Clapping and a TOOTH!

Annie has been growing leaps and bounds the past month! Last Tuesday, after Geoff gave her a bath, she started clapping all by herself and has continued each and every day since. What amazes me is that she will copy another person. So if I want her to clap, all I have to do is clap for her and then she will start clapping too. Pretty cool how such a little person already understands how to take turns communicating.

Then last Friday I noticed something white in Annie's mouth. Her first tooth cut through! It is her bottom left front tooth. We thought she might be teething, but she has always loved putting everything in her mouth, so we weren't sure if it was just that or a tooth. Guess it was a tooth. It is not all the way through yet, but keeps moving further and further up each day. Amazingly, she hasn't been too irritable either. A little more fussy than normal at times during the day, but still sleeping like a champ!

A huge thank you to Aunt Stephanie for the photo. Our camera is still broken. Sure hope it returns soon, or we won't have any photos from July 2011.

Still Broken

The girls and I took our camera in to get fixed last week, but it's going to take some time, so until then I will have to post some older photos.

I took this one about a month ago on a random morning. I purchased the hats for the girls before Annie was even born and now they finally fit both of them. Photos of both girls at once are a bit easier now that Annie can almost sit up on her own. Oh and she is really getting good at holding her bottle all by herself now. The funny thing is, she often uses both hands and both feet to hold it.

We had an exciting and adventure filled week which included trips to the library, pool, farmer's markets and horse race track. Lauren figured out how to pedal her tricycles all by herself, so we enjoyed the beautiful weather and just spent time in our backyard and playing in the driveway too. On Saturday we traveled to South Haven and had a fantastic afternoon and evening with our friends on the beach. We rounded out our weekend by going to a family birthday party Sunday evening where Lauren had so much fun playing with all the older kids and Annie loved being passed around.

I had no idea what the date was this morning, which probably is a really good thing and means we are truly enjoying our summer. However, when I checked and saw it was already July 18th, I was shocked. Feels like we were just watching fireworks on the beach. Here's to another great week!

Happy 4th of July!

I just LOVE celebrating The 4th of July in Frankfort, MI. They have such a wonderful small town atmosphere, yet each year they hold their fireworks, on the beach, after a beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan. This year's celebration didn't disappoint! The morning was filled with delicious donuts from the bakery while watching Lauren take in her first parade. Then we spent a few hours on the beach, digging in the sand and watching Lauren, Uncle Jon and Daddy swim in the lake. After an afternoon of naps for the girls, we traveled back to Frankfort to watch the fireworks. What a perfect summer day!



Papa and Annie watched the parade together.



Aunt Stephanie and Mammie helped Lauren understand the concept of picking up the candy after it was thrown from the floats. It didn't take Lauren too long to catch on though.



Of course, what's a small town celebration without carnival rides? Lauren was able to pick one ride to go on and it looks like she enjoyed her choice!

(Thanks to Aunt Stephanie for all these photos. Something happened to our camera so until I am able to get it fixed, we might not have as many updates.)

Pool Day!

On Sunday, after Molly's party, Lauren spent some time playing with Sam and Molly in the pool. She is so lucky to have cousins who love playing with her in the pool!


Molly helped her learn how to jump in and make a big splash.



Belly floating. Maybe Molly should teach swim lessons. She sure was patient and helpful with Lauren.



The raft and noodles were fun too!



Even Annie had a chance to dip her toes in the water.

What a wonderful late afternoon/early evening it was!

Visiting Family

Last weekend we traveled to the east side of Michigan to celebrate my cousin Molly's graduation party, or as Lauren called it, "Molly's wedding." Both girls had so much fun playing with all of my cousin's, aunts, and Grandma. I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to sit down and chat with relatives because so many other people were helping me with the girls. Lauren loved playing with my cousin, Jessie. Jess showed Lauren Abby, the kitty, and chased Lauren around for quite some time. She even helped Lauren pick out the best desserts.



Annie was very content spending time on my cousin, Brad's lap. Brad lived with Aunt Stephanie for a few years out of college, so he is pretty laid back and can handle most anything. (Love ya, Steph!)

Cousin Will, Molly, and Sam and Silly Aunt Debbie and Aunt Mary Kay played with both girls too. I just didn't get photos of them. Lauren is still talking about all the fun she had over a week later! Especially with all the Dora gear Aunt Debbie got for her.



On Sunday Aunt Sarah hosted a picnic for us. What a FANTASTIC summer spread she had. As always, the food and company were wonderful. Lauren loved playing with all the toys and was even given some new summer clothes (which she actually needed), a car she can ride in, and a giant doll house complete with people and furnishings. We are so lucky to have such a generous family.


Lauren LOVED the corn and I left there wishing I would have had more strawberry shortcake, even though I was stuffed.

Thanks to everyone for such a fun couple of days. All of the food, company, and gifts were and are still being thoroughly enjoyed. Thanks to Great Gram and Papa Bruce for letting us invade their house for a few days too!

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