The father/daughter camp out is an annual tradition in our ward each September. In the past it has been a night Emmry and Dad enjoy camping out with friends, sleeping in a tent, eating outside, and hiking together. For me it has been a night of trying to please the ones left behind: toddler twins oblivious to the fact that they are being left out and a jaded boy old enough to know what he is missing out on. In my craziest attempt to satisfy the latter troops, we ventured into Phoenix to a Cardinal's baseball game. Not my greatest idea.
But this year's idea was truly great! For Father's Day the kids and I gave Ryan an eight-man tent. Genius! With the twins old enough to understand the meaning of father/daughter camp out, and with a tent big enough to house them, there were no excuses for anyone to be left behind.
Since camping this summer in Utah, all the girls could talk about leading up to the camp out was when it would arrive. So when Dad came home from work throwing up with a migraine there was nothing he could do but give the toilet one last look, pack everything in the car, and head to the mountains. I felt bad, but it was a father/daughter camp out after all.
The night turned out successful. Braden and I thoroughly enjoyed a quiet dinner and movie out, while Ryan was delighted to find the young women enchanted with the girls and was able to sit back with the other dads. It seems we both had a relaxing night.
What does a seven-year-old girl want for her birthday? As Emmry becomes more grown up, we are learning that princesses aren't nearly as magical as they once were and they are definitely not cool. We gave up the Tinkerbell backpack this year for a black and white one with peace symbols all over it and the Tinkerbell nightgown is rarely worn. So I found that pretty much all a seven-year-old wants is a party with all her friends. Not the greatest thing for a pregnant lady, but thankfully Ryan had the foresight to buy a carnival birthday party given by the young women of our church at a fundraiser last spring. The party came complete with invitations, games, prizes, cupcakes, set up, and clean up. Emme was thrilled... but I don't think quite as thrilled as I was! I'm sure she didn't realize that the party was actually a present for me!
With the friend party behind us we had a few gifts of our own to supply. The little girls had picked out some craft supplies and Braden a lava lamp night light. Both a success. And what was left for Ryan and me? We were giving her a "hair styling head" doll. Go ahead and laugh. I know I did. I remember several years ago my girlfriend was buying one for her daughter's seventh birthday. Braden was also turning seven and I was likely shopping for some battling toy. I remember saying to her, "I always wondered who bought those things." 
Well, the mother of a seven-year-old girl that's who. And why not? I already have three little heads of hair to do. Perhaps I can train Emme to do a few. If this last one comes out with a pink bow as well, my investment will be well worth it!