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.