Birthday Girl

Maren turned SEVEN Sept 2nd!

She had a joint party with her friend Rosie and other friends at Rollar Rink...
a very low key family party at home...

and a party with her cousins while we were in Utah ....

She was SO excited to get presents at every party.
She has really wanted a spark scooter for the past few months...
She is super protective of her scooter and keeps it in the house so all the kids don't "use up all the sparks", while she is not at home.
I love watching this girl grow up. A few days ago Dave was reading to a story to Maren. Not just any story, but her beloved "Puff the Magic Dragon" book that he gave her when he deployed last year. He was interrupted by having to change a diaper and when he returned Maren would not let him touch the book. His hands were still a little damp, having just washed them. Even after drying them a second time was not allowed to hold the book. Not until he dried them thoroughly in front of Maren was she willing to share her book with him. I love her stubborn streak( I can say that now that she is not a toddler anymore), it is so much of who she is.
Another story recently of Maren's had us laughing so hard. A friend of ours moved to a temporary living situation and put most of their belongings in storage. To help out I offered to keep their piano for them, a win win for us, as we would love a piano in the home. Maren has loved the piano. She is already asking for lessons and loves to make up songs, but is very sad that it is not ours too keep.
Not too long after we got the piano they had the following conversation
Maren "Dad we need a truck."
Dad "why a truck"
Maren"to put stuff in"
Dad "what kind of stuff"
Maren "A piano"
Love, love, love watching her little mind at work =)

Here are the top seven "Things I love about Maren"
She is still my snuggler, and I love that to pieces.
She has a quiet confidence that is so fun to watch blossom.
Maren loves being out in nature and loves to watch nature documentaries.
She is a super speed eater, with the mess to prove it.
Maren loves to hum to herself all the time, especially at meal time much to her sisters annoyance.
Maren knows how to work hard and play even harder.
Maren has a tender spirit and readily shares her thoughts and feelings with others. Something we all admire and learn from in our house.

We Love You Maren, Happy Birthday!