Fun with Granny

Recently James's mom, "Granny", flew back home to New Zealand. We were lucky enough to have had her stay with us the past month. Lauren absolutely LOVED having her Granny around to play "piggie toes" and to teach her to blow kisses (see YoutTube for video). So here are a few pics of our wonderful month with Granny.

Relaxing on the couch

Winter Fun

We've gotten ALOT of snow so far this year and finally have had a chance to get out and play in it a little. Since it takes about an hour to bundle up little missy, we try and make the most of our time outside.

Riding in her new backpack!

Posing on her sled...check out YouTube for sledding video.

Bundled up for Holiday Lights...she looks cozy, but don't forget it's about 17 degrees outside!

Xmas 2009

Xmas was especially fun this year with Lauren able to really enjoy her presents.  We did two Xmas celebrations, one in Dallas on 12/20 and one in Denver w/ Granny Jane on the 25th (still waiting for pics from Dallas). We all had a wonderful day and enjoyed a delicious meal of roast chicken w/ bread sauce, one of James's favorite dishes. 

Xmas Eve story and a bottle...a wonderful tradition :)

Lauren playing with her See and Say!

Zoe enjoying Lauren's new Dora couch...made herself right at home :)

Lauren opening her big present from Granny of a wonderful rocking horse...check out our YouTube sight for some "riding" video.

Lauren's First Birthday Party...take 1!

Lauren had her "Denver" birthday party on Sunday. Her Granny Jane was here from New Zealand to help celebrate.

Not quite sure what this boxy looking thing is on her high chair.

Starting to get into the good stuff....

Full on icing mess!!  Please tell me who thought black icing for bumble bees on a baby's birthday cake was a good idea. 

Following her cake coma....a little relaxing with her friends on the couch.  Ben is 4 weeks younger than Lauren and Emily is 6 weeks younger.  Lauren gave them some good tips on how to get the good stuff for your birthday :)

Opening presents with the gang.  All the other kids were a great help and even volunteered to test drive Lauren's new toys for her!

Lauren pushing Darla around on her new Mickey airplane.  It was quite the hit!

Lauren Meets Santa

Lauren met Santa this week and needless to say was not impressed.  My mom says it's something about the beard, but whatever it was, one look at the old man and she lost it.  Oh well, maybe next year!











Got some great pics while waiting for Santa though!

Somebody is quite the little poser :)

November Trip to Dallas

A couple of weeks ago, the family headed to Dallas for my friend Joanne's wedding and a little early Thanksgiving. The wedding was beautiful and of course Lauren loved spending some time with her Nana and Grandad.

Love my duck!

See me playing my xylaphone on You Tube!

All the friends gathered around the bride and groom.

Kristen, Joanne & Jocylen

Halloween!

Lauren's first Halloween was a huge success. We went with the Piglet costume since it fits her current personality and physique. She loved it and it kept her warm for trick or treating with the neighborhood kids. She also had a blast at her My Gym party on Friday.

My Gym Halloween mania!

Lauren under a neighbor's spooky skeleton (she just wanted to wave at him).

Snow Storm

As some of you may have seen on the news, Denver got buried this week under a big snow storm. This is a little early for snow, but it's always pretty unpredictable. Where we live in Littleton, we got about 20 inches in 48 hours. Needless to say we didn't get out much this week. It's warming up quickly though and we're hoping most of the snow will melt by Wednesday of this week.
















Our backyard....note depth of snow on table.

Abby enjoying the snow...she was about the only one!

Catching Up

Sorry it's been so long since an update...no excuse really :( Things are going well in Denver though. Lauren just turned 10 mos yesterday!! She went in for her 9 mos appointment in Sept and weighed in at 18lbs 10 oz and 28.5 in. which puts her in the 50th% for weight and 90th% for height. We were pretty excited about the increase in weight, but seeing how she attacks her food, we weren't surprised :) She's crawling around like crazy and pulling up on anything she can get her hands on. She's starting to walk with us holding her hands, so we expect by her birthday she'll be cruising. She's got 3 teeth now and a 4th just popped through yesterday. She's pretty much exclusively on finger food now and doesn't have much time for baby food. Still loves going to My Gym and is finishing up her second round of swim lessons. Other than that, just spending her days playing away at home. Here are a few random picks from the last 6 weeks.

Playing at My Gym...

With Daddy on her first picnic...

Exploring all angles of her Exersaucer..

Photo opp at Wash park...on Daddy's 40th birthday!!!