April 5-11, 2010--Beach, Anna's Party and Sunday School Promotion!

Lauren started her week with a trip to Panama City Beach with Aunt Sarah, Aunt Stacie, Ethan, and Lucas. It was a beautiful day with high's in the mid-70's and we set up our umbrella amongst all the Spring Break Families in front of Schooner's. There were children everywhere and Lauren loved watching them play...and of course, Ethan was there so Lauren was thrilled!
Ethan playing in the sand
So, I thought a one-piece with big hat would be the appropriate thing for a new mom (and I still do) but I can't seem to love it...I'm going to vote against wearing it again! :-)
Aunt Sarah and Lauren visiting.
Lauren still loves the sand. It doesn't seem to bother her at all...by the time we left the beach, she and I were covered in it!
Lucas lounging and enjoying the warm breeze and the sound of the gulf waves.
Lauren had a blow-out while we were on the beach...thus the missing bikini bottom. Something I had never thought about happening before. Girl Scout mommy to the rescue but Lauren ended up sand in places she probably didn't want it to be. But that didn't stop her from playing with Ethan. :-)
Later that night, Mama Lee, Thomas Jay and Aunt Tami came over for a visit and dinner. Mama Lee spent the night so that she could fly out bright and early the next morning for her trip to Indiana. Thank you guys for coming to visit with Lauren!
On Wednesday, Aunt Kay and Mitchell came by for a visit and helped Lauren get ready for work as our Marketing Associate. She wore her Panhandle Pediatric Dentistry t-shirt to deliver pies and ice cream to dental offices around town with Mommy.
Sporting her new shoes from Aunt Kay.
"Mitchell, what do you think of my bow?"
Working is hard work. Brittany, from Eric's office, went with us to each office. On this particular day (we did this 3 days) we went to six offices. I took her out of the car seat at each office and took her inside to introduce her to each office's staff. Most of the people said that they remembered me going by this time last year with cookies and a big pregnant belly. That seems like yesterday!!
Later that day, Tyler came by for one last visit before his big move to Ohio.
Mommy and Lauren "cooking" in the kitchen. She likes to watch me cut up veggies and put up dishes. Big Girl Stuff.
Lauren and Emma continue to be very fond of each other. Emma always keeps a safe distance away from Lauren but is always interested in her. She has never shown any signs of aggression towards her and I hope it stays that way. Don't worry, there is an outlet cover where Lauren is playing in the picture above.
"Emma, I'm coming to get you!!"
"If only I could jump up there..."
She is becoming a very good crawler, picking up and speed balancing with turns.
On Thursday, Gigi and Pops came by for a visit. Plenty of showing off and attention...
This is our version of baby proofing the house. We bought a corral gate and stretched it out straight across the door threshold. We figured that we'd be able to take it to the lake and use it there too. She is trying very hard to pull herself up to standing. It won't be very long! I hear that once she starts to pull up, she'll start walking soon thereafter. OMW!!
See how talented she's getting balancing and changing positions? She is also becoming more and more curious and inquisitive in EVERYTHING.
On Saturday, Pops, Daddy and Uncle Gabe went fishing in the bay. They caught a lot of sheep head.
That afternoon, we went to Anna's 1st Birthday party at her house!! Anna is such a sweet little girl and is growing fast. Lauren seems to watch what she and her other friends are doing and absolutely loves being around them.
Bailey and Lauren playing
All 3 girls

This picture is blurry from all the jumping action of Lauren. See how excited she gets?
Anna and her Mommy opening gifts
Sunday was a big day for Lauren. We went to church and told that Lauren is now crawling...so she was promoted to the next Sunday School Class! Thank goodness I had my camera to capture such a big moment! Ha!
After church, we went to the Outdoor Expo to look at boats, planes and Airstream RV's. It was a gorgeous day and Lauren really liked being outside.
We ended up at Pier Park for a little shopping. Lauren entertained herself in the mirror and "talked" and waved to everyone that she passed. Big, Big day for little Lauren.

We are looking forward to staying at home all next week and finishing up our marketing for Eric's office with more pie/ice cream deliveries.