60 degrees in Seattle means its time for the beach

The three of us went to Dash Point State Park this morning to enjoy the 60 degree day plodding around the beach and then enjoying a picnic.

Lauren got a little dirty and didn't mind it a bit. Very thankful for good rain boots.

We met a new friend.

Couldn't ask for a better day in the Puget Sound.

Christmas with my Cuz

Hi friends and family!  This is Lauren.  I just wanted to tell you about how much fun I had hanging out with my cousins this Christmas!  I think Aaliyah and Gabby are two of the coolest friends ever and they just happen to be my cousins!  They like to dance and clap and move just like me.  The three of us would start playing and before you know it the whole family would be up and dancing with us.

When we were done dancing we played on the stairs with Aunt Kelly.  The four of us had the best time together.  I didn't want Christmas to end!!!  I miss everyone and can't wait for the next time we all get together.  Being with my family back home and in Selah was the best Christmas ever!

Here's me and my Poppi T playing tea party:

And Grammy showing me her dance moves:

Me and my cuz(ins):

I hope everyone had as great a Christmas as I did!

Love, Lauren

Santa Train

It was a busy weekend capped off with a train ride to Snoqualmie with Grandma and Grandpa Schaefer where we attempted to tell Santa what we want for Christmas.

Lauren wasn't too sure about the big man in red, so it was a short visit with Santa. She did get a toy train out of the deal.

On the train ride home Santa made another appearance and Lauren was quickly trying to find the exit but then...

...a candy cane, maybe the old guy isn't so bad after all...

...well on second thought let's say buh-bye to Santa.

Apple Cup 2009 - Huskies Win!

The three of us took in the Apple Cup on Saturday with Poppie, Larry and Kelly, and Grandma and Grandpa. Lauren must have been so excited anticipating the Huskies' blowout that she was extremely goofy and squirmy in our seats. And lucky for her she has a goofy mom.

Happy Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving we went to Larry and Kelly's house and it was no surprise that Lauren entertained many. She was very shy to start, but once she got to playing with cousins Alex and Natalie she warmed right up. One mistake was to seat Lauren next to cousin Jack because she took quite a shine to him and decided to stop eating while he was at the table. Prior to that she did wolf down some mashed potatoes and stuffing.

To our surprise Lauren gobbled up Grandma Schaefer's famous pumpkin pie.

And Lauren capped the evening off with a serenade. Looks like Mom and Dad are going to have to fork over for piano lessons.

Happy Halloween 2009

Lauren dressed up as Wonder Woman for Halloween this year and she sure fits the part because its any wonder how we have such a beautiful and fun little girl. We went to Grandma and Grandpa Schaefer's neighborhood to do a little trick or treating.

Lollipops are her favorite

Wonder Woman meets Superman

Thumpin' Bumpin' Pumpkin

We have been reading a library book to Lauren called "The Runaway Pumpkin" almost every night. There's a rhyme in the book that goes, "...thumpin', bumpin' pumpkin" that she loves, but it comes out of her mouth like this, "thup, bupin, pumkin." So she was really excited when we went to go pick out a pumpkin on Saturday.
But before picking out a pumpkin Lauren had some work to do on the farm.

And finally, the perfect pumpkin.