My Baby turns Eight

What a wonderful eight years we have been blessed with since our vivacious, energetic, full of life little girl became part of our lives.  In some ways in seems like just yesterday when she was born.  In other ways it seems like she's been a part of our lives forever.  As I watch the pictures scroll over the computer and look through albums of photos, I just can't believe how much you have grown and changed.  I love you, Lauren Elizabeth.  I think you are an amazing young lady and I know God has big plans for you. 
For your birthday we told you we would not have a big friend party because we were going to Disney in October.  You chose to invite your friend Lilly to go to JumpJam (a hot new trampoline place) and then spend the night with you.  It turned out to be a lovely evening.  After jumping, we went to Salsarita's and then Froyoz for a sweet birthday treat.
On Saturday morning after the sleepover, Daddy fixed chocolate chip pancakes for your breakfast.  We had a light lunch before celebrating your birthday with family.  You got some great presents that you have already enjoyed playing with a lot.  You got a horse which you love, a beauty seat for your doll complete with tools for fixing your dolls' hair, doll clothes, a knitting kit from your sister, earrings, necklace, bracelets, high top converse tennis shoes, clothes and roller blades. 

Lauren, Lilly and Allison at JumpJam

Fun times jumping

Strike a pose

Opening presents at your party...the horse Aunt Jen gave you

Reading a card

A birthday card mask from Aunt Jen...she gave you those adorable cat ears last year that we loved...Aunt Jen is the best!

Panda bear mask card

Reading Uncle Bill's card

Your Roller Blades

Sweet girl

Cute expression

I don't have any pictures of the birthday cake.  Uncle Bill took those.  Maybe I'll add them later. 
Lauren I pray you have a wonderful year and that you grow and learn so much.  You are such a smart young lady and I love how much you enjoy learning.  May this be your best year yet!!!  Love you Lou!!!!!  I'm so proud to be your Mommy.

First and Third Grade Year

My big girl is no longer in "primary" school.  She has moved up to intermediate.  I just can't believe she is beginning her fourth year in school (not counting preschool).  It is so fun watching her grow into this sweet young lady.  I am so proud of her. 

Lauren on her first day of third grade

 Lauren has a  first year teacher this year, Mrs. Evans.  I believe this is a second career for her.  She seems very nice and Lauren LOVES her!  (Not that I expected anything less from Lauren).  I have been pretty impressed with the things Lauren tells me about her day.  I believe we are in for a great year. 

Lauren and Mrs. Evans

My sweet baby is beginning her second year of full time school.  Allison has a seasoned first grade teacher, Mrs. P. Davis (there is a C. Davis teaching first grade, too).  She is lucky to have a good friend from Kindergarten in her class as well as a friend from church.  I'm so excited about that.  And to add the icing on the cake, the girls' cousin just started going to their school and Parker gets to go to Encore classes with Allison.  She was so ecstatic about that.  I think Allison is in for a great year, too.

First day of first grade

Ashley, Allison and Sydney

Allison and Mrs. P. Davis

My big first grader

I am in my second week of my new job as a Teaching Assistant at Bearden Elementary.  I am enjoying being there and I LOVE being the assistant and not the teacher.  I have said for a while that this would be my ideal job, and I think it might just be true.  I am so thankful for this school year and I pray it will be great for all of us!