The Nutcracker

The weekend of Lauren's birthday, we went to The Nutcracker at the performing arts center downtown. It was a fun girls' day- just the grandmas and us. Lauren LOVED the ballet and is still talking about it. I really need to get her into a dance class- she would have a ball.

Santa

Also in North Dakota we had an unplanned Santa visit. He happened to be at a store we went to, and Lauren just had to see him. She loved him and was not afraid one bit!

North Dakota Wedding

Last month we went to a wedding in Fargo- here is a cute family shot. Lauren had a blast and was outgoing and chatty with everyone. She made fast friends with other kids at the wedding and learned to play "tag". She was infatuated with the bride and tried to hog all of the dances with her. She ran up to her and Jamie's (bride) dress and said "I love this dress! Can I have one?" As you can see Lauren wore a fancy dress of her own.  We also got together with a bunch of Jeff's North Dakota buddies and their kids- we had pizza and beer by the hotel pool while the kids played together. It was a fun trip!

Tebow the Christ Like Bronco - KS1075

Tebow Mania

Tebow mania is cracking me up. Check out this story about some high school kids getting suspended for "Tebowing" in school. Facebook is blowing up with pictures of people "Tebowing" all over the world. And my personal favorite- all of the radio spoof songs, "Tebow the Christ-like Bronco" is a personal favorite. I am not a fan of Tebow or of the Bronco's but I am certainly loving all of the frenzy- it cracks me up!

I see it!

People are always saying how Lauren looks just like me. Well, quite frankly, I think they are nuts! (apologies to you who have said it...). I think, no way! She is a gorgeous child, all blonde and blue eyed, I see no resemblance. Well, this picture hit me in the gut- I see it! How lucky am I to bear resemblance to this beautiful girl. I am teary-eyed and flattered beyond belief (and printing this out for a frame...)

Number 3

Pictures from Lauren's actual birthday. This pretty shirt was sent to her by my good friend Laurie, who's mother actually made it. You cannot tell in the picture, but the number 3 is made from fuzzy, soft material- super cute. And the color and polka dots match perfectly with Lauren's tutu that she has to wear on special occasions (well, its either the tutu or Snow White Dress always).

Last night I was emotional putting my baby girl to bed, the last night I would kiss my sweet two-year-old. Jeff and Lauren didn't get it, but I was struck by it all. 3 years old!! I will never kiss that sweet two-year-old face again. Life just flies by, and when you have a child it is incredible how it changes. I love to see her grow and learn and become her own person, but I hate that it means her approaching independence. Seriously, this child is going to be an adult and live on her own one day- how can that be? I am her mother, I need to protect her from the world and kiss and hug her every day. Funny that I laughed at my own mom for having similar thoughts.....

She woke up happy, I was singing to her... and she learned "I am three years old" chorus to happy birthday. She dressed in this fabulous outfit and we brought rainbow colored (left-over frosting from the colorful butterfly cake) cupcakes to her preschool.  We has tacos for dinner at her request and she opened her gifts from us. We have a bike for her in the garage and a huge gold bow for it, but with all of the snow and sub-zero weather we opted to give her a $5 watch I had for xmas instead, along with a couple other little things. Great choice! The bike would have been sad with no where to ride it, and she is so proud of the watch. She is very conscious of our watches and even wants to buy me a new one for xmas (i dont need it).  And like the true lefty that she is, she proudly stuck out her right hand for the watch.

Anyway, we made some movies today and tons of memories- so blessed to have Lauren in our lives. 3 years ago today life changed for us, and I couldnt be more thankful. 

Lauren's 3rd Birthday Party

The cake! Despite swearing I would never work with fondant again..... turned out pretty good, I think.

Best attempt at a group photo

End of the night.... second piece of cake. What a great day!