Sea Life Arizona

Lauren in the fish tank (holding her breath).

The Lego company opened a Sea Life aquarium at a local mall. Lauren and I have talked about going since it opened in June. Since Saturday was a rainy day we thought it would be a great time to go. I had high hopes because we really like Legoland.

It was ok, kinda small and for what you see pretty expensive. I don't think we will be going back but I am glad we went and saw it.

Silly Bands

Lots of Silly Bands

Lots and Lots of Silly Bands

Lauren ready for school with her silly bands.

Spirit Day.

Silly Bands started to invade our house in the spring but I thought over the summer Lauren was over them. I was wrong. Since school started she is back into them. She collects them and trades them with her friends. She told me last week that she sits at the "trading table" during lunch. She shows me her new trades when we get into the car. The funny thing is that she really does not like to wear them. She will wear a few (3 or 4) but she thinks they tickle and so she keeps them in a bag.

I know that in a few months this fad will be gone. Something else will be takes it place. The only good thing I can say about this fad is that it is relatively inexpensive. You can get a bunch of them for only a few bucks. I know that there will be fads that are not so cheap and I will be wishing for the silly bands to be back.

These pictures were taken last Friday, which is spirit day at her school. She is looking so grown up in these pictures.

Horseback Riding Lessons

Start with brushing the horse.

Next putting on the saddle.

Walking the horse to the ring.

Lesson time.

Lesson over.

Had the time of her life!!!

Lauren has been bugging me for 2 years about taking horseback riding lessons. I kept telling her when she was in 2nd grade we would look into lessons. I had hoped that her desire for lessons would have gone away, but it never did. So, today we went for a trial lesson. Of course she loved every minute. The smile on her face shows everything. I guess we will be starting lessons in the next week or so.

This year Lauren wanted to take a break from cheerleading. I don't mind that she is dropping cheerleading but it was a great sport to kept her active. I have been trying to find other activities to take its place. This fall is a bit packed but they are activities that Lauren wants to do. So this fall she has horseback riding lessons, soccer, girl scouts, karate and Chinese lessons. She is going to be a busy girl!!

Gotcha Day plus 6 years

Lauren this morning before leaving for school.

Lauren reading the card that I gave her.

Our special treat.

Six years ago today Lauren was placed in my arms.

When I adopted the common name for this day was always called gotcha day. There has been a lot of people that don't like that term and now call it Forever Family Day or another such name. When I remind Lauren what day it is she always calls it Gotcha Day. So I guess in our little family that will be the name for now.

We usually celebrated this day in very low key manner. It is always right around the time school starts and that is usually the big event of the week. But I do like to do something special to remember that this is a very special day. She still like me to tell her the story about how she came it be my daughter. I love to think back on that time and that day and remember the scared little girl that was placed in my arms. I love to see how she has grown into what she is today. It is fun to remember the whole trip to China and how it changed my life. Having Lauren in my life has enriched my life so much. It is the best thing I have ever done.

First Day of Second Grade

Ready for school.

My little girl is now a second grader, how did that happen??

Note to Lauren from mom.

Cupcakes.

Lauren went back to school today. Wow, summer went by so fast. Lauren was so excited to start school. Sunday night she had a hard time falling asleep. I think the excitement was just too much for her.

On Sunday, we made cupcakes with the school colors of Lauren and Grant school (red and black), Elaine's school (red and yellow) and Blaire's school (black and white). We brought them over for a first day of school treat. I don't think they got it until Lauren pointed it out to them.

Lauren's school starts an hour later this year, so instead of me dropping her off at school she now goes to her aunt's house and takes the bus with her cousin, Grant to school. I miss that time of dropping her off. I loved saying good-bye to her and watch her head into school each day. I am going to miss that this year!

Her first day went really well. She really likes her teacher and she loved seeing all her friends. She was so excited to tell me all about her day. She was even happy to tell me that she already had homework. I hope she keeps this excitement up. I think this will be a great year for her.

Meeting Lauren's New Teacher

Lauren and her second grade teacher, Ms. Lindsey.


Summer is over, school starts Monday morning. Today was the annual meet the teacher day at school. In the past the school had sent out letters with the information on the teacher you were assigned a few weeks before school started. This year with budget cuts and etc. they did not know what teachers were going to be at the school until last week. So, this year they posted the teachers today. Lauren was so excited to see who she got as a teacher. She had been talking about it all week.

Lauren's new teacher is Ms. Lindsey. She is new to Cherokee but has been teaching in the district for a number of years. It is my understanding she came over with the new principal. I think that speaks well for her that he wanted her at Cherokee with his new staff.

Lauren and I spent the afternoon at her school, buying new Cherokee shirts and shorts and signing up for clubs and activities. It should be a fun year. I just can't believe that summer is over and my little girl is in 2nd grade.