Birthday(sssssssssss)

Lauren is lucky enough to have her birthday the day before July 4th. So in the past, we've always celebrated her special day all weekend.  But this year, true to family form, she decided she wasn't quite ready to turn four so we extended another week. I'm happy to say that effective, July 12th, she is now officially a year older.

July 3 -
The big day!  After having a small family party at home (Thank you Grandma Keren and Grandpa Jim for joining us for Lauren's birthday) we wrangled up the neighborhood kids and had a block party in the driveway.  Hot dogs, cupcakes, juice boxes and a "Frozen" themed pinata were just the ticket for a fun night.

July 4 -
We started the day with our 4th of July neighborhood bike parade.  Of course Lauren insisted on wearing teal instead of red/white/blue which could be an indication of things to come.  Pool time, child-friendly explosives in the cul-de-sac (with no mishaps), a BBQ, and then off to the city fireworks which Lauren still believes are all for HER.  Of course they are!

Fast Forward to July 12 -
We had a small tumbling party for Lauren complete with the perfect princess cake and our closest 3-4 year old friends.  It was 1.5 hours of complete chaos, but the kids had a ball.  Even Daddy managed to do a few back flips on the trampoline.  Gifts in tow and completely exhausted, Lauren went to bed at 7:30 announcing that she was finally four.  Whew!

Happy Birthday little girl.

Happy 4th Birthday Lauren

Happy 4^th Birthday Lauren Thomas. 

On July 3rd, you turned four-years old.  This past year has been another wonderfully chaotic whirlwind of watching you become the little girl that you want to be and it just keeps getting better. We love to hear the silly things that come out of your mouth, and the way you are exploring and trying to navigate the world around you.  You are determined to grow up SO fast. 

This past year, you no longer need a little bed with “four walls”, you are almost fully potty trained, you can brush your own teeth, and have learned to ride a three-wheel bike and swing on the big kid swing.  You put on your own shoes, dress yourself (pink, pink, pink) and have fallen in love with Justin Bieber and the movie “Frozen”.

You've been diagnosed with allergies, and learned to write your name.   You enjoyed your first dance class, went to your first daddy/daughter prom, and are just about to go under water at swim class.  You had your first school program, and still dislike Halloween.  You've been grounded, cut off your own hair, and locked your parents out of the house.  Silly girl!

I wish I could bottle you up and never forget what you’re like at this age, but at the same time we can hardly wait to see what the next year holds for you.

Thank you for the love and energy you bring to our family. We love you to the moon and back.

Your family!