Papa's Tractor

Lauren had a chance to spend some time with Papa on his farm last weekend. I am not sure who was more excited for the tractor ride, but I do know Papa and Lauren both really enjoyed themselves.



The last time Lauren rode on Papa's tractor she wasn't old enough to sit on the seat by herself, so "driving" the tractor was very exciting.



Trying to start the old M. For some reason it wouldn't start for us.



Papa's tractor, sunglasses, and a Tigers t-shirt - why wouldn't she be smiling?

Cooking Camp

Last week Lauren and I spent a few mornings at cooking camp, while Annie hung out with Aunt Stephanie. I really enjoyed spending some one on one time with Lauren and it seemed like she did too. On Tuesday we made white bean, swiss chard, scramble and on Thursday we made coconut mango muffins. Lauren really enjoyed the scramble, but she gladly let Aunt Stephanie and me enjoy the muffins.



Remember when Lauren used to LOVE having her photo taken? That sure changed quickly.



Ummm, not sure if I like it.


Yup, I sure do! Tasty

Birthday and Father's Day

Celebrating my 31st Birthday!

What a wonderful day it was! In the morning the girls and I met my friend Susan and her son Jack at a park so Lauren could play and Susan and I could catch up. Then my parents and Steph came up and we enjoyed a lovely Potbelly lunch. Geoff met us a Real Urban BBQ for dinner and then it was time for cake and baths for the kids. The evening ended with a few rounds of cards. Lots of fun!



Papa and Lauren enjoyed a lovely lunch on the deck Friday afternoon. I'm not sure what Lauren was saying in this photo, but looks like my dad has another woman in his life ready to boss him around!



Happy Father's Day, Daddy!



Happy Father's Day, Dad!



The girls and I got Geoff a hammock and Lauren loves pushing him in it. Something tells me Geoff will probably love reading his paper out there all alone too.

In a few weeks we will be spending some time with Grandpa Hanson too and then I will post some photos of him and the girls.

Toes Any One?

Annie LOVES playing with toys. She shakes them, throws them, and of course, like every baby should, chews on them. Last week she discovered a new toy - her toes!

Papa's Mustang

Riding in Papa's Mustang is so much fun!

Policeman Aaron

As with most young children, Lauren is extremely interested in police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. Last Friday night, after already enjoying her ice cream and a wonderful walk around downtown Rockford, Lauren's night became even more special with a visit from Policeman Aaron. Now Aaron is a friend of Aunt Stephanie's so when he saw us walking around he was more than happy to show Lauren his police car. He even turned the lights on for her! I love the way she is looking up at him in this photo!



After Policeman Aaron showed us his car, he then escorted us to the fire station where the firefighters were washing their trucks. Policeman Aaron opened all the doors and compartments of the fire truck and showed us what was inside.

What started as a family adventure to get ice cream, turned into a very exciting evening for Lauren. Thanks Policeman Aaron!

Fire Up Chips!!!

While in MIchigan last week, we had a chance to spend an afternoon in Mt. Pleasant, which is where I went to college. We were headed there to watch my cousin Molly, who is a senior in high school, play softball and decided to arrive a few hours early to walk around campus. Molly's softball game ended up being rained out after a few innings, but it was wonderful to check out the changes on campus and in town. We were also able to visit with some extended family at dinner. We can't wait to see them again very soon at Molly's graduation party in just a few weeks. Thanks Molly, for giving us a reason to visit with family and check out the changes at Central Michigan University.


Check out the twins!

I was so proud to dress Lauren in her little Chip t-shirt! She wanted to stand right by the "L" in Mt. Pleasant for her name.



Lauren loved running around Warner Mall with Aunt Stephanie.


When I used to study out here 10 years ago, I never would have thought I would be giving little Annie her bottle in the same spot.