Letter to Marit, from Mom and Dad

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December 2021

Dear Marit,

We love you so much and are so proud to be your Mom and Dad. Every day when I come home from work, you push past your big brother, Theo, and jump up to give me the biggest and best hugs and kisses. I love sitting next to you at the dinner table and hearing about your day: the games you play on the playground, what you are making in art class, and who your friends are in school.

Since you were a little baby and could fit inside that little red stocking, Dad and I have loved you so much. 

You were once our little princess and are now our not-so-little ballerina. We saw the Nutcracker Ballet for your birthday and maybe next year you will be on stage leaping and twirling around with your friends like you do now in ballet class. You are funny, caring and kind and no matter how tall you grow, you will always be our little baby.


Mar-Mar, you have a positive outlook on life. Two years ago, we were skiing at Chester Bowl on New Year’s Day. Out of the blue, you had a little fall. You couldn’t get up. I know your cry and I could tell you were hurt. Theo went to get the ski patrol while you and I waited and waited and waited. Eventually the ski patrol came and loaded you on their sled. After a couple X-rays in the E.R., we found out you broke your leg. You were so courageous and calm. You let the doctors put a cast on your leg and learned how to get around in a wheelchair. The next winter you went skiing again at Spirit Mountain and after a few days on the greens, you were back in action zooming down the hill! You are so brave, and I can’t wait to go skiing with you this year.

Marit, you have a wonderful imagination. You are learning how to read and have a pile of Curious George, Little Critter, Pinkalicious, and Elephant and Piggie books stacked up in your bunk bed. I’m surprised you have room to sleep! I can’t wait until you can read chapter books, like Harry Potter, and stay up late getting lost in an imaginary new worlds.

We love spending family time at the cabin with Grandma and Grandpa and your cousins. I know you love to swim on the Maui Mat and go tubing behind the speedboat (but not too fast). Your swim lessons at the YMCA have helped you become a strong swimmer and I’m so proud of you. I can’t wait to go snorkeling with you in Hawaii and see manta rays and turtles.

Dad and I love your adventurous spirit. I know it can be scary to try something new. This year you tried the high ropes course, cliff jumping, disc golf, soccer, triathlon, mountain biking, alpine slides, water slides, sailing, and ballet. While it isn’t easy to learn new things and sometimes you get hungry and complain; but deep down you are determined and try your best. We love going hiking and camping as a family. Watching you and Theo explore new places and discover new things outdoors is such a joy. 

Even though it seems you are always competing with Theo, win or lose, you will always be best friends. The three things Theo says he likes best about you are, "She is helpful (but sometimes not helpful), kind (most of the time), and a good friend (some of the time)." Theo says the best part about turning seven is that you are one year closer to being 18 and making decisions for yourself. 

If I can give you one piece of advice, it is to always follow your dreams. Find something you are passionate about and go for it. Challenge yourself, use your strength and courage to explore the world and learn new things, and never give up. Dad and I will always be there to support and encourage you. We are so proud to be your parents. Happy Birthday Mar-Mar! We love you!

Love,

Mom and Dad


All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!

Marit at the Duluth Playhouse's Annie

Josie, Marit and Evie at the Nutcracker ballet


Marit, Theo, Evie and Josie

Playing pin the horn on the unicorn


Reading a card from Isla







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