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.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Christmas is one week away, and one pint-sized person couldn't be more excited!  Every year gets more fun with her as she truly "believes" and brings back many wonderful Christmas memories to our family.

Here we are working through our Christmas checklist...

Toured the neighborhood Christmas lights.

The Elf on the Shelf has been flying to and from the North Pole for over a month (bribary at its finest).

Lauren and Daddy made the perfect gingerbread house.

Went and told Santa all about the Barbie Boat we want.

We also told Santa, we are ready to get moved up to the "Nice List".

Snow is on the way.

Decorations up.

Stockings hung.

Family arrives next week.

We are ready Santa. Come quickly!

Love the hair for proper gingerbread decorating!  One pony tail in. One pony tail out.

Who would believe we've been a tad bit naughty this year?

Santa, can you bring my Mom a trip to the local shoe store

so I don't have to wear pink crocs with my holiday dress?

Happy Gotcha Day!

Four years ago, on December 3, we officially became a family by the state of Texas although we were already one deep in our hearts.  "Gotcha Day" is such a fun day to be thankful for how far we've come, to forget the challenges that we've faced as parents to this beautiful child, and to just celebrate being brought together.

With balloons and a fruit bouquet, a princess cake (apparently Mom picked out the same one we had for Lauren's fourth birthday - sigh!), and a fun filled evening at Chuck E Cheese, we played and ate and laughed.  Until we passed out!  Our little family of three...Perfect, complicated and just as it should be.

A Day at the Farm

Lauren and her good friend, Ashlynn, spent last Saturday at a local farmstead soaking up the warm October weather.  She seems right at home with the wildlife.  Clearly the families Iowa roots are taking effect.

I'm not sure who is happier.  The goat who's about to eat a leaf or Lauren?

Peak a boo

Fish for dinner?

A great day with a great friend.

Whipped!

Happy Halloween 2014

Well as in years past, the morning of Halloween, Lauren awoke and promptly stated "I don't think I want to go Trick or Treating today".  Based on year's past, we expected nothing less.

But that night, she put on "part" of her Doc McStuffin's costume (minus the braids, stethoscope, and pink pants) and off she went.

Her and her Dad were gone trick or treating for over and hour and have a candy bag filled to the brim to prove it.  So glad that she enjoyed the holiday and here's to many more.

Happy Thursday

Here's hoping your day is as "sporty" as Lauren's is.

A week in the life of Lauren

Whew!  Once your start updating the blog with all of Lauren's updates, you see that she is a VERY active child and we are a very busy family.  Our week in review.

Last weekend, we took Grandma Susie for Saturday morning donuts.  

Of course we had to put on our princess dress and make cat whiskers before leaving the house.  

Doesn't everyone do that?

Sunday, Daddy took Lauren to the Irish Fest.  

Lauren has developed a new fear of wolves and vampires.  

She is scared to walk into another room alone, has slept in our bed for the past two weeks,

and always needs a light on.

 I'm pretty sure this won't help Daddy!   

Mid week, we said good-bye to our good friend Bubbles, the goldfish.  

Bubbles lived much longer than most carnival prizes. 

Lauren learned all about how fish get to heaven via the toilet, 

and we've since moved onto some new fish and a slimy, brown water snail.  

Thursday, Lauren started her first gymnastics class.  

I swear she runs across that balance beam like a road runner.  The girl has skills!

It's RED FRIDAY in Kansas City.  First home game of the season.  GO CHIEFS!