Mara's 9th birthday!

My sweet niece, Mara, turned nine yesterday. We were so excited to go and celebrate her and all of the love and joy and kindness she brings to the world. We had a family party before her friend party, with ladybug cupcakes. And she got some awesome presents...including a kick ball and bases! I was so jealous!

This picture below of Ivar and Svea cracks me up...I believe those are what we would call, forced smiles...

Uncle Mark was able to be there, all the way from St. Louis. It was really special that he could come! Apologies to Svea, who was not invited in the picture below. :)

And then Mara's friends came. We played stone, stone (my personal fav), pin the antennae on the ladybug, walked to the dairy queen, opened presents and played kick ball. It was an awesome party.

The girls were so tired from all the walking they fell asleep at this bus station. :) Happy Birthday Mara! You are an easy girl to celebrate! We love you so much and love your humor, creativity, passion and determination. Thanks for inviting me to your party and for picking Dairy Queen to celebrate! My first DQ of the season!