Lauren's 1st Communion

Lauren's 1st Communion was this weekend.  She worked hard over the last several months attending classes, studying and preparing for this event.  

She looked gorgeous and Mark and I were so proud of her.

She didn't want anything fancy done to her hair.  She didn't want anything fancy in her hair.  

She really didn't even want to wear the dressy white shoes...but I told her no flip flops for church.  

I snapped several pictures before the ceremony started.  

Lauren was about over it!  

Saturday we attended a retreat.  We practiced for the big event and made this banner for Lauren's pew.  A lot of Mark's family was able to come down to celebrate and my family was also there to celebrate the big day! 

Addison fell asleep in Mark's arms shortly after church started...poor thing was so tired after staying up late with Lauren and Emma the night before! 

I snapped this picture of Lauren and her friend Brooke during the group picture.  

This is only about half of the group of kids.  The second group will go next weekend, and a Spanish Mass will be the next weekend.  So many kids taking first Communion this year. 

Rae Ann entertained Addison while we were waiting for the ceremony to start.  It was so great having family down for the weekend.  It made it a lot of fun.  

Father Tom and Lauren.  

Afterwards we headed home for a celebration.  Lauren was so ready to get her beautiful white dress off.  I asked for one last picture with the cake before getting changed.  

We enjoyed cake, punch, sandwiches, fruit and veges.  It was a great celebration.  

Lauren received a Rosary from Grandma Harding and a prayer book.  

A picture frame from Aunt Chris and Uncle Jeff.  

A cross from us...as well as a journal and a book Mark.  Gramps and Nana got her a bible box.  Mama got her a cross, and Aunt Jen got her a gift certificate.  

Here is this crazy girl about to smash her face into the cake.  I have no idea why, but she is obsessed with it.  I love her smile here...she is up to no good.  It was a great weekend and wonderful celebration for Lauren.  Way to go Lauren.  We are so proud of you! 

Wordless Wednesday

Easter Weekend

This was a gorgeous Easter Weekend!  We spent Saturday at the Kite Festival in Lee's Summit.  We have gone 3 years in a row now and it is so much fun.  

This year, we finally brought our own kites to fly as well.  

 It was such a windy day, that is was pretty easy to fly our kite!

We grabbed Subway and enjoyed a picnic lunch.

Lauren participated in the candy drop and brought back tons of candy for her and Addison.

Mark bought 2 funnel cakes because he thought we needed 2????  Oh my, both of us felt sick that afternoon after finishing both of them!

Both girls looked gorgeous Easter morning.  

They were both very cooperative and patient as I snapped away! 

After a while I got some great smiles. 

Lauren did an amazing job getting this picture! 

Addison felt like leopard needed to be in several of the pictures. 

After church we headed to Gramps and Nana's house.  We enjoyed a wonderful meal and an Easter egg hunt.  

Nana had cream soda for the girls, so they toasted a few times. 

Sophie tried her best to keep up with the big kids. 

The best part is definitely going through all the eggs. 

Then we tried very hard to get some pictures of the grand kids. 

Almost Wordless Wednesday

A build a bear sweater on her head....because why not?  

A little closer look! 

And one of the many creations that she made in her bed at bedtime tonight.  

I wonder if the sweater will stay on her head all night?  We shall see! 

I'm back!

It's me...Ashley...the original blogger...although lately I have been such a slacker.  I got back into town Thursday and haven't stopped running...

Dance class Thursday night was watch week.  I enjoyed watching both of the girls prepare for recital.  

Mark and the girls hit the Zoo Saturday while I "worked."  I attended an open house/fundraiser event for a girl friend adopting a baby from South Korea.  I had a booth set up for my beach body products.  It was a lot of fun and I made a lot of connections.  

Seriously cute.  Love these 2.  

and these 3.  I missed Mark so much in San Diego and wished I could have been spending my free evenings with him...He told me I am not allowed to go back there again without him.  (I have been twice on business now!) 

Here I am...working.  Although it's really not working.  Getting paid to exercise and sell exercise programs.  Yep.  That is what I do!

This one insisted on helping me cook dinner tonight.  How could I turn down that adorable face?

Who knows when I will blog again....