Cozy Nook Farm

Aunt Allison and Meyer went with Lauren and I to the pumpkin farm today.  It was a beautiful day with a bit of wind.  The kids did great and Meyer was cute as ever.  He is getting bigger and has tons of smiles to throw at you :)  Here are some highlights.

Video of LK and the pumpkins

TOO cute

Squeeze

Lauren is in this phase of squeezing her hands really tight until she shakes, and it makes her open her eyes really wide at the same time.  I tried getting it on video and she just does it once in the very beginning.  It's more funny in person when she is really serious about it.

Ohiiiio

We went to visit the Sandieson's this past weekend and it was a blast!  It was Lauren's first plane ride.  We didn't get pics on the plane I realize now, but she did really well.  She sat nicely on our laps the flight out and we kept her occupied.  On the flight back she slept the whole time.  While in Ohio, we hung out with each other and spent time outside enjoying the weather.  We went to the library where they had crafts, story time, and other activities for the girls.  We also went to an apple/pumpkin farm where the girls saw the horses, pumpkins, corn maze, etc.  It was sad to say good bye, but we know we'll see each other real soon.  Lauren got the name of her new friend Sydney down pat....."Nene" and she used that name a lot.  It was too cute.

LK and Sydney became fast friends...LK took over the toys...

But Sydney's no chump...she gave it right back to LK and fought for what was hers!

Smiles for mommy

We went to a park that had a Safety Town where LK drove the cozy coupe.

Awe, so nice to catch up and be together.

Lauren going down the slide.

....And throwing wood chips....

And riding the mega-swing.

At the pumpkin/apple festival...family pose.

Saturday Morning

Lauren was helping make pancakes this morning.  She pulled the chair all the way to the counter from the kitchen table before we understood what she was trying to do.  I had her up on the chair a week ago helping me make cookie batter.  Then Chris took this pic of her before school yesterday.  He always gets the good shots!

My first new used car!

We bought Lauren a cozy coupe mostly because I wanted her to have one.  She wasn't as thrilled as I would have hoped, but I think that is because we sprung it on her after dinner on a weekday.  She was tired from daycare, and still had a Nilla Wafer in her mouth.  We have to clean it up a bit because we bought it used, but we think it will work great.

Alexandria, MN

We made our first long distance car trip with Lauren...my mom and I that is.  A few weekends ago, we drove up to Alexandria, MN to visit my grandparents.  They baby-proofed the house and made a tupperware drawer for Lauren at her level in the kitchen.  They had toys from a neighbor for her to play with.  And Grandma strategically placed teddy bears around the house so Lauren could find them.  Here are the highlights.

Well, this is not from MN...I just love the shorts :)

Shopping for sticks in the front yard.

Lauren watching the carousel...she hated it when she was on it, but afterward seemed fascinated.

yeah, it's always better when it's over

She was really into putting on G. Grandma's visor.

When mom and I went shopping, she bought Lauren a dress-up package of fairy wings.  Lauren played dress-up right away.

Checking herself out.

Then one day we went to feed the ducks. 

Lauren would eat the bread we handed her to give the ducks.

Getting a little help up the hill from G. Grandpa

Back at the ranch, we watered more flowers.

And thought she would drink the rain water...

Lauren had tons of fun with GG and GG!

Touch Your....

Well, Lauren is learning a lot these days.  We think daycare must actually be doing something during the day to help her learn.  Although, I know Nani was working on this too so maybe it was her and it finally clicked for LK.  View the video to see which parts of her body she knows so far. :)  Tonight, after her bath, she ran to her closet and hid behind her clothes.  I saw a trickle of potty running down her leg and then she laughed.  I think potty training is going to have to happen soon if she is going to be without a diaper for any amount of time.  Below are some pictures I've taken that I really like.  Enjoy.

She was showing off standing on her toy.

I took this tonight and she just looks like a little girl :(  no longer a baby.

Riding on her new toy car.  She hasn't totally figured it out...she gets up and pushes it.

In the car with Daddy in the morning before daycare.  Every day we stand in the driveway as Chris backs the truck out and she squeals as she sees him and raises her arms.  Then she wants to get in the front and pretend to steer.