Em's growing up

Although my wife and I aren't parents, our friends daughter Emma ("Em" or "m") is the closest we have to a child. Em's spent the last 3 years out in service with her mother Lauri who has been aux. pioneering. During that time, while I was pioneering and my wife was/is, we've gotten very close to her and she with us. Needless to say she brings up great joy. Now Em recently turned 5 years old, and like most 5 year olds will be starting school this fall. I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet. In talking to her father, Brad, he's not either. Along with becoming more "grown-up", she recently had her hair cut to look more "grown up". This only adds to me not feeling ready for her to actually grow up yet. I guess I need to have that talk with her again. The "you need to stop growing up and stay how old you are right now" talk. Unfortunately, like last time, I don't think she'll listen very well. :-)