Grand Rapids ArtPrize 2011

Last Friday evening, Aunt Stephanie, the girls and I traveled back to Grand Rapids to check out ArtPrize 2011. Our trip last year was so much fun, we couldn't wait to go again. Luckily the weather was so much nicer this year and the crowds weren't as challenging because we went earlier in the evening. My friend, Katie, put together this fantastic Kids Tour of ArtPrize that we used to find the most exciting exhibits for Annie and Lauren.

Annie loved everything about ArtPrize. She happily sat in her stroller for about three hours, just kicking her feet and singing away. We really think she just loved watching all the people and looking at everything around her. She was pretty excited to pose in the grass for this photo too.

Notice the wooden bears in the fountain? They were one of the many art exhibits.

Lauren checking out the tire of this huge Tonku truck.

Aunt Stephanie and Lauren were watching a puppet show. I love their poses and outfits!

Lauren taking part in the mustache exhibit. She always tells us when she has a milk mustache, so this was pretty fun for her. If you have a chance to check out ArtPrize 2011, I think it runs for one more week. The spectacular art and ease of Grand Rapids, make the trip worth it!

Lauren's Third Birthday Party X3

What a lucky little three year old we have! Lauren was thrilled to have THREE birthday parties to celebrate her third birthday. We hosted a party for her on a beautiful Saturday evening.

Lauren was so excited when she woke up from her nap and found a jump house in HER own yard! Thanks so much to our friends, the Browns, for letting us borrow this bounce house.

Lauren loved having Mia with her in the jump house.

Mommy, the birthday girl, and Aunt Stephanie

Annie loved the jump house too. We all know how much she loves her jump-a-roo, so of course she loved being in the jump house with Lauren too. Daddy, Lauren and Annie made oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies for Lauren's birthday celebration at Mariah's house on Lauren's actual birthday. As they were making the cookies, we ran out of flour, so off Lauren and Daddy went to the neighbor's to ask for a cup of flour. All the children loved the cookies and they even had fun playing "pin the heart on Lauren".

After a wonderful family walk through the Botanic Gardens (if you recall, I was at the Botanic Gardens the day I went into labor with Lauren and we have made a trip back each year on or near her birthday), we decided to go to The Claim Company for dinner. Everything was going well until Lauren bumped her head on the table. Just as that happened, our waitress brought Lauren's birthday treat. Don't worry, she was smiling again in no time!

Our friends in Michigan are just so thoughtful! They planned a wonderful surprise birthday party for Lauren this past weekend. They had crafts, pizza, cake, and presents for Lauren and all the kids to enjoy. Notice the Dora cake - they even got a cake with Lauren's favorite character on it. Thanks so much to Sara, Clara and Lisa for making Lauren feel so special.

A photo of Lauren, Kaitlynn, Addyson, and Alyse taking a quick lemonade break. The girls (Jake, Brendan, and Annie too) had so much fun playing together. So, I guess that makes not three birthday celebrations for Lauren, but FOUR! Not sure how we are going to top these next year.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Lauren!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Lauren! You have added so much joy, wonder, and excitement to our lives.

Lauren, at her 3rd birthday party. This year's theme was "pink".

Lauren's 2nd birthday party was Elmo themed.

On Lauren's 1st birthday she went with Mommy to pumpkin patch.

Lauren, on the first morning home from the hospital.

Lake Michigan

While in Northern Michigan for Labor Day Weekend, we spent some time visiting Lake Michigan. Just look at the colors portrayed in the sky and water - so beautiful!


I thought Annie was going to fall asleep on our walk, but everything was just too exciting for her.



Here I go...




Although it was too cold that day for swimsuits, Lauren enjoyed playing in the waves in her own creative way.

Annie - 9 month update

Last Friday we had Annie's 9 month check-up. Where has the time gone? I can't believe she is already 9 months.

Aunt Stephanie kindly came up to stay with Lauren, which was a huge help. Being able to just focus on Annie while talking with Dr. Siegel made the appointment go much more smoothly. Annie showed off her powerful leg muscles and spent most of the appointment jumping up and down on my lap. Dr. Siegel was very happy with her progress and growth. She is almost 18 lbs now and 26 inches long. He noticed her two bottom teeth and told me there is one going to pop through on the top soon as well.



Annie is not quite crawling yet, but does push herself backward and spins in circles. She gets up on all fours and rocks or does this jump-type thing with her legs, but can't figure out how to make her arms and legs work together yet. Dr. Siegel said that was fine and of course I'm ok with it, because once she becomes mobile, it's a whole new ballgame.

Let's Go Blue!

The Hanson family all decked out for the first game of the 2011 Michigan Football Season. Geoff was so excited to get matching cheerleader outfits for his girls. We enjoyed watching Michigan beat the Broncos too, even though the game was delayed twice because of thunderstorms and then finally called off during the 3rd quarter.


Annie is starting to get around now on her own. She doesn't move forward, but is really good at scooting backward.


Touchdown!

*Another thanks to Aunt Stephanie for the wonderful photos.