Lauren Turns 32

My 32nd birthday included a great dinner with my parents the night before at Olive Garden. I received great jewelry from my parents and TJ. I always love packages that are James Avery Red and Tiffany Blue...spoiled. I got great hugs from my girls.

The actual day of my birthday was not great. All bad things happen in threes. Ava threw up on me in the morning, had to go home to change. Then I spent 2.5 hours at the DMV renewing my license. After that, I went to get my car washed for the guy to tell me that my floorboard in my Commander was completely soaked and I would have to figure out where the leak was coming from. Needless to say...TJ's lemon cake made it all better!

The fun really came when TJ and I went out with Adina and her fiance, Mike, on the Friday night to dinner and an improv comedy show. The night was full of great conversation and lots of laughs. Ironcially, it was the first time I had ever gone on a double date with Adina...now that is going in my top ten Matron of Honor speech.

The Girls' New Playground Christmas Surprise

Santa Claus and his helper...what have they been up to? Santa sent a couple of his elves two days before to construct an amazing playground for the girls. The trick was to keep the girls out of the backyard. Christmas morning came and Papa James and CC made their way to our place super early for the morning's festivities.

Santa came! Look at all those presents. Carys was very patient and when she was told she could open a present, she instantly went to the pink package on the right...thinking it was the biggest present and must be the playground she had been asking for. But I asked her...where would a playground belong...her response...outside...so we grabbed our coats and shoes and ...

Her response was priceless. You can even hear little Ava's response as well.

Happy-go-lucky Ava loved the playground and would not give up her gummie stick for anything.Once Carys had new pants...the play continued.Ava steering...
Ava loving the swing.

Carys takes a turn too...
Lucky, lucky girls to have grandparents that can spoil them so. The girls play on the playground almost daily, as long as the weather permits. I will never forget Carys running away going for new Jammies! Priceless.

Christmas Morning 2011

Fun, fun...as you can tell by the medusa hair, Carys just woke up...Look at all those presents! She really wants to open the big pink package, thinking it is her playground.

Ava is up too! AAAooo...Look at all those presents!

A pic of our girls after breakfast and a little hair do magic...so they can see.

Stockings first! I found the perfect stockings online this year, Carys has a butterfly and Ava has a bird.

Ava's favorite thing for this year...a gummie pop from Uncle Jamie and Aunt Holley.

Opening presents...after the grand unveiling of the playground.

Lots to open. We are lucky to have so many great friends and family.

Macy opening her toys.

Maya too...notice she is next to Papa James.

What was in that big pink package...well a dollhouse fully loaded for Ava.

Carys' big present from Mommy and Daddy was an itouch.

A piano from Uncle Jamie, Aunt Holley and Grant, how appropriate.

A pink castle one way...a cottage another way...thank you Aunt Jackie, Uncle Rad and Charlotte.

Christmas dinner was brisket. A Steller tradition...opening English Crackers with a pop...they come with a toy and a hat. Ava's first paper hat! Carys was still napping during dinner.

Ironically, Carys' favorite toy was pulled out of the attic when TJ was looking for my vintage ALF doll. My old picnic basket full of plasticware. I washed it and wrapped it and she would not put it down for 3 days straight. Always the classics are the best toys.

Look at that grin. Two happy little girls and one wonderful Christmas. Now to find room for all the new stuff!

Christmas Eve 2011

Christmas Eve began the giftalapalooza 2011. One thing is for sure, my girls are loved by many people. Auntie Kim buys the best presents. This year she bought the girls Toms, a super cute sneaker, that is even cuter in their tiny sizes.

Carys got butterflies of course.

Ava got cute gray with pink soles.

Papa Tom and Nana Sharla bought Ava her very own stroller for her babies.

Here we go, room for two!

Carys got a basketball hoop, reverse dunk.

Auntie Martha went to Disney World and brought the girls back candy and Minnie Mouse purses.

Carys eating her Mickey cookie.

Tommy went to Vegas and brought the girls M&M pajamas from M&M World. Blue for Carys, of course.

Green for our sassy little Ava.

Trying to get pictures with the girls hopped up on sugar...you can see how that was going.

Good enough, it was a good picture of Papa Tom that was trying to help.

Now off to bed little ones, Santa will be coming soon. We put out cookies and carrots, and don't forget the milk. And to all a good night...

Harborwalk Trim A Tree

'Tis the Season! Lots of little giggles filled the restaurant at Harborwalk. Santa Claus was coming! So exciting, the girls took a picture in Santa's chair, showing all the pretty pointsettias that the garden club was selling.

Carys and Ava loved Papa and CC's musical tree with lights that dance to the music! Here they are dancing.

Ava looking for Santa...who is on his way.

Daddy and Carys waving to Santa, he is almost here!

Santa arrived Harborwalk style, it has been a good year!

Santa greeting Ava and Marie.

Santa greeting Carys and Daddy. Santa took his time to say hello to all the kids before going inside.

Carys and Ava loved the Mickey Mouse wrapping paper on the toys to donate box.

Papa, the elf sat with Carys as Santa read two books to the kids. Ava was more interested in her candy cane.

Santa with all the kids!

Our family photo with Santa.

Goody Bags!The Christmas trim a tree was great, Carys asked Santa for a playground for her and her sister. This is an event we look forward to every year.