Kentucky Trip - Day 3

Getting ready to leave to go to the lake house.

Swimming at the lake house.

Taking a walk in the woods.

What a wonderful night.

On our 3rd day in Kentucky we drove to a lake house. One of Dale's friends owns a wonderful lake house and they allowed us to use the house and the boat for a few days. Granny, Lauren and I went down on Monday. Once we got there and unpacked we went for a swim in the swimming pool. The water was cooler then in Arizona but it still had a wonderful time. We ended the evening going out to dinner and a nice walk in the woods. It was another great day.

One of the most wonderful things about Kentucky is the green green grass and all the trees. It was so lovely to just look out and see all the green. Living in the land of brown it was a nice change.

Kentucky Trip - Day 2

On granny's porch swing.
Lauren and Jack
Lauren and the dogs

Lauren and Brooks

Enjoying Kentucky soft grass with a roll down the hill

Lauren and Granny cooking.

Lauren ready for church.

Day 2 started with going to church. Granny had told so many people about Lauren (her heart grandchild). We meet a lot of her friends and enjoyed a nice service.

After church Lauren had a wonderful afternoon with Jack and Brooks. She loved playing with those dogs and they loved playing with her. The first thing each morning she would run to play with the dogs. She is such an animal person and it feels me with joy to watch her run and hug and just play with them.

In the afternoon we went to a park where Lauren had a great time playing on the playground equipment and just having fun at the park.

The day ended with Lauren helping granny make some treats for our trip to the lake. It was a wonderful day.

Kentucky Trip - Day 1

Waiting in the St. Louis Airport for our next flight.

Ready to takeoff for our trip to Kentucky.

Lauren and Andie on the scooter.

Lauren and Andie

Lauren and Granny have gotten very close over the past few year when Granny has come out to Arizona. She has invited us to come and visit her many times over the past few years and it worked out this summer to finally visit granny in Kentucky. This was Lauren and my first time being in Kentucky.

The first day we flew into Louisville and got there in the evening. Dale and Granny picked us up from the airport and we then went to Dale and Abby's house for a wonderful dinner. Lauren had a great time playing with Andie. (Kate was at a sleep over.) After a wonderful dinner we then drove to granny's house. It was a full first day in Kentucky.

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.