Riding a Horse

This weekend we went on a hike with our friends Lucy  and Jimmy.  Lauren did great in her hiking backpack. When we stopped to let her walk around and climb on the rocks (her favorite), a few park rangers on horseback came up. Lauren got to pet "Dream" and even got to sit on his back! She wasn't scared at all and really wanted to share her cheesestick with him.

First Day of School

Lauren started a more official "preschool" last week. She'll go every Tuesday morning from 9:30-1:30. There are five kids in her class and two teachers, Miss Tat and Miss Robyn. So far she loves it. They do music class, playground time and of course Lauren's favorite - snack time. Here are a few pics from her first day.

All ready to go!

Walking in to school - no fear at all!

San Diego Vacation

We just got home from our first official "family vacation". We went to San Diego for 10 days and met up with James's sister Judy and our twin nieces, 11-year-old Emma and Caity. Lauren had her first experience sleeping in a hotel room, seeing the beach, visiting the San Diego Zoo and playing in the pool with her cousins. We had a wonderful time and overall Lauren did really well. She loved the beach and wasn't afraid of the water at all! We had a blast and the best part was getting to see Judy and the girls after 4 long years. Here are just a few of our many photos.

Big Girl Seat

Lauren graduated out of the high chair into a booster seat. Can't really say that it's improving her attention span at the table but at least we have more room in the kitchen. Also note her lovely winter hat that she insists on wearing all the time...

"I'm one of you now!"

"Time for snow yet?"

Nana's Birthday Party

We took a short trip to Dallas this month for Nana's X0th birthday :)  Lauren had a great time as always getting spoiled by everyone and swimming all the time. Check out You Tube for some great swimming footage.

Funny Nana!

"Goodbye pool!"

"HELLO pool!"

A Fun July

We've had a great July full of swimming, park play and fun in the sprinklers. Lauren is quite the water bug. Anytime there's water around, she has to be in it. I've learned to carry a swim diaper and old t-shirt wherever we go. She's progressed on to water wings and loves to swim around in the pool. She also recently learned to jump off the side of the pool (thanks Nana!). Here are a few pics of her this summer.

Playing in the fountains in Boulder. Note onesie that had to be purchased for this impromtu water fun.

Fun at the zoo on her favorite carousel.

Loving her backyard!

What happens when Lauren brushes her own hair.

Hasn't quite got the sunglasses figured out yet.

Yes Mom - I Let Her Play in the Sprinklers

Summer Fun

Sorry for the long absence. Mostly I have no excuse except that with the warmer weather, we've been busier having fun! We took a great trip to Dallas in June and Lauren enjoyed a few hot days in the pool. She is becoming quite a water bug and has no fear in the pool. Her 18mos Dr. appt went well. She has a huge vocabulary and is starting to use 2 and 3 word phrases which I guess is pretty good. Her favorite is "Hush Zoe!" Here's a few pics from our summer so far.

Playing in her backyard fountain.

Hanging in the fountain at Nana's pool.

Too cool in Joanne's sunglasses. She is becoming quite a ham for the camera.

Riding Clifford at the mall (she just kept calling him Zoe! Abby!).

Riding the carousel at Stonebriar - a carousel in a mall - PERFECT!

Zoo!

We officially became Denver Zoo members today and hope to visit several times this year. Lauren really loved the elephants, bears, and most of all the carousel. She rode the lion and did not want to get off. The train ride was fun, but she was definitely way more in love with the carousel. Next time we tackle the reptile house!

She loved the elephants!

Hanging with the monkeys.

Her ultimate favorite - the carousel.

The Moss Family squished into a teeny tiny train :)

Fun at the Fountains

With the weather finally starting to warm up, we headed to Civic Green park and the fountains that kids can run through. Lauren was a little hesitant, but by the end she was having a blast. Note: We can do ponytails now!