The Aftermath

And cleanup from her first ice cream cone was another ordeal. Hosing her off seemed a little cruel so Jason got her pool out and she got to "swim" while accomplishing the same task!

She was trying to fill the cup up with the hose but was delayed by the cup floating away. She finally figured out that she would have to hold the cup and the hose at the same time, which proved to be a little tricky. She was determined and figured it out though!

First Ice Cream Cone

I am a sucker for McDonald's ice cream...I don't know what they put in it, but I would have McDonald's soft serve over Ben and Jerry's anyday. None of the frozen yogurt or gelato places were open due to the holiday, so of course there was no better place to go for an afternoon treat! And how much more American does it get - McDonald's and ice cream?!

I had planned on sharing the ice cream with Lauren and holding it, but she had other plans. Once I saw how truly messy it was going to be she went right into the wagon so I could contain the stickiness!

So I know a picture or two would have sufficed for a 10 minute activity, but it was too adorable. She was so happy and so messy! The sheer joy she had holding her first ice cream cone was precious.

Dogs!

We went to Petsmart on the 4th of July and the "Pet Hotel" was having their doggy play time. And of course Lauren managed to find the window to watch. It was extremely difficult to get her to leave. I didn't realize how entertained she would be - and for how long! Jason and I even tried "leaving" and seeing if she would come looking for us, but she realized we were gone, looked around for a minute and went back to staring at and pointing at the dogs. I guess we know where we stand...
She also likes to get in the drivers seat with Jason and pretend to drive. She has now mastered turning on the Acura with the push button...which also means she can turn it off! As always, she enjoyed her daddy time!

Happy 4th of July!

We went to a local coffee shop this morning to participate in their 4th of July festivities. They had balloons and face painting for the kids.

Lauren was so patient while she got her arm painted. She was so intrigued.

Then of course we had to sit on the benches and chairs...

Just DANCE

In the words of Lady GaGa...Just Dance. Lauren loves to dance.

It doesn't seem to matter how mad, sad or upset she is... if she hears one of "her" songs she will stop, smile, and dance. Just like Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy, she dances it out. And she is getting some good moves these days!

So Life Lesson #2 from Lauren... Never underestimate the power of dance to cheer you up and help you through tough times....

"Her" Songs these days...

1. "You Got To Move It" by will.i.am from Madagascar 2
2. "My Friends Tigger and Pooh" Theme Song
3. "Hot Dog Song" from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

"Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts has been a consistent soothing song for her since she was born. She has always stopped crying when I play it...(so you can imagine what CD has never left my car CD player!) so strange?! I think I must have listened to the CD a lot when I was pregnant?

The Bow Lady

Lauren loves to play with her basket of bows. I left her unattended for a few minutes and it was way too quiet... A few minutes later she appears with a dozen bows around her neck and one on her head. I tried to get some pictures before she got too upset, but she was mad and strangling herself to get them off...

New Obsessions and our Night Routine

Lauren's new obsession is the cartoon "My Friends Tigger and Pooh" on the Disney Channel. I have to admit, after a year of only watching Mickey Mouse, I was more than happy to introduce a change! I suppose if I am honest, I encouraged the new love because I was afraid if I saw one more episode of Mickey that I would lose my mind... She is watching about 30 minutes of TV before bed now- unless it is a really rainy or sick day then we may watch more, but for the most part she gets her Pooh before bed.

Our night time routine is to feed the dogs together, then we eat dinner. Then we play and take a bath. If there is time we may play some more then around 7:15 we put "Tigger and Pooh" on. Then we give kisses and treats to the puppies, say goodnight and give daddy kisses. Lauren and I go read books, sing songs and say prayers. When we are done I tell Lauren how much I love her and it is time to go cuddle with La-La... She reaches her arms up and cuddles in her crib. She knows the whole routine and just goes with it. Love that girl.