Happy Memorial Day!!

We hope everyone had a wonderful memorial day weekend. We had great weather and a relaxing weekend. We enjoyed many meals outside this weekend, did some work in the yard and spent lots of time playing with Lauren.

This morning, we went for a run before breakfast. I am running in my first 5K in a few weeks, so I need all the practice I can get. Lauren gives me moral support, riding along behind in the stroller yelling, "Go Mommy! You can do it!" I may need her to join me on race day too!! We also went to the Wheaton Memorial Day parade this morning. It's was a nice parade and Lauren really enjoyed it. When it was finished she said, "Again!?" She'll be thrilled to see the Grandview 4th of July parade, I'm sure! (It IS the Biggest small town celebration west of the Mississippi, you know!)

Lauren has transitioned to the 2 year old classroom at school now. Transition is usually a week, but it took her all of one day. She didn't want to go back to the Toddler room. She LOVES being with the big kids and back with all of her friends! I can't believe it's time already, but I know she will continue to learn and grow in her new surroundings.

Lauren's favorites right now are Chocolate and Tap Dancing!! (She takes after her mommy!) Any time you ask Lauren want she wants to eat she answers, "Chocolate kiss?" Of course I give in to her wishes as much as possible...what girl can resist a little chocolate? She also loves tap dancing and still watches the Miss America video any chance she gets! This afternoon Mommy and Lauren both put on their tap shoes and did a little tap dancing in the garage...lucky for you it's on video! (Mommy is a little out of practice!) Watch it here.

Our prayers are with the Langstaff family this weekend as they are mourning the tragic loss of Sam and his wife. It makes us remember just how short life can be. Thanks for checking in on us and hug your loved ones a little tighter this weekend.

Until next time--

23 months old!!

Once again, I am behind in posting blog entries! Lauren will be 23 months tomorrow. I can't believe it. I was just looking at pictures of her from this time last year and I can't believe how much she has changed! She finally has hair, she is walking (running actually), talking non-stop, and being so silly. What a personality she has!! (Justin may disagree, but I think she takes after me!)

As usual, we've been busy (but unfortunately don't have many pictures to account for our travels!) The month started with a trip to Des Moines for a long weekend to visit Uncle Mikey, Aunt Maggie, Aunt Lissa, Uncle Jim, Nick (Lauren's favorite!) and Stephanie. We had a great time going to Nick's baseball games, visiting friends from college and law school, and just hanging out with everyone! It was a great relaxing weekend and the weather was absolutely perfect! Lauren received many "new" toys (hand-me-downs) from Stephanie that are now new favorites in our house. One of my favorites (which i hope someday becomes one of her favorites were tap shoes!! Watch the video here. We had a great weekend and can't wait to see everyone again soon!!

Mother's Day was a great day as well! We went to church in the morning and after church went for a long run through the parks and the trails and then in the afternoon went to see Elmo Live!! Yes, Elmo Live for Mother's Day! (I'm such a giving Mommy!) I think Lauren really liked it, although she sat glued to our laps for most of the performance. We enjoyed dinner after the show with Mark, Trulie and Jessie!

This past weekend, while Justin (and his dad and brothers-in-laws) were golfing in Galena, Lauren and I spent the weekend with my parents in Iowa. She didn't want to leave Memaw and Papa's house, but I think they needed to rest their ears. They're not used to non-stop talking from 6:30 a.m. on!! We ate dinner on Friday night at the Sombrero so Lauren could have guacamole and soppapillas-- her favorites. I'm sure My Family will appreciate this video...Lauren making her own creations! (Remind you all of anyone??)

We're looking forward to a low-key Memorial Day weekend at home. We're hoping for nice weather and lots of time outside. On this Memorial Day, we especially remember Grandma McGill who past away in February.

Until next time--

Let's Go Fly a Kite!!

This year is Wheaton's 150th celebration and the city has planned many community events throughout the year. We spent a fun morning one Saturday a few weeks ago at the park near our house with about 1000 other people trying to break the world record for the most kites in the air at the same time. This was Lauren's first experience flying a kite and she loved it...mostly loved chasing it! Neither Justin or I had much experience flying kites, but we were able to get it off the ground (barely!) and I think we actually kept it in the air for the requisite thirty seconds. The record was held by a town in Germany with 954 kites in the air at the same time. Wheaton had enough people registered, but apparently we didn't break the record...not a surprise I guess-- have you ever tried to get over a 1000 kites in the air on a not very windy at the same time? It is not so easy! It was definitely a good effort and a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. Watch the video below: