Beginning of Softball Season

Opening ceremonies. The Sparkles.
Getting ready to bat.

In the field, ready to play.

Batting.

This weekend Lauren started her softball reason. Friday night the league had its opening ceremonies. It was really fun to see all the teams. They had drawings and Lauren won a new bat bag. She was so excited to win a prize.

The next day, Saturday, was Lauren's team first game of the season. This year they have coach pitch and there is more fielding. They really don't keep score but that really does not matter to the girls. They just had fun.

Getting Ready for Valentine's Day

Supplies ready to go.

Lauren starting to fill the bags.

Working on the Valentines.

Continuing to work on the bags.

All done and ready to bring to school.

I love the stickers that we got. They are so cute.

Lauren ready to take them to school.

For some reason, Lauren's class had their Valentine's party on Friday. Last week Lauren and I worked on the Valentines that she brought for her class. She was very happy with how they turned out and she was excited to bring them to class.

Since she won't be having a party at school on Monday Lauren and I will celebrate on Monday.

Happy Chinese New Year!!

Lauren in her Chinese dress.

Getting ready for our dinner.

Lauren's handmade decorations.

Lauren and Sammie
Lauren
Sammie looking in her red envelope.

Jacob
Jacob and his red envelope

Our chapter of FCC is not having the Chinese New Year party until later in the month. Lauren and I decide to celebrate the beginning of Chinese New Year by having Brian and Diane and Lauren and Jacob over dinner. Lauren and I decorated the house. Lauren even made some Chinese lanterns with some Chinese symbols on them. They really turned out great.

We had a great evening with Chinese food and lots of playing. Lauren, Jacob and Sammie got red envelopes with lucky money. We just might have to do this every year.

Lauren and Blaire

Blaire watched Lauren last night and then just spent the night. This morning before heading for church I got a few pictures of the girls. They love each other so much. Lauren is lucky to have such a wonderful cousin.

I usually make Lauren wear a dress to church. However, because Blaire was wearing jeans I let Lauren wear jeans today.

2 Years Ago this Weekend

two years ago this weekend - what a day that was!!!

Two years and a lot of challenges later!

Two years ago this weekend, Lauren and I were making cupcakes and her hair got caught in the beaters. The beaters kept going and the results were a large bald spot on top of her head. That first year was a challenge. For the most part we were able to cover the spot and we were creative with different hairstyles.

The nightmare is over. On Saturday, Lauren had softball practice and we put her hair in a ponytail. All of it was able to be in the ponytail. Her hair is back to being thick and full. The part that was pulled out is just below her chin. It now just looks like she is growing out bangs.

On Sunday, Lauren and I were having fun enjoying the beautiful weather and taking some pictures. Lauren suggested that we make cupcakes this afternoon to celebrate that we are done with this difficult period.

MLK Weekend 2011

Cousins
Beautiful girls

Lauren and Blaire texting.

Sunday after church we joined Don and Janine and the kids for Sunday lunch. It was a nice family lunch. Lauren just loves to be with her older cousins. She is growing up so fast.

Zoolights

Lauren
Ella





Tonight was Kim and Ella's last night in Arizona. We decided to go to zoolights. It was cold but the lights are just great. The girls had a good time with the highlight being the camel ride. We are going to miss Kim and Ella but we will see them in the summer.