Growing Up

Mom has been putting off blogging about Maren's birthday, because she is having a hard time believing that Maren is 9!

Even though Mom can't swallow the fact that Maren is as close to being a teenager and she is to being a kindergartener, the fact remains that Maren's birthday has come and gone, and deserves some blog-props.

Maren enjoyed a party with her gal-pals from school. There was chalk drawing, game playing, food scarfing, gift opening, and lots of girl giggling.

Maren then chose to go to the Bombay House for her birthday dinner. Her parents couldn't have been prouder. Between the Naan, Chicken Pakora and Basmati rice, the kids all filled themselves up on food that they were thrilled to discover they actually liked! We tried the chicken coconut kurma for the first time (yum-o) and Maren was treated to a very special dessert. She made a great restaurant choice!

In honor of her birthday, here are nine words that describe Maren.

1. Thoughtful

2. Quirky

3. Reader

4. Responsible

5. Joker

6. Creative

7. Kind

8. Smart

9. Loved