Jacob's new walker

Jacob going for a walk with his new walker.

Isn't he a cutie!!
He was so interested in everything.

Lauren, Sammie and Jacob.

Jacob got his new walker about a month ago. Saturday was the first time we had the chance to see him use it. We took a walk down the street. He did great. He is able to walk great with it and even go down hills and able to turn corners. It is so wonderful to see him walking. What miracle it is to see all that God has done in his life. I can't wait to see what he will learn next.

When Did My Baby Grow Up???

Lauren getting ready to go to camp.

Luggage ready to put on the bus.

Lauren on the bus ready to leave.

Today Lauren left for girl scout camp. I can't believe that my baby is on her way to summer camp. She has grown up so much. She was not afraid at all. Before I left for work she had already made a few friends. She is going to have a great time and I am going to miss her so much.

Seven Years Ago

Referral picture of Lauren.

My first picture of Lauren.

Lauren this morning. (She was acting a bit goofy because she was so excited about leaving for camp.)

Lauren told me this morning she did not think this was a picture of her. I pointed out the things that are the same still. She started to laugh when I pointed them all out.

Seven years ago today I received word that I had a daughter waiting for me in China. I was overwhelmed with the beautiful little girl that was to become my daughter. I am so happy to be the mother of this spunky, fun, loving, smart and oh so pretty little girl. What a great day it was 7 years ago and everyday since then.

Packing For Camp

Suitcase is almost packed.

Lauren packing her own suitcase.

Lauren is going away to girl scout camp next week. She will be gone for 4 days and 3 nights. That it the longest she has ever been away from me or her family. (Once I had to go on a business trip for a week but she stayed with her aunt and uncle and cousins.)

The information that I got from the camp suggested that the girls pack their own suitcases so they know where everything is and what is in the bag. Lauren loved that idea, it was hard for me to give up that control but I did it.

We went shopping on Saturday for the few missing items she needed. She brought her packing list and made sure we got everything on the list. I know she is a bit scared but she is going to have a great time. She is going to do so many new things and she is going to meet a lot of new friends. I can't wait to hear all about it.

I drop her off on Tuesday morning and she will take a bus to the camp in the mountains. It is going to be strange to have the house to myself for 3 evenings. I know I will be counting the days down until Friday night when I pick her up from the bus.

Memorial Day 2011

Lauren in her ICarly All American shirt.

Lauren and her friend, Avery, swimming.

Monday, after we saw the movie.

Lauren and I celebrated Memorial Day with a swim party at Janine and Don's home on Sunday. On Monday we spent a mommy and me day with a movie and making flubber at home.

It is now summertime. Lauren has a busy summer ahead of her. I have a feeling this summer is going to go by so fast but I can't wait to enjoy all of it with Lauren.

Congrats to Dan and Blaire

Blaire and Dan in March of this year.

Dan
Blaire on the night of her promotion program.

Blaire and Dan both graduated from 8th grade this year. They will both be starting high school next fall. I know both of them will do great in high school and will enjoy all the activities in high school. Dan will be playing basketball and baseball in high school and Blaire already made the cheer squad at her high school.

Good Luck to Blaire and Dan as they begin this new adventure in their lives.

Day 4 - Surprise Disneyland Trip

After 3 days at Disneyland we headed to San Diego to go to the zoo. We got there in the afternoon and spent a few hours walking around enjoying the zoo. However, both Lauren and I were tired and with a long drive in front of us we didn't spend that much time there. We drove home. It was a fun way to start the summer.