To our 3-year-old...

From the minute you were born, you were a daddy's girl. He could hardly leave your side. You have his eyes, his imagination, his enthusiasm, and so much more. Sometimes I would feel jealous of your special connection but I have learned that there is something so great about a father-daughter connection that builds confidence and self-worth in a girl and woman. You couldn't ask for a better person to have this special bond with. If you follow his example and take his advice, you will have the ability to do great things.

What an incredible experience to become your mom. July 17, 2009 was a rough day getting you here, but I was so happy to meet you and see that you were healthy and strong. I was so happy to give you the special name of your great-grandma Maren. We knew that was your name months before you came. Three years seemed like 3 months ago. We feel so blessed to have you in our family.

These pictures say it all about the kind of one-year-old you were. You were always full of surprises. You had a lot of spunk and you always kept us laughing.

As a 2-year-old, we were impressed by so much. We could see how smart you were and how in tune you were with the spirit. You were social wanting to make others happy.

It was amazing the things that would excite you. You kept us on our feet.

At 3, the sass and independence appeared. I have had a bit of a preview as to how to be your mom when you become a teenager. Thank you for the opportunities to refine who I am by developing qualities such as patience, compassion, and more of a nurturing character.

I love this picture because it shows how excited and happy you are to be a big sister. You are a great one.  Eva adores you already and will look to you for support and friendship all her life.

We love you pirate, princess, witch, big girl, ballerina, whatever you imaginative little heart desires. Keep that spark alive, and you will go far.

Maren is 3!

When Maren woke up she was welcomed by her doll family with a Happy Birthday poster.

On her actual birthday her treat was a donut because her real cake would come at her birthday party.

Thanks grandma for the awesome bubble gun!

The birthday decor

I found a Cricut cartridge that made cupcake wrappers.

Maren has been looking forward to a princess cake for months now. She was on a Princess Aurora kick at the time so that is what she got.

Saw these on pinterest and thought they looked fun.

The excited girl!

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She also has been talking about a pinata for months as well. She was pleased with this one I found online.

The line-up of friends waiting to hit the crown

Maren had a great time. Thanks to all who came to support!

Splash Park

Had to add the 5 month old shots!

Strawberry Picking

Maren was extra involved this year. The berries she picked were pink because that was her favorite color. Needless to say the pink ones are not the good ones. She also did a little more eating than saving...luckily the owners encourage it!

Eva's first picking.

I am sure going to miss these babies. Nothing like Hoods.

We did our best to "preserve" the amazing summer memories we have had in Oregon. (sniff, sniff)

A Month of Events

June is Rose Festival month in Portland. Since it is our last summer here, we thought we better go check it out. We have been to the rose gardens at Washington Park many times but you can't miss it during the festival.

Pictures are a bit out of order, but this gives you a good idea of the weather for the entire month of June. I am counting my blessings that we are not dealing with the heat wave of fires that the rest of the country is fighting. Maren got caught out in the rain and the neighbor kids rescued her. She loved it.

Just a few of our sweet Eva in case you forgot what she looked like:)

Back to the Rose Festival: We were walking to the parade route when we passed by these darling statues. I thought the little bear looked like Eva so I needed a picture.

Of course Maren didn't want to be left our so she wanted one by the deer.

We found a few different spots to stop and watch.

It was a fun event to experience.

Fun in the sun.

Maren and friends at Milan's birthday.

Fun at the zoo! It was a slightly rainy day on $4 Tuesday which was great because more animals came out than usual!

One day Karen and I took the kids on a walk to feed the ducks. All it took was for them to hear us coming and they came running out of the bushes straight at us. They backed us into the middle of the road! This picture doesn't show how many there really were. It was madness.