Happy Birthday Lauren!!!

Lauren on her birthday morning. She was so excited to be 8 years old.

My cute 8 year old.

Lauren wanted to go to Olive Garden for dinner. Don, Janine, Grant and Blaire came with Lauren and me.

Lauren is getting an American Girl doll for her birthday. She will be getting it when we go to Chicago next week. I couldn't have her have a birthday without at least one present. We are planning a family birthday next month and she will get presents from her aunts and uncles and cousins at that time.

Ice cream with a candle.

My happy 8 year old.

Celebrating at Granny's house.

Mommy and Lauren celebrating at home on Sunday.

Happy Birthday, Lauren.

I can't believe that Lauren is 8 years old. It seems like just yesterday she was being placed in my arms. Now she is 8 years old and starting 3rd grade.

Lauren is my joy. She fills my life with such fun. She is the funniest kid I know. She is sassy, beautiful, smart, loving, and oh so funny. She keeps me on my toes. Lauren loves all kinds of animals. She just loves them so much. It amazes me to look at her interact with animals. She is so loving and kind. It makes me smile. Lauren can act so tough and so strong but she can also be very tenderhearted. I love this girl so much.

We celebrated her birthday a few different times. The first celebration was in Kentucky with Granny. Granny made her a wonderful cake and everyone sang happy birthday to her.

On Sunday, Lauren and I had a mommy and me birthday celebration. We went to see a movie, we went shopping and we went out to dinner. The evening ended with a cupcake cake with singing happy birthday.

On Lauren's actual birthday, she brought brownies to Aunt Janine's house to celebrate with her cousins. She picked Olive Garden for dinner. We went out to eat with Janine and Don, Grant and Blaire.

Lauren thought it was a great birthday and that is all that counts.

Kentucky Trip - Day 8

Sitting on the porch swing one last time

Hugging her favorite dog, Brooks.

Saying good bye to the dogs.

We left the lovely weather of Kentucky to head home to the hot hot weather of Arizona. Lauren had to say good bye to the dogs. On the way to the airport she kept telling granny that she is going to miss those dogs so much (and I believe her). She also told granny to tell the dogs she misses them and loves them so much.

It was a wonderful time and it was so nice of granny to host us at her home. Thank you granny and we love you.

Kentucky Trip - Day 7

Lauren playing with Brooks.

Feeding the ducks

Lauren and Granny

Celebrating turning 8.

Our last full day in Kentucky was spent enjoying the outdoors. (With the exception of going to the movies.) Lauren started the day once again playing with the dogs. She told me that was her favorite thing she did in Kentucky.

We then went to a beautiful park where we went for a long walk and feed the ducks. It was a nice relaxing day and the perfect way to end our vacation in Kentucky.

Kentucky Trip - Day 6

Lauren and Brooks
Lauren and Jack (and Brooks)
Lauren and the cows.

After cleaning and packing up at the lake house we headed back to granny's house. We did stop and shop for a little while and had a nice lunch. Lauren could not wait to get back to granny's house and the dogs. Lauren loved every minute she was with the dogs. They were both very nice dogs and allowed Lauren to love on them all the time.

Lauren also got to pet the cows that live on granny's property. It was so nice to see Lauren in the country enjoying the simple pleasures of life. She got to experience so many things she usually does not get to do. It was fun to just relax and enjoy the summer.

Kentucky Trip - Day 5

Jumping off the rocks.

Kate and Andie

Lauren and Kate.

Kate

Lauren jumping off the boat.

Andie

Lauren driving the boat.

Lauren and Kate.

Lauren, Kate and Granny

Day 5 was also spent at the lake. Dale, the girls and I spent the day on the boat. The girls enjoyed jumping off the boat and rocks in the lake. They enjoyed swimming in the lake and of course riding the inner tube. Lauren got thrown off the tube and I thought she wouldn't get back on it, but she did.

After a full day on the lake we went back to the house and had a wonderful cookout. The girls then ended the evening with a swim in the pool with granny. Dale and girls went home after the swim but we stayed for one more night.

Kentucky Trip - Day 4

Granny and Lauren on the boat.

Kate, Lauren and Andie.

Me and the girls swimming in the lake.

Lauren and Kate.

Lauren and Andie

Lauren and Kate.

Kate and Andie

The girls on the dock.

Jumping off the boat.

Playing Clue.
Ready for bed.

Day 4 was spent on the lake. Dale and the girls, Kate and Andie, joined us at the lake in the morning. We then spent the rest of the day on the boat. It rained a bit but that did not spoil the fun time we all had.

This was Lauren's first time on a boat and riding on a inner tube. I was not sure if Lauren would do it because she is not a huge ride person, but she loved it. She had so much fun and Kate and Andie are such sweeties. The girls really got along and they all had so much fun.

After the fun on the boat, we had a wonderful dinner. The girls finished the day with some games and a movie. They were asleep within a few minutes of turning the lights off.