Miriam is 8

Miriam turned the big 8 this year, which in the Grover household means she got to have a big friend birthday party. Her chosen theme: A Series of Unfortunate Events. We held her friend birthday party a good 10 days before her birthday (her birthday is March 27, so the party was on St. Patrick's Day) because of spring break, Easter and the like making it difficult to find a time when we thought people could come. And we held it at the church since Idaho weather in March wouldn't permit us to have it outside, and our house really isn't big enough for that many little kids to run around in.

 Miriam (in disguise) posing next to the Count Olaf wanted poster.

Miriam and her friend Abe channeling Violet and inventing something with marshmallows and toothpicks.

Winnie channeling Klaus and writing words that start with V, F and D while wearing glasses.

Miriam and her friends decorating cupcakes with the VFD eye.

Miriam wearing her craft (a mask so she can be in disguise) with her friend Journey in the background.

The random conga line that started up between games, food and crafts.

 All of the attendees with their masks.

 All of the attendees without their masks: Aubrey, Isabel, Journey, Abe, Ashalen, Kiara, Makelle, Winnie, Miriam, Kaitlyn, Analee and Rebekah.

Miriam tossing paper while opening presents.

Miriam and her friends checking out the birthday word art Analee made for her present.

Miriam playing Pin the Unibrow on Count Olaf.

On her actual birthday (March 27), she got to open the traditional Grover 8th birthday present in the morning, then Seth took her outside after school to try it out. I also went to her class to pass out ice cream cups and eat lunch with her.

 Seth showing Miriam how to cock the BB gun.

 Explaining how the sights work.

Taking aim and firing at the milk jugs set up as targets.

Then, the Friday after her birthday (March 30), we held a combined family birthday party for Miriam and her cousin Charlotte at the Aquatic Center.

Charlotte wanted an Ursula party; Miriam wanted a snake party. Aunt Melissa and her sister made these incredible cupcakes to tie in with the themes.

Bennet and Miriam eating pizza.

 Getting ready to sing "Happy Birthday" to the birthday girls and blow out candles.

Blowing out candles.

Miriam holding up the enormous swim trunks Grandpa Dennis gave her for her birthday. Hidden inside the pocket was cold, hard cash. 

Miriam holding up the dress Grandma Scott is making for her baptism and confirmation. Miriam got to pick out the pattern and fabric. Miriam also received a plush puppy craft and reusable sticker pad from Aunt Rachel, scriptures and a journal from us, and clothes for her American Girl doll from Grandma Susan.

Then the lot of us went swimming.

Cooper, Bennet and Miriam hanging out by the slide. I didn't take any pictures since I was in the water, but Grandpa Dennis sent me this one.

It was a very merry 8th birthday indeed, with festivities stretched out over half the month.

Miriam is the sweetest 8-year-old I know. She is extra kind to her younger cousins; 3-year-old Hudson has claimed her as his own. She has a great sense of humor and loves to read. She can't wait to be baptized in less than a week.

 Miriam playing with her friends Isabel and Brooklyn during lunch recess on her birthday.