Lauren's Birthday

Lauren's birthday has come and gone. It was pretty low-key this year. We've switched to an every-other-year-plan and this year wasn't the year for a friend party. Since it fell on a school day we all had to be up early to open presents. Lauren wanted bacon and eggs for breakfast so I got up really early and cooked a big breakfast. I asked her what she wanted for dinner and she really wanted chicken enchiladas...which was so nice since I had some in my freezer that I had made earlier that week for my freezer group. After dinner we headed to a new place for ice cream, Farr's Fresh. It was REALLY yummy and I really love the set-up. WARNING: they trick you into really big cups and it's self-serve so the sky's the limit, literally. However, you pay by the ounce so be careful. It's hard not to want to try one of everything. Lauren loved all the birthday wishes and gifts from everyone. Thank you for thinking of her. We sure love having her in our family.

Lauren really needed a new bike and finally graduated to a "big-girl" bike...one without princesses on it.

Tyler got her another Karaoke CD...unfortunately it was one she already had. Santa and Tyler must not be communicating.

I got her some fabric and a pattern with every intention to make her a skirt. I've been a bit busy lately and didn't quite get it done, or started for that matter. Soon I hope.

McKenna gave her a Taylor Swift Piano book she's been wanting since Christmas.

Auntie Lisa and family gave her some great books, a darling personalized book cover and a cute bookmark. She's loving the book already!

Grandpa from Malad sent her money...always a great gift!

Grandma and Grandpa from Washington sent her a cute skirt and top that can be worn to church and also dressed down for a more casual look. She LOVES it!

Brooklynn picked out paints for her all by herself. She was pretty insistent on paints, I think she really wanted them for herself. (I don't know why she has this crazy possessed look on her face. Probably contemplating stealing her paints in her sleep.)

She also got some money from Grandma Great in Oregon and a cool water bottle holder and headband from Auntie Julie Ward and family. She loves them and takes them to soccer everyday! Pene gave her a cute wallet with a Target gift card. She can't wait to go shopping!

Thank you everyone!

These were the party favors we made for her class. I got the idea from my super talented nieces who made them for a baby shower. They are paper cake slices, filled with candy. I didn't want to bring three plates so I just stacked them all on top of each other. I was surprised that the kids were so impressed with them. Lauren was really excited and helped put it together but I couldn't help but think as I cut, folded, glued and filled, all those paper slices (36) together that it was a monumental waste of time as the kids wouldn't care. (Thanks Heather for the extra pair of hands!) However, the kids all thought it was pretty cool.