This book is dedicated to;

Ernie "Papa" Evancic

It has taken a very long time to finally bring this book to life, many frustrating but joyful hours were spent in creating this story.

You're loved Ernie, may this story reach you in heaven and touch your heart, just as you touched our hearts every day.

God Bless and Keep you Papa

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/acf95qdifs2t

This story was inspired by my beautiful niece Emmie. I began writing this when she turned three, she's seven years old now.

It took quite a while, but here it is!

I love you Emmie

Emma's Big Day

"Today is the big day". It's Emma's birthday, she's three years old today! Her name may indeed be Emma, but from the moment she opened her eyes and smiled that gorgeous smile...at that moment she became "Emmie" with those smiling eyes and that one chubby little finger that always seems to be pointing at something that only she sees.

She's our big girl....Our Emmie!!

Do you have a BIG day?

Draw a picture of YOUR big day!

This is a very special day and to say that Emmie is excited, well...a small word like "excited" just doesn't seem to cover it! You see, Emmie knows what the word "birthday" means; after all, she is three year 's old today and she knows that "birthday" means presents, cake and games with friends!

BUT....before all that can happen, Emmie has to have her breakfast and a bath!!

While mommy fills the bathtub with water and Emmie's favorite bubbles, Emmie quietly takes a peek at the presents she sees in the living room; The wrapping paper is bright and fun! Mommy loves bright colors and there are colorful balloons everywhere!

Emmie knows she can't open any of her present's yet, mommy said

"no, no" and Emmie definitely knows what that means!

Can you draw pictures of presents?

I bet you can!

Grammy arrives while Emmie is finishing her bath, Emmie can't wait to see Grammy. With a naked bum and a flash of bubbles, Emmie races down the stairs for a "Grammy Hug".

Mommy stands at the top of the stairs holding a towel, "my goodness!" she says, as she follows Emmie down.

"Where are your clothes?" Grammy asks, as Emmie climbs into her lap,

but Emmie doesn't care about clothes, because "Grammy Hugs are the best!

Do you like bubble bath's?

Use this page to draw lots of bubbles.

Before long, Emmie looks up at her Grammy and asks, "Where's Papa?" Papa would never miss her big day! Is Papa coming? she asks.

What is Grammy going to say to her baby girl? Grammy's face looks sad now and everyone is so quiet. Papa has gone to heaven, but...Emmie doesn't remember!

After a while, the party guests begin to arrive, it's time for games, presents and eating yummy birthday cake. There's noise and laughter, the colorful balloons are scattered all over the house.

With a joyful bounce, Emmie announces that she wants to go outside, it's a beautiful fall day, far too beautiful for staying indoors.

Emmie races out the door with her friends following close behind.