Staycation 2013

As you are all likely aware, Bryon and I have been traveling ALOT this year. Traveling alot without Lauren.

So once she made us aware of this mishap, it was time to plan a "staycation".  Last weekend we packed up the Dora suitcase (including everything but clothes and jammies) and off to downtown Kansas City we went.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. we....

• Went to the planetarium to see the "Elmo & Big Bird Moon and Stars" show
• Dined at the train restaurant
• Toured the aquarium and held a star fish
• Played at the indoor play place
• Saw a 30 minute puppet show
• Snacked on chocolate ice cream with gummy worms on top (not the parents...we had a glass of wine)
• Checked into the hotel
• Went up and down in the elevator four times
• Jumped on the bed
• Went out for dinner
• Came back and rode the elevator
• Jumped on the bed some more
• Played hide and seek in a 220 square foot hotel room
• Watched a movie
• Read Books
• More snacks (in bed)
• Slept (as much as you can with a horizontal toddler in the middle of your king size bed)
• Went to breakfast
• And then headed home for Halloween crafts and decor

Note: If you are exhausted just reading this, then you should imagine how her parents felt.

Lauren had a ball but was ready to come home, and her parents are still recovering till the next staycation. Fun!

Monthly Results

First, I want to apologize about the delay in not providing a blog update in well over a month. But spend one afternoon at my house and you will quickly realize that Lauren is not the picture-loving, captive audience that she once was.  We are running/tending/soothing/playing/feeding day and night!

Since my last post in early September however, we have had a slew of "firsts" and new successes.

Monthly Results:

1) Tour de Lauren!  Lauren has finally graduated from her infant tri-cycle  (thank you again Aunt Coni) to a real big girl bike complete with helmet, basket, and those stringy things that every kid in the 70's HAD to have coming out of their handlebars.  We are proud to say Lauren has had no major falls, and can even use her body weight to get herself up to the top of the cul-de-sac.  "Go Lauren Go"!

2) Off to the Fair!  Lauren rode her first carnival ride.  Although she still claims how scary it was, we know it's just the start of 10+ years of roller coasters. Oh my aching back!

3) Everyone Poops!  We are almost officially potty-trained.  True, we've been trying for the past six months, but Lauren now seems to prefer panties over pull-ups and we are well on our way to visiting every public bathroom in the Kansas City metro.  Whew!

In typing this, I see how quickly time passes and how quickly Lauren is growing.  We are so proud of you Lauren and look forward to the next month of "firsts".