Happy 4th Birthday, Sweet Allison

This picture of Allison and my grandmother was taken when Allison was not even 3 hours old.  My parents and grandmother drove down and made it to the hospital just before Allison was taken by c-section.  My sweet grandmother hung out in the waiting room until we were out of recovery and in our room.  She was so excited to hold Allison.  We wanted her to look up for the picture, but she just wanted to look at Allison.

This picture was taken when Allison was 2 days old.  Uncle Bill is holding her.  I love how it shows how dark her hair was.

I can't believe you are four years old.  What a beautiful young lady you are.  My sweet Allison, you have blessed our lives so much.  You are the most loving child.  You give the best hugs and the sweetest kisses.  We love you so much!!!

We enjoyed having dinner at the place of your choice, Firehouse Subs and then ice-cream at Brusters today.  We will celebrate your birthday with a family
party on Saturday.  I love you, my little angel!!!

Kindergarten Graduation

Seriously.........graduation......I just dropped her off on her first day of kindergarten.....really it had to be just a couple of weeks ago.  Has it really been a year?   This picture below was taken right after she walked in her classroom and put her backpack and things away.  Was she really smiling that big when she got to school for her first day?  I don't know whether to be happy or sad!  Well, of course I am thrilled that she loves school, but also a bit sad, too.  This picture is one of my very favorite, because it captures the essence of Lauren.  She did not know anyone in this class, but she was so happy to be at school.  I love that child for the joyful spirit she is filled with.  I pray that she is always this happy!   I know that is not possible, but I do pray that she will always look for and find the joy in whatever comes her way.

Here is the first picture I took of Lauren with her teacher.  There's another picture near the end of the post with Mrs. Israel.  Lauren really loves her teacher and when she was asked what she would miss most about Kindergarten, her answer was, "Mrs. Israel."

Last night we attended Lauren's Kindergarten graduation.  It was an informal affair that took place in her classroom.  When we got to the classroom, Lauren had a portfolio filled with work she had completed through out the year.  Mrs. Israel spent quite a bit of time laminating and organizing so many treasures that we will keep to remember this special time.  One of my favorite things in the portfolio was a book of the song, What a Wonderful World.  Each child had illustrated the pages of the song so beautifully.  As I read through the words of the song, I got teary eyed.  That was just the beginning of a very emotional evening.  In the portfolio was also a hard bound book the class had published. Each classmate wrote and illustrated a page in the book telling about what they liked about Kindergarten and what they did not like about Kindergarten.  Mrs. Israel also typed a full page letter to each child and gave it to them with their little diploma.  She was very specific with the letter detailing Lauren's personality so eloquently.  That will be another treasure Lauren will enjoy for years to come.



Lauren holding her portfolio

Lauren wearing her graduation cap that she made in class

Lauren, Maggie (the dog) and Allison.  Maggie came to Lauren's class every Tuesday.  The kids got to read to her.

This is classic Lauren, looking and listening so seriously.  Mrs. Israel was reading the book, I Knew You Could by Dorfman Craig.

Another picture in her graduation cap.

Lauren and Mrs. Israel

Lauren and her best friend Lilly

We were truly blessed with a wonderful first year of school.  One down, twelve more to go.  We could not have had a better start.  Thank you, Mrs. Israel for taking such good care of my little girl.  She has grown so much and learned so much this year.  I am so proud of you, Lauren.  I love you, sweetie!

Easter Pictures

I'm just now getting around to posting our Easter weekend pictures.  We had a wonderful weekend at Mom and Dad's and the weather could not have been more perfect.

Daddy and his girls



Sweet Allison....she looks like a little doll sitting there



Smilin' Allison



Sweet Lauren smiling with her missing bottom teeth

Sweet Sisters.......I know I won't be able to dress them alike forever!

Bill and I

Daddy and Lauren

Daddy and Allison

Mommy and Allison



Mommy and Lauren



My favorite picture of the weekend....compliments of Uncle Bill



Boosterthon Fun Run

Lauren's school participated a fun run today.  This was my first experience with this particular fund raiser for schools and they announced today that after expenses, they raised over $28,000 for their school.  Not bad!  Lauren's Kindergarten class was the top class for getting the most money pledged. 
I was able to leave work at 11:30 today to see Lauren run.  I'm very proud of her.  She ran 33 laps, which the Boosterthon people said those students who completed 35 laps ran/walked a total of 2 miles.  Way to go my little athlete!!  Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!!!  Uncle Bill will be proud of you, too!



Lauren at the Boosterthon



Lauren and her best friend Lilly, holding hands during the friend lap.

 

Waving at Mommy and little sister.



Staying hydrated during the run



Lauren and Lilly picking up the pace near the end of the race

Resting after completing the run

Lauren's class picture after the race

  

Snaggle tooth Lauren

My sweet baby lost her second tooth tonight.  Or should I say her dad yanked it out!!!  I cannot believe Lauren lets him to pull her teeth.  This one was loose, but when Bill actually pulled it, it made me a little queasy!  That girl is one tough little cookie!  She's very proud of that big gap in her smile!  Here's a short video of Bill at work.  Be sure to listen for the "pop" when the tooth comes out.  I love the expression on her face. 

My Little Helper

Allison enjoys washing dishes the old fashioned way.  This is her second time to help with the dishes.  She cannot be related to me because my earliest memories of washing dishes were not pleasant ones.  My brother and I used to have to wash the dishes after dinner each night before we had a dishwasher in our house.  I don't recall either one of us ever liking that job.   But Allison and Lauren LOVE it.  Lauren also enjoys helping put the dishes from the dishwasher away.  Now, if only I can find a way to bottle this enthusiasm for doing chores and bring it out when they are not quite so excited about doing their chores. 

Allison washing dishes



Allison posing for a picture of her washing dishes....... she is really smiling about this chore!!!  Maybe I'll bring this picture out later when I need to remind her that she used to love washing dishes!!!



A Chilly Spring Day

I have been really neglectful in taking pictures lately.  Therefore, I'm thankful to my wonderful brother who remembers to bring his camera when he comes to visit.  These great pictures are compliments of Uncle Bill's visit yesterday.

This first picture is of Allison in her "dress up outfit".  That girl loves to play dress up.  You can't tell in this picture, but she has on a short sleeved shirt, yoga pants, a skirt, and then the lady bug outfit over all that!  Love the sweet pose!

 This picture is of Lauren in her "dress up outfit".  She's sporting a t-shirt, tutu and leggings.

Both sweet girls together

After playing dress up, it was time to go outside and play.  It was really pretty chilly,

but that didn't stop the girls.

Lauren playing basketball



Allison and Lauren swinging



I love the toothless smile in this picture and the pure joy on her face



Allison on the glider



Lauren on the glider



Both girls having a great time together

This last picture was taken after coming back inside.  The are doing the Macarena dance.  Lauren has learned to absolutely LOVE dancing this year in her Kindergarten class.  I'm not too sure if I like that, or not!:)

Thanks brother for getting some great pictures.   Bill also brought me his pictures from Lauren's Kindergarten program.  I'll do a post of her program soon.