Birthday Fun in North Conway, NH

Well, it's here. She's finally nine. Since we do not often have the chance to spend time all together with no other obligations, just the three of us and a loose agenda, we headed up to North Conway to decompress and celebrate. After we made it away from home our first stop was White Birch Books. We really enjoyed the charm of this store and many of it's unique selections. Emma found several items that she scooped up and though she made a request to purchase the popular Hunger Games novel, I denied. And then I bought it while she was browsing upstairs ;). After spending quite some time browsing we finished up and headed straight over to the White Mountain Cupcakery. We decided on a six-pack, each choosing two flavors. Having never had red velvet cake, I knew it needed to come home with me. Emma and I both took a sno cap as well and she also chose a chocolate peanut butter. Aaron went with two delicious, less traditional cupcakes; the boston cream and the snickerdoodle. Much to our delight, but not surprise, the were all fantastic. We each ate one at the park during our picnic (Emma started off eating hers like an ice cream cone), and then had the rest at home after dinner. After lunch, cupcakes, and presents we headed over to the Toy Chest to finish up Emma's shopping spree. We all had a great time looking around and checking out all of the neat stuff. Emma particularly enjoyed the marble chutes, but opted to get some other items instead. Heading home I suggested we take the scenic route. We put the windows down and enjoyed the air and views of the Kancamagus Highway.