Checking back in...

Thought I would do a LONG overdue update! Lauren celebrated her 4th birthday in May in a big way with a trip to Disney World. We had the best time! It was really a trip of a lifetime, we met all of the princesses, rode the rides, and had an amazing time as a family.

This week we are finishing up dance class for the year. Lauren's big recital is on Sunday. She had awards night tonight and she loves her dance class. We will definitely be doing dance again next year.

The family with Mickey!

Lauren meeting Sleeping Beauty

Very excited to meet "Sofia the First!"

Telling Mary Poppins that she "loves her songs"

Eating a Mickey pretzel

Birthday girl getting a special hairstyle!

Dancing with Belle

Ready for "awards night!"

Practicing the dance at dress rehearsal

Lots o' summer fun

We have been having so much summer fun around here lately, that I have neglected this blog! I'm not sure if there are any readers out there anymore, but I thought I would give a few updates. Lauren has been very busy having tons of summer fun - she is almost done with her "summer bucket list!"

Last week Lauren spent time with Grandma and Grandpa Schlake in Nebraska, she had so much fun and didn't want to come back home! This weekend we had a blast going to the t-bones game and going on a train and trike ride. We are loving this mild summer weather.

Lauren is going to be starting in her new room at school next week - she will be back in the "big kids" section. It is hard to believe how fast she is growing up!

Lauren and her cousin Ava

Lauren and Great Grandpa Schlake

Abby, Lauren, and Sizzle

T bones fun!

Dancing Shoes

Lauren has been going to some dance lessons this summer. She LOVES it! Last night was the last time for the "Tinkerbell" class. She has decided she wants to do dance next year instead of gymnastics. :) So much fun!

Fun in the sun

Summer is definitely in full swing around here, and what a FUN 4th of July we had! We started out by going to the Parkville parade with the Coen family and it was such a fun time, it is now an official tradition. Then we spent the rest of the weekend at Tablerock lake with Tim's family. We had such a wonderful time, we spent a day at Silver Dollar City, swam, and watched fireworks from a boat. Memories we will never forget!

Abby and Lauren at the parade

Lauren at the lake

Getting a special hair-do at Silver Dollar City

Our family riding the teacups! :)

Lauren and Grandma playing ladderball

First time on a boat!

Lauren and Grandma on the boat

Camping and other adventures...

Whew! It has been a crazy whirlwind of a summer so far! We had an awesome trip last weekend to St. Louis with the Coens. We camped and had an amazing time at the Magic House Children's museum. So much fun! Lauren has also started swimming lessons and princess dance class. It has been BUSY.

Today, Lauren's cousin Kylie came to visit today and we had such an amazing day with her. She is so beautiful and such a good little baby.

We are so excited for all of the other fun things ahead of us this summer. Stay tuned!!

We had a great time camping!

At the Magic House in St. Louis

Lauren and Kylie

Cousins are the best!

Summer Fun

I know it has been a while! We have been busy, busy, busy around here! Last weekend was our "kickoff to summer" and we started working on all of our "summer bucket list" items. We had a really fun time making cookies, playing with friends, and going to the choo choo place for dinner. :)

Today Lauren and I went to Deanna Rose Farmstead with Nicholas, Jackson, and Sara. We had a great time. Looking forward to lots more fun activities this summer!!

Making cookies with mommy

Blowing bubbles

Water play with Abby and Liam

Three best friends!

Riding the tractor in style at Deanna Rose

Lauren and Nicholas

Happy Birthday Lauren Sara!

We didn't let the cold weather stop us from having a wonderful 3rd birthday party for Lauren yesterday! She had SO much fun and it was so nice to see so many friends and family. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives.

Her actual birthday is Wednesday, and we still have a few little surprises in store for her then. She is such a special and sweet little girl. We are so proud of her and what a lovely little lady she is becoming. :)

Party decorations

Lauren and uncle Brent

Lauren with Grandma and Grandpa Schlake

Lauren and Grandma Di Di

A special picture with Great-grandpa Schlake!

Aunt Doreen, Lauren, and Uncle Leroy!

Lauren and her two best friends!

Lauren and Liam are snuggling in her new sleeping bag!

We love you so much Lauren Sara!!!