Partying at Jump Planet

Lauren had a blast at her birthday party today with all her friends! Drew had a great view of all the kids coming down the slide.
Miss Hadley looking cute
Brady looking cute as well
Whee- Lauren flying down the slide!
Haley and Morgan having fun in the bouncy house
Nana and Hadley with Maddie
Hads getting brave and exploring one of the bouncy houses
Avery looking good for the camera!

Everyone had a great time and got really worn out. You could literally watch the energy levels dropping in the kids as the time went on!

Happy Birthday to You!

First thing out of Lauren's mouth when she woke up this morning was "Happy Birthday to You". When people called to tell her Happy Birthday today she kept telling them Happy Birthday. It was pretty cute. She had fun opening a few presents this morning.
Her favorite was the velcro fruit that you can cut apart. She worked on cutting it for about 30 minutes, the longest she's every stayed focused on anything I think!
It was really fun to watch her try so hard to cut it all up. What a fun start to a great day!

Who's Winning this Battle?

Lauren has been refusing to sleep alone lately. We have been trying to let her cry it out, we thought we had it down after a week but the last 2 nights look who go her way? Thursday night she cried for 4 hours straight so we finally gave up and then Friday night we wanted her to get a good nights sleep so she'd be happy for her party. Guess who is screaming her head off as we speak... oh boy, at least she has stamina! The funny thing is the second her head hits our pillow she is out like a light.

She's "Normal"

So Lauren had her 2 year check up today and weighed in at a whopping 25 lbs, 8 oz and she is 34 inches tall, which is apparently on the taller side. Anyway, my most favorite part of the visit was the list the dr. gave us about "normal" 2 year old development:
- does not share
- claims everything is mine
- shows anger by crying or striking out
- wants own way
- may assert self by saying "NO"
- "do it myself" stage

While these aren't my most favorite of her qualities it was nice to see she's right on track:) We still think she's pretty great, tantrums and all!

New Bike

Lauren has been asking for a bike for a few weeks now so I got on craigslist and wha la- $15 later she has a new bike! She was so excited to try it out.
It was quite a learning experience for all of us watching her learn. We discovered our little darling has quite the temper! She wanted to pedal so bad but kept pushing with both feet at the same time. Once she finally figured out how to pedal she'd steer it straight into a wall. At one point, she turned the bike upside down and started hitting it, only to start crying hysterically because she hurt her hand! Felt bad for the poor thing but had to laugh a little too.
Turns out helping her ride is the best way to go for now. She is one determined little thing though, and kept trying all day. I have no doubt she'll be riding to work with Uncle Ryan and Daddy (maybe even Aunt Megan!) some day!

Let the Festivities Begin!

Lauren is following in her daddy's footsteps and having a "Birthday Week" (for those of you who don't know, Kevin always likes to celebrate his birthday all week long!). Her daycare had a party for her on Wednesday and she was SO excited (and tired) when I got there to pick her up. She kept saying, "I get presents, balloons, cake".
Thursday was just as good, she got 2 packages in the mail and I let her open them early. She was thrilled!!!
She loved this new dress she got and had to wear it immediately. She even wore it to her 2 year check up today, which went way better than expected. Our little girl is growing up!

I think she is going to be very prepared for her party on Saturday, not sure what she'll think once Sunday rolls around. She'll probably wake up and wonder why there aren't any more presents left to open!

Twins!

We got a package in the mail today from my cousin Stef and it had this cute onsie in it! It was too funny because I was actually wearing the same shirt as I was opening it. We love it- thanks Stef!

Goin' on the Boat!

Lauren was excited to go on the boat, she packed her backpack (actually filled it with a bag of trash!) and was ready to go! She and daddy were quite the pals today.
Walking up and down the dock going to see the Ferry Boat. Lauren loved the Ferry Boat but DID NOT like the dingy. She kept saying, "I scared of little boat".
The train passed by twice. Lauren was very interested in it but also kind of scared. She kept looking at it with this bewildered look and saying "bye bye train" then kept saying "train go home and take shower". Apparently she thought it was dirty:)
After a day in the sun we were all pooped and had to relax with a little Mickey Mouse. As you can see, Kevin was really into it!

What a cute pair they make!

37 weeks and counting...

Ben is pretty well cooked now and we're just waiting for him to arrive. He has nightly dance parties and is really into pushing down with his head and kicking up with his legs, which is oh so comfortable for me. I'm hoping he comes sooner than later! Can't wait to meet the little guy.

ANTM here she comes!

Jodi caught this shot of Lauren strutting her stuff. Something about being in her "suit" makes her feel very sassy. And well the sunglasses, they just top it all off!

Making Laundry Fun

This is where I found Lauren this morning.
I'll do laundry any day if it is this cute & happy!!!

John & Lauren

John took Lauren up for a walk along the rock wall. She had a great time, now I'm just a little scared that we'll find her up there on her own. I can just hear her announcing "I up here!"
Another shot of the brave duo.

And yes, Lauren's bathing suit is only 1/2 on, she likes it that way:) We might have to move to Europe so she doesn't get arrested at the beach!

Wyatt & Lauren

Lauren got this really cool Wiggles guitar and she loved playing some tunes for Wyatt.
You can't really tell in the picture but he was showing off some dance moves and getting into Lauren's tunes!
After a hard day of playing outside they took a bath. They had so much fun in the bath together, can't wait to show them this picture when they are 13- they will just die!

Haley & Lauren

Haley & Lauren had so much fun "going shopping" together. They also did a pretty good job of sharing!
Gabbing away on their shopping trip!
Too cute!

Happy Mom's Day

For Mother's day we decided to head to the zoo with Oma, Opa, Nana, & Pa. The day started off cold and rainy but was actually sunny by the time we left. We all had a really great time and Lauren LOVED the elephants. I think she'd just stand in front of them the whole time if she could.
Riding one of the elephant statues.

The BIG day

Wow- she was quite a sight to see- SO BEAUTIFUL!
Lauren had the best time playing at the wedding!
Ryan & I with Laurie.

She was our neighbor since 1987 so we're practically family.

Practice Run

Friday night was Laurie's rehearsal dinner and it had a Country Western theme. It was SO fun to have everyone dressed up, we had a lot of laughs. Laurie looked darling in her cowboy hat with a veil!
"Practicing" for their first kiss on Saturday:)
Laurie with 3 of her bridesmaids (Alison, Me, Kelly). All 4 of us lived together at Western- crazy to think that it was 10 years ago- time flies!

Too Cute

Love this pic of little Miss Happy in the swing!

Fun Times at the Farm

Today Lauren went to Henry's 2nd b-day and had a blast! She got to sponge paint animals,
ride a "horse", and
milk a "cow".
She was so excited with all the animals, she kept telling everyone in the barn what each animal was, you would have seriously thought it was the first time she left the house!
Lauren and Daddy got to go an a tractor ride!

Thanks for a fun party Henry!

Almost a Mrs!

Laurie is getting married in less than a week! We went out Saturday night to celebrate, can't wait for the big day!!!

Poor Baby

Lauren has been so brave and good at using her nebulizer (sp?). She has a little chest bug and this is helping her so much! She is finally sleeping (at night anyway). Thank goodness for doctors!