Epcot Food and Wine Festival

It is always a fun and exhausting time going to Epcot's Food and Wine Festival. We went to celebrate Abuelo and Abuela's birthday. Lauren has a smidgen of milk chocolate creme brulee on her lips......yum!
Lauren and Abuelo listening to the Louisiana Band.

Mommy was sitting on one of the few benches that was clear and a gentleman sitting next me asked, "Did you have to flash your belly to get those beads?" After a surprised Mommy face I turned to him and said, "No, I had to flash my belly to get this seat."

Lauren's first meeting with Jasmine, Aladdin, and Genie.

Auntie Renee's meeting with the Aladdin. Aladdin: "Do I know you from somewhere?" Auntie Renee: "Ya, I've seen you in a movie." That was an interesting conversation to observe!

Visiting the Vet

Bailey had her annual check up today. She is healthy, but the doctors put tears in my eyes when they reminded me of her age. Bailey turns 10 this December.

Since she has a bit of arthritis, I bought her a new cozy bed to make her comfortable. We also wanted her to feel special since we just put together Kendall's crib in our room. Bailey is technically our 'first child' and we don't want her to feel pushed aside by any changes. She does really love this new bed! I also spoiled her after her annual shots with a new chew toy ~ but of course, she hid it somewhere in the house. Those silly beagles!

UCF vs. Miami

We lost. Can you hear me sobbing? Unfortunately we had to play our freshman quarterback and the results were on the board. We were lucky enough to stay with my Aunt and Uncle so we brought Lauren down with us. She enjoyed playing with my Aunt while we went to the game. Our trip was so quick we forgot to take pictures. I would have loved to take pictures of her sleeping in her Strawberry Shortcake bed........thanks Aunt Jan!

Team Emerson

A co-worker of mine had a beautiful baby girl on Saturday, September 27th. Soon after meeting her for the first time she was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome. As a school family we came together with her family and created a team to walk in this weekends Buddy Walk. The goal of the DSACF Buddy Walk is to promote awareness and acceptance; raise funds for education, research and advocacy; and to influence local and national policy. The Buddy Walk is a 1 mile casual walk around Lake Eola, followed by a morning of festivities in the park. There were bounce houses, games, crafts, entertainment, prizes and tons of food. Lauren especially enjoyed the bounce house with her new friend Anna. (Anna is my prinicpal's daughter.)

In just 5 days, we donated over $4,000. We ended up having at least 50 members in our team to support the new family. I'm so proud of our efforts!

I truly work at an amazing school!

Red Bug Family

Team Emerson
Lauren hanging out in the bounce house.

A Meeting with the Princesses

After our Tinker Bell experience, we stayed to play at the park. Since she did so good with the fairy characters we asked her if she'd like to meet the princesses. There were virtually no lines anywhere so today was a great day to give it a try. We know she loves them from afar, but she's been scared of characters up close. To our surprise, she loved it! Each princess came up and held her hand. They talked to her about her hair, mentioned things relating to their movies, and overall made her feel so special.Lauren talking with Sleeping Beauty. (Well...Lauren was a bit mute, but Sleeping Beauty talked about how Lauren looks like her friend Belle.)
Lauren and Belle
Lauren and Cinderella
Lauren riding one of her favorite rides! I probably take this same photo each time.

I just think everyone is adorable.

Tinker Bell Premier

Today we were lucky enough to see the premier of the new 'Tinker Bell' movie, at the Magic Kingdom. The movie was very cute! I highly recommend seeing it when it comes out on DVD.

After the movie, we were able to take a picture with the Fairies from Pixie Hollow. Lauren was so overwhelmed she just wouldn't speak. They took two special close ups of just Lauren and Tinker Bell and asked me to sign a wavier for them to use the picture in their upcoming Tinker Bell promotions. We met the producer, screenwriter, and director for the film. They gave us autographs, commemorative cups, and Lauren loved the light-up Tink pin. We can't wait until they open up the new Pixie Hollow experience! http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-disney2508sep25,0,1385740.story

Playing School

I HAD to take pictures of this! I walked out into the living room and saw and overheard Lauren playing school. She had pretend students and she was passing out papers to them giving them directions. She even walked over to one pretend student and said, "You're scribbling. Let me help you."
Like mother, like daughter ?

Got Cravings?

Nope.

It's not Mommy with the cravings.

It's Lauren! Lauren insisted that she wanted apples at the grocery store ~better than insisting on junk!

So that night she ate an apple before bed. Mmm...

Let's Go Fly a Kite

The fall weather is in the air! Daddy took Lauren outside to fly her kite. It was pretty funny to see Daddy with the Barbie kite. I should have taken a picture of him!

New Room

Mommy and Daddy, FINALLY got new bedroom furniture. Whoo Hoo! Lauren loves it and wants new furniture for her too. She thinks she is just so funny cuddling in our bed. It's cute, but not funny......get in your own bed. In an effort to get ready for baby Kendall, we have cleared space in my closet (which is super large) and started making space for Kendall's things. To get Lauren involved we let her help repaint the closet wall. She loved being a helper!

UCF Heartbreaker!

It was a beautiful day for the game. Grills were up in flames, spirit was high, and drops of sweat rolled down every one's backs during tailgating time.

The Knights (1-1) fell 31-24 in overtime to No. 17 USF before a record crowd of 46,805 at Bright House Networks Stadium Saturday night.

It was a thrilling game with a heart pounding ending! http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/knights/orl-ucf0708sep07,0,260106.story

UCF comeback in the 4th! Kendall made her second appearance as a 'Future UCF Knight.' See my shirt.
Hanging out at our seats.
Meagan and Bill - Thanks for the pins Meagan!
Aaron and Michelle

23 Weeks Baby Pics

Today we had our last ultrasound. We officially graduated from monitor status.

Mommy and Baby had perfect results. I think Kendall will be into gymnastics. She is breach at the moment (plenty of time to turn around) and enjoys resting her feet (yes, her feet) on her head.

Take a look below. She is laying on her back with her legs all the way up and her feet near her head. Can you do that pose?

They gave me lots of 4-D pics. I have to admit they are so clear, it is a bit weird. You can actually see all of the fluid and slimy stuff covering the baby.

After viewing many pictures, we think she will look just like Lauren!

We can't wait to meet her!

Labor Day Weekend

This weekend we traveled to Jacksonville for my cousin's Baby Shower. Lauren was really good in the car. She wore her headphones and watched her new movie. We had to a stop a couple of times for potty breaks, especially on the way home. One time we stopped and as soon as I got her in the bathroom she looked at me and said, "I'm fine."

Lauren loved the Baby Shower and didn't want to leave!

Go Knights!

The season begins!

UCF won their first game 17-0. It could have been a blow out, but maybe, just maybe they were saving some big plays (hopefully) for next weekend when we play USF Bulls.

First touchdown of the season!

It was a soggy day. Ponchos and slippery flip flops.

Knightro has spirit!

Kendall's first football game. We placed a gold arrow pointing to baby and a 'Future UCF Knight' sticker to let everyone know she was there.

I had a great time with my Red Bug Co-Workers!

GO KNIGHTS!

What a Crazy Week!

Two storm days off of school and the weather was clear. (I do have to admit having the 2nd day off of school was actually extremely relaxing! If you are a teacher and have to stand on your feet all day and go over and over and over procedures and routines...you would agree too!)

Then one day back and it was drenching rain.

Another day off, that was finally well deserved.

Lauren actually adjusted nicely with the on and off again school days.

T.S. Fay created our very own backyard pond. NO fishing allowed, please.

THEN, T.S. Fay moved on and picture day is here!

Ahh... I wasn't prepared for picture day so soon.
Here is my little model practicing her smile.

Tropical Storm...Where are you?

As we are waiting, and waiting, and waiting for this horrible weather we have not seen all day, we are playing beauty shop! Lauren loves getting her toes painted. "Just like the princesses", she tells me. I truly don't think she's seen their toes before? NO school again tomorrow............what will tomorrow bring for us?

Better get out my old clothes, maybe we'll paint?

A Rough Morning

Today was the official 'Back to School' with the students for Mommy. The morning to get ready started really rough. Lauren woke up at 4:30. An hour or more than I had planned to wake up. She wanted me to cuddle in her bed with her. So I dragged myself in her room (with my cell phone of course ~ I didn't want to not have an alarm with me.) She tossed, turned, and just would not go back to sleep. As the bags were starting to form under my eyes, my alarm went off! Lauren begged me to stay in her bed with her. Even though she was tired, she rather stay awake with me as I get ready for school then lay back down. We all had an exhausted start to our day. Finally after I left, she was eating cereal on the couch waiting for Daddy to take her to school and...she fell asleep. We are very surprised that Bailey didn't jump at the chance to grab her food! Daddy took a quick picture with his phone before waking her up for school.

Look at Me!

Skating is hard work!

Withdraw?

Partners in crime were happy to have the weekend together.

Bailey is going through Lauren withdraw.

And....she's off!

Lauren is back to school! This morning her teacher was so happy to see her. Her friends came up and gave her huge hugs to welcome her back. She gave Daddy a kiss good-bye and plopped right down in her chair to start the day. It's so delightful that she loves her school!

Bear-Wear

After many dry pull-ups and no accidents, so far....Lauren is solely wearing underwear!

Today, since she is so proud of herself, Lauren wanted to buy her bear matching underwear.

Say good-bye to pull-ups/diapers..............for now. :-)

Summer is coming to an end :-(

These two are sure going to miss each other! Lauren uses Bailey as a pillow when watching her cartoons. I know Bailey will miss her company when Lauren goes back to school.