10 Years, 3 Days

Mauri turned a decade yesterday.  I really wanted to write a lovely tribute to my beautiful youngest daughter, but didn't have even a minute to sit, ponder, reflect, and write.

But don't worry, we celebrated.  In a flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of way.

Let's start at the very beginning of the celebration.  January 7th.

Mauri was in Utah, and had a slew of relatives to party with.

Her sister, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents gathered together in honor of Mar's big day.

She had a yummy cake (which cousin Lincoln apparently could NOT resist, thus the interesting and unique texture on the top and side of the cake).  She had candles.  They played party games and had a good time.

I would be amiss if I didn't thank everyone involved for making it such a memorable time for Mauri.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The next day, January 8th (Mar's actual birthday), she was up early, ready to hop a flight back to Colorado.  She would be flying as an "unaccompanied minor," and was initially a little 

concerned/afraid/worried.  

But, with home as her destination, she set aside her fears and forged ahead.

She enjoyed the flight, and was pleased as punch to be back home.  Even if there were no balloons, gifts, party or cake waiting for her there.

But we did stop and shop for her gift on our way home from the airport.  Here's what she came away with:

She has been riding hand-me-downs for YEARS, and was excited to finally get a brand spankin' new bike.  She couldn't wait to ride it when we got home, since it was a sunny, beautiful day.

But wait.  No time to ride.  Just admire it quickly, park it in the garage, and hop in the car.

The next five hours were spent here:

The celebration just doesn't stop.

After a long day at the very crowded meet, we headed to Panda Express for a birthday dinner.

Do we know how to have a party, or what?

Then we headed next door to the new frozen yogurt joint for a birthday dessert.

(I'll bet you wish this was YOUR birthday.  Cough, cough.)

Mauri was gracious and kind.  She didn't complain.  She didn't whine.  She was happy to be home, that was enough.

Today, thanks to her sweet friend Madalyn, Mar had a birthday cake.

Madalyn and her aunt had made the cake together.  I considered it a tender mercy, since I had not had the time to make a cake myself.  And everyone knows you need a cake to commemorate an important birthday properly.

The cake was delicious.  Thanks, Madalyn!

Mauri even found a party hat.

Three days.  One of planned celebrating, one of random compensation, and one of tender mercies.  

I'm sure there's a little more partying to be done.  Just a tad delayed.

Happy 10th Birthday, Mar!