Lauren's Trip to Wyoming!

I will try to catch everyone up on our lives...it may take a couple of days..but here is  a start!

Over Memorial Day weekend, Lauren experienced her 1st trip to Wyoming..WITHOUT HER PARENTS!!! She had a blast with Papa Rich and Nana Kathy! What brave parents I have to volunteer to take a 5 year old on a long car ride across Nebraska. Lauren had so much fun and told us about everything that she saw. Her best entertainment was looking for animals every morning and night. She was so excited with the amount of elk, deer, beaver and antelope she saw. Here she is sitting on the front porch of the cabin.

Hanging out while Papa was cooking. Apparently there was a bird in a nest close to the grill and Lauren demonstrated how the bird would wiggle it's way down in the nest..it was such a cute and I assume accurate demonstration!

Lauren loves to make green eggs and ham with Papa and Nana.

It even snowed on them when they were out there. Check out the HUGE drift she climbed in the nearby park.

What a pretty picture with Nana Kathy! Thanks Dad and Mom for the wonderful adventure you made for Lauren. She had so much fun and can't wait to go again!

Meredith's 1st Hair Cut!

A couple of weeks ago, Meredith finally had her 1st hair cut! I was a little unsure how the process would go, but Meredith was an angel and loved having her hair not only cut, but she also had a blow dry and straightened! She loved the attention...surprise!!!

Parent Night at Gymnastics!

A couple of weeks ago, I was able to go inside and watch Lauren at Gymnastics. It was nice to be able to see her use the actual equipment and not all of our furniture at our house! I am so proud of our little gymnast! She was pretty excited to show off her skills too!

Love this!!!

Not only are Pampers are the best diapers, but this commercial is amazing! (To make it larger, click on the video)

Preschool Graduation

Lauren,
It is hard for me to put into words my feelings for you on this momentous day in your life. Consumed with the hustle of our life, I wasn't prepared for the emotions I would experience this evening. You are no longer a little girl anymore. Not only have you physically grown so much in the last few months, but when I look and listen to you I often see a future teenager in front of me. Proud is a word that doesn't seem to give my emotion justice. I love how you are kind to everyone in your room. I love how you are already aware of the unfortunate cattiness of the female world and how you are confident enough that you don't seem to mind or care to partake in this behavior. I love your fearlessness for being in front of a crowd. I love your beautiful smile! Even though this scares your father..I love how honest you are with your love for all of your boyfriends.  I love your enthusiasm for knowledge. I am not fearful as a mother for you to enter Kindergarten because I know you are more than ready to go. You will have so much fun and I am more than excited for you to start this next stage in your life. I love the bond you share with your sister, especially while at school. You know that Meredith loves to run into her big sister and I love that you are not irritated by her persistance and you remain kind to your little sister's needs. Your sister was so proud of you tonight that as soon as she saw you on the stage she yelled...Hi Lo!

My life also flashed forward thirteen years to your high school graduation...I am so excited to watch this wonderful girl I know blossom into the woman that you are meant to me.  I already wish I could shelter you from the hurt, heartache, tears and struggles that you will encounter these next thirteen years. Growing up is tough, but I also know that all of these experiences will be wonderful learning examples that will give you courage to conquer the real world.

Lauren, I just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you and can't wait for all the fun you will have in the years to come!  I am proud to be your mother!  I love you! 

At home before graduation.



Showing off your diploma...center stage.

BFFs... Lauren with Hayden Dewitt! What a strong bond that has developed over the last five years!

One of your teachers, Miss Ashley. You love Ashley and can't wait for your Jimmy Johns date.

Thanks to all of our family members that came to support Lauren. We greatly appreciate it! Lauren with Nana and Papa Muller

With Nana Kathy and Papa Rich.

We ended the evening with a trip to your favorite...Mexican restaurant.

The past few days in our life...

We found that a bird had made a home in the girls' playset. Not only was there a home, but 4 beautiful eggs in the nest. We have had fun watching the eggs and trying to keep them away from Meredith!

I started this post last weekend and never got around to finishing it..the eggs have since hatched so we have been watching the birds. The mommy is pretty protective so we don't get to look very often.

Waukee had their city wide garage sale last weekend and we sat with one of our friends on Friday. I sold some of my products and Lauren had a wonderful learning experience. She sold soda and water all day Friday. I was so proud of her learning about counting the change back to people, getting them their beverage, enteracting with everyone, understanding the value of a dollar. She was very successful and gave some money to church, saved some in her piggy bank and bought a scrapbook and her own paper. Here she is at her booth.

Happy Birthday Clay!!!!

Kyler's 3rd Birthday

The girls and I took a quick trip up to Sioux Center last weekend to help Kyler celebrate his 3rd birthday! The birthday boy with his lovely parents.

Blowing out the candles!

What a cool tractor!

These cousins can't get enough of their Papa.

Bottom Row:  Micah (3 1/2yrs), Meredith (20 months), Eli (2).

Top Row: Lauren (5), Papa (undisclosed age), Kyler (3).

Lauren with her Uncle Ryan!