go to London to see me." 

An old bridge was another stop.

Of course, an Emporia scavenger hunt would not be complete without a stop at our zoo! :)

Another Clue: "When you were young, I was your favorite book; I'm rather small, but come take a look!" 

Erika's favorite childhood book: The Little Red Caboose. 

There's a miniature train in another park that you can ride sometimes.

 "I fly like a bird and sting like a bee; come to a game and you might meet me."

 Erika on the ESU campus with Corky!

Only a few people will get this clue: "Only the best kind of people have my name; bring a frisbee and we'll play a game!" 

Dad, that one was especially for you!

 It took a little bit for Erika to figure this one out: "I may appear weird at first glance, 'as cold as stone' is my stance."  

In Emporia, we have these interesting/weird statues of significant people in Emporia's history. 

Or at least, that's who I think they are.

We were so tired after the first 10 clues or so that we decided to just read the rest! Final stop: some birthday ice-cream at Braums. 

What a fun day! 

I was so happy to be able to celebrate with my little sister. 

No matter where I am, being with family always feels a little bit like home.