We love you...

As many of you know, this past six months has had many ups and downs as we continue to navigate parenting our little firecracker.  I had no idea how true this description would be when we posted our first blog entry after her birth on July 3rd, 2010.  But for every challenge, I see a strong and beautiful girl growing in front of us and know that these are the things I want to remember.  For they are the very things that make you YOU and we wouldn't have it any other way.

I love that you have no regard for making a mess or picking up your toys.

I love that you wear the same pink Crocs everyday, even though you have ten other pairs of shoes.

I love that you are dressing yourself, despite the fashion statement it might make.

I love that you hate having your hair brushed, but want long, blond hair like a princess.

I love that your little body is sensitive to cold, water, lotion and loud noises (unless it's a song you like).

I love that you come into our bed every night, even though you aren't invited.

I love that you hate all of our favorite foods:  Macaroni and Cheese, Spaghetti, Hamburgers and Tacos.

I love that I never know which "Lauren" is going to show up that day.

I love that you are honest enough to tell everyone how you are feeling even when it's not appropriate.

I love that you truly believe you are the center of the world.

I love that you call angels "fairies" and that you believe in fairy dust.

I love that you move from one activity to another in five minutes flat.

I love that you put a Hallmark "Frozen" card under your pillow for God.

I love that you are resilient enough to face any sort of challenge headed your way.

I love that you can't wait for Opus to pass away so that you can get a Guinea Pig.  Well, I don't really love that!

I love that you can take the simplest of things, and somehow make them an event.

I just love you.

We love you our little bug face

We love you our little camper

We love you our little coffee shop poet

We love you our little Veternarian (or as Lauren says "Vegetarian")

Christmas in January

Okay, okay. Yes it's been 36 days since Christmas.  And yes, I'm continuing to fail on the blog updates, but today marks a new commitment to keeping everyone up-to-date on the adventures of the "T3 Family" - that's me, Bryon and Lauren by the way.

Christmas this year was truly magical.  I'd always been told how fun the age of four was at Christmas, but I had no idea how much.  The best part was just how much she BELIEVES and how much joy she got out of the smallest things.  From the Elf on the Shelf, to the reindeer food we placed outside, to Santa coming down the chimney, it's simply best gift a parent can get.

Speaking of gifts, we were surrounded by wonderful family, great food, and have recently purchased additional storage for all of Lauren's gifts.  Thank you all!

Let's start the day off with matching jammies everyone!

Off to open our stocking.  

Who knew colored hair braids could be such a hit?

Now on for the good stuff.  A present as big as she is...

And 2 hours later, poor Uncle John has the life-size present put together.

Our Christmas Blessing tending to the misfit dolls that Santa left behind.