The new "Warriors" book!

Well, Em's on Book 3 of "The New Prophecy," but that didn't stop us from heading to the Boulder Bookstore this evening to see and meet Erin Hunter, author of the "Warriors" series. It was actually Victoria Holmes, the editor and creator. Emma was deeeeeelighted to learn she's British, by the way. I was amused to learn she doesn't have a cat ... or really like them all that much. She likes to create gruesome ways to kill off the cats -- "Tigerstar's death rocked!" she said.

Emma managed to get a seat right on the floor in the front of the area where Vicky was giving her talk. She was totally mesmerized. It was awfully sweet to see her in a sea of kids who all share the same passion for the books, too. Total Tweenerville, y'know.

Anyway, when Emma went to get her book signed, she shared with Erin/Vicky (Ericky?) a photo of her birthday cake. My photo didn't turn out well, but Em's stepmom, Danelle, saved the day by taking plenty of birthday picks that are not just cute, they'r in focus. I did manage to get a snap tonight of Em and Erin/Vicky that wasn't too bad ... considering.

Now I can't wait for Em to get home so I can read "The Lost Warrior" and we can finish "Dawn."

Another Sunday in the park with Emma.

Emma, her BFF Alexis and I spent a couple of hours on Sunday at the park. This was after a lovely morning during which the girls let me sleep until nearly 10 a.m. I say "nearly" because I got up at 7 a.m., then again at 8 a.m., and some time around 9, all in between bouts of light dozing and visits into my bedroom from the girls, who were desperate to pull one over me for April Fool's Day.

They finally got me, though, while I was up and about, getting dressed and ready for our picnic luncheon. Amidst much giggling and whispering, they called out from Emma's newly (and finally) cleaned bedroom for me to come see what they'd done with the bed.

"We really changed things up, m.om," Emma said.

Oh, boy. Now my "momdar," which usually goes off right before Emma tells me she's spilled something on the rug or sofa or all over her clean clothes, was pinging. I wondered what they could have possibly done to the place. (Please note: I worked on cleaning her room for nearly three hours Friday night and another hour or so on Saturday morning. I still need to finish going through the clothes in the closet and dresser, as well as the toys, books and PC games. Yard sale this summer!)

So, I walk in there, they both yell "ta-dah!" and what do I see?

They made the bed.

Awwwww. Who cares that they had me scared and definitely pulled one over on me (Emma's obviously knows me oh so well)? This was the best April Fool's gag ever.

More, please.

Anyway, these are some of the snaps from the park. After Alexis's grandmother picked her up later that afternoon, Emma and I finished reading Book 6 of Warriors, original series,, before father fetched her to take him to his house. Am pleased to say that Em's stepmom reported that evening she fell asleep on the couch during "The Amazing Race." Wow. I can't remember the last time she was that tired. The sense of accomplishment I felt was almost as overwhelming as my happiness and pride in seeing her made bed. It's the silliest things that make being a mom so swell.