Happy 9-Month Birthday Lauren!

Happy 9-month birthday baby girl. What a fun kid you are... Daddy and I love that you need to know what's going on at all times - who said it? - you have to always be in on the action. You have no problem expressing your needs - that is for certain.

These past two months you've started crawling, reaching out for us, babbling and waving hello and goodbye. You are still so enthralled with big brother Ben - when he walks in the room it's an automatic smile...and let me tell you, you don't hand out those smiles very often. You are my constant observer - you always look as though you are sizing people up. We love love love you so very much.You and your BFF Ella!

Scottsdale Vacation!

We spent the week of July 4th in Scottsdale Arizona for the 2nd year at the Hyatt resort. It was such a relaxing vacation. We splurged and got a 2-bedroom casita which gave us so much more room with the kids.

It was Lauren's 1st plane ride!Our front yardLauren loved the pool, and took almost all of her naps poolside.Our little Navy SEAL...We took Ben on an off-roading tour at the Fort McDowell mountain preserve in a Tomcar...it was pretty exciting adventure. Lauren puckering up for the camera...Ben loves his Papa Joe.Ben and Lauren playing on the roof of the casita where we watched fireworks.Grandma Sharon and Lauren.One of Ben's favorite things to do was to feed the fish and ducks in front of the casita...he fed them pizza and lucky charms.We had some great meals this vacation. Here we are at Mccormick and Schmicks our last evening.