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.

Lauren's 1st Haircut!

Our little girl was blessed with some hair...that's for sure. It was recently brought to my attention however (you know who you are Cindy Evans), that Lauren had a MULLET. I decided it was time for her to stop looking like a hillbilly and get her hair cut by the best hair lady on the planet, my dear friend Meghan and her amazing assistant, Vanessa. Thanks for the pics Auntie Suzanne!!
Mullet or no mullet - you are one beautiful baby girl.

Ben and Lauren's Relationship...

Ben's 1st Preschool Recital!!

On Monday, June 13th, we went to Ben's first preschool "spring fling". We have never ever been so proud of our boy. If you had told me a year ago that Ben would get in front of over 50 people and dance EVERY MOVE to 3 songs I would have called you a liar...check it out!

Happy Mother's Day!

2 reasons I'm the luckiest mommy in the whole wide world...

Lauren's Baptism!

Lauren was baptized yesterday afternoon at St. Paschal's Church in Thousands Oaks. There were six other babies and the ceremony lasted an hour, but Lauren was a trooper through it all...Lauren's godparents Uncle Paul and Aunt Nancy.Meeting the Polkinghorne's!Daddy and his little princess!