Birthday Girl

This is a bit late, but I hadn't gotten a chance to use my little camera lately. Maarit has become quite a photographer and she strongly believes that the little red camera is now hers.

It is hard to believe that our little darling turned 3 years old on the 16th. Since it was a quiet family celebration, Justin and I spent quite a bit of time talking about how incredible Maarit's coming into the world was 3 years ago. How much we have enjoyed the past 3 years with her...it is impossible to write. I can not describe the overwhelming amount of love we have for our amazing little daughter. She has brought a meaning and joy to my life that I never imagined was possible. Thank you Monkey Pie for being my girl.

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Maarit had a fun birthday surprise from her new friend Juli the night before her birthday. Our friends brought balloons and fun presents for her, which was so kind and very fun for Maarit.

On Sunday Maarit was still trying to get over a bit of a cold. It had gone away, but decided to come back in full force on her actual birthday...so that was also part of the reason the day was pretty quiet for us.

Here she is opening her presents first thing in the morning, almost like Christmas!
Playing play-dough with Daddy!
And birthday cake. She wanted purple cake with purple frosting. This picture was taken as Maarit is asking me if she can eat all the chocolates off the cake!

And here making sure that no one helps her with her candles.

We also had a wonderful skype call from Maarit's cousins and it was fun to talk with them and Auntie and Uncle on Maarit's birthday.

This picture is from a face painting downtown last weekend. She had so much fun with this and was very proud all day.

Zebra Maarit!