Lauren's Week in Review

Lauren...

Is now tall enough to turn on all of the lights in our home.  Now we need to focus on the turning "off" part.

Just learned how to slam her bedroom door.  We knew this day was coming but at the age of three???  The best part is when she also tells you "you are not my best friend" while doing it.  

Has decided she has no interest in getting potty trained.  The preferred options are:  Pee on the floor; Pee on herself and then walk around in wet clothes; Or dispense of wet clothes somewhere in the house and then go back to whatever she was doing in the first place.

This past week, many of Lauren's preschool classmates have moved from the Elephant class over to the Alligator class. The rooms are joined by a bathroom.  The good news is that Lauren is going to the bathroom A LOT at school.  The bad news is that she's not actually using it, but rather using the bathroom to sneak into the Alligator room to find her friends.

Had decided that she wants to be Batman when she grows up.  Although I'm all about letting her become her own person, I think she and Daddy are watching too much TV.

Happy Friday everyone!

The Elephant in the Room

Great news!  Miss Lauren has been chosen as "Elephant of the Month" at her preschool.

Although we are new to this, I think being chosen as the Elephant is much like being voted homecoming queen or perhaps even President of her class.  Surely it's a distinguished honor since they requested photos  AND conducted a formal interview, right?

And her parents couldn't be any more proud that after three full years of endless lullabies and toddler tunes that the "Chicken Dance" is her favorite song.  Say what?

The Birthday Party

After three full years on this earth, Lauren had never had an official birthday party with pint-size people such as herself.  So we headed over to the local Splash Zone pool and Lauren got to celebrate her birthday (AGAIN) with some close friends and family.

The parents were too busy making sure the children were all afloat to take any pictures, but the pictures we took ensured that Lauren had a wonderful time!

Lauren's 3rd Cupcake Birthday Cake 

"But Aunt Jerris...I want the WHOLE cake".

"One little poke.  No one will know".

"Well it is MY cake after all".

"Now this is getting fun"

"Anyone want a piece?"

Happy 4th of July

4th of July is a favorite holiday for our family and this year was no exception!  All of our family joined us for Lauren's extended birthday weekend and I don't think there was a single holiday tradition that we failed to do.   And keep in mind, this was all in a 12 hour period!

• Golf
• Fireworks (the illegal kind in our cul-de-sac) compliments of Daddy/Uncle Bryon
• Pool Time

• A Barbecue (deviled eggs and corn the on cob included)
• 4th of July Parade (you've got to love the scary clowns)

• Running through the sprinklers
• Yard Games

• Water Balloons
• And we finished the day off with a VERY exciting Fireworks Display (based on everyone's reaction but Lauren's)

 It was a wonderful day and we look forward to continuing the tradition for year's to come.  Thanks everyone

Happy 3rd Birthday Lauren!

It's official!  Lauren is three years old and just happens to have the best birth date EVER!  It was so fabulous that it's taken me almost a full month to get through all of the fun, festivities, pictures and gifts from her big week.  So here goes!

The first key to a fabulous 3rd Birthday is to get all of your family to come and celebrate with you.  Throw them all on planes, trains, and in automobiles, and have them travel as far as Phoenix or from just down the road.  Wherever you live just be sure and don't miss the party because it's all about me turning 3!

Throw in a cookie cake, balloons, a slew of presents, and the Annual Birthday Hat from Cousin Sam and you are set to CELEBRATE.

Birthday Day Hat - Year #1

Birthday Hat - Year #3

Says Aunt Jerris to Lauren
"Lauren, this weekend is going to be all about you.
You can eat whatever you want, tons of candy, skip naps,
and I will give you anything you want"!

"Huh?  Three candles?  How did I get so old"?

Don't forget...it's all about the frosting.

"Drum roll please"

"Ahhhh!  PRESENTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS"

"Okay Uncle Mike.  I'll share my new Rapunzel Wig."

Thank you Grandpa Bob, Aunt Coni, Aunt Jerris, Uncle Mike, Uncle John, Grandma Susie and Cousin Sam  for celebrating Lauren's special day with her.  Love you all.

Happy Father's Day 2013

Bryon,

If Lauren could write, I know that she would want to wish the BEST Dad in the world, the happiest of days.

You have overwhelmed us all with your patience, love and commitment to being a Father and a friend to our little girl.  Lauren adores her "Daddy" in every way, and over the last three years you have shown yourself to be all of the things that a Father should be.

Thank you for sharing this journey with us and for loving us like you do.

Happy Father's Day!

Lauren and Sydney

First Day at Preschool

It's here!  The official start day of Lauren's 19+ year public education.

Although we've had a wonderful experience at her in-home daycare it's time for baby girl to learn boundaries, a schedule, how to share, how to potty and how to pick-up.  Oh!  And a few new phrases in Spanish won't hurt either.

Sending a toddler to preschool today is much like sending them off to college.  Required items include:  Two sets of sheets for nap time, a pillow, a teddy bear, two sets of play clothes, diapers, wipes, a water bottle, sunscreen, diaper cream, swimsuit, a towel, water shoes, tennis shoes, and every other kind of shoe that you can think of.  Top if off with a new "owl" backpack (this one's for you Aunt Coni), and we were set to go.

Lauren had a great first day. There were no tears at drop-off (for Lauren or her Mom). She enjoyed playing on the slide, made one new friend, and had fun mixing colors to create the color purple.  According to her new teacher Lauren ate, used the potty, picked up her toys and took a 1.5 hour nap (although I'm not sure I believe it).  Then we were off to McDonald's to celebrate with ice cream.

This is the beginning of a new adventure.  We are so proud of you Lauren!

The deep thinker

"Look Dad.  A Rolly-Pollie for breakfast"

 The backpack weighs half as much as Lauren

Entering the doors to higher education

Success is spelled "I-C-E C-R-E-A-M"