Swimming

Lauryn has started swimming lessons. We have tried them in the past without mastery so we are now attempting the Y's program. So far, the benefit is that we are not allowed near her and there are other kids in the same situation. Let's keep our fingers crossed that she gets the hang of it soon and will be able to feel confident in the pool!

Being Surrounded By Girls

Poor Tom. He is surrounded by girls, and when I say girls, I mean seriously girly girls. We both love mani/pedis and shopping. If there is a musical, we want to see it. As Jason Mraz would say, we sing, we dance, we steal things - Tom's man card.

Early this year, Tom had his first Daddy/Daughter Dance. The two of them attended a Dance with Dads event at Lauryn's school. The two of them dressed up, went to dinner, and chicken danced the night away. There were races to participate in, too. The funny thing about the racing is that Lauryn definitely got Tom's competitive streak.

For Valentine's Day, Tom took us to see Legally Blonde. We first saw the musical version on MTV one day when I was looking for something not involving Hannah Montana or the Jonas Brothers that was Lauryn-friendly. After watching the musical, MTV soon began running a competition show looking for the next Elle Woods (they didn't look hard enough - Lauryn is still here, but more on that later...) and Lauryn was hooked. When we saw it was coming to town, Tom got tickets and we waited. The big day came and we were so very surprised because the lead hurt herself and Laura Bell Bundy was going to be Elle. Laura Bell Bundy IS the original Broadway Elle!!! I don't know who was more excited: me or Lauryn! It was a fantastic show with a lasting impact on Lauryn because she now wants to BE Elle either on Broadway or at Harvard.

The Rockets made it to playoffs this year. Tom got his man card back and went to a playoff game. I think in time, Tom may become a Rockets fan if the Mavs continue to disappoint. He came home from the game and was pumped up for quite a while. Lauryn even got a souvenir - the clacker things that light up when you hit them together. Unfortunately, the Rockets are out but next year, I would like to go as a family to a game.


We spent the first of the year researching cars. The Trailblazer was due to go back and I wanted something different. SUVs are not necessarily my first choice but with Tom's height and Molson's size, it is necessary. We went to car shows and built tons of models online looking for something that was less "utility vehicle" and more car looking. I have been in love with Volvos since our honeymoon and I have wanted the Volvo SUV for as long as they have been in production. Last month, I drove away with my very own XC90 that looks just like this one. I am in love with my car!!! When Lauryn would say she wanted something, I would respond with "I want a Jaguar." Now, I need to reconsider my response because I don't want that anymore. I am 100% smitten with my Volvo. And, the Red Sox key fob goes nicely with the Volvo key because:

Volvo is a sponsor prominently displayed on the GREEN MONSTER at Fenway! Go Sox!!! Maybe that is why Tom was cool with a Volvo over another Tahoe...

Blogging?

I never truly considered blogging. We have a few friends that do and I check their blogs routinely. I love that sometimes the posts are totally random and other times, not so much. It allows me to feel as though I am there with them, even if they are miles away. In the grand scheme of things, I can predict that most often, our blog will be random just because that's how we roll. Or more acurately, it is because we are content to stay within our bubble of comfort. We are blessed with great family and friends, jobs we enjoy, and a fantastic place to call home. I want to be able to share our adventures and blessings with those that we love, both near and far.

This past year, we have had a few milestones and this would have been the perfect avenue to share our experiences... So, I have selected just a few to relive. I know, we are already in May, but I admit to being a procrastinator so forgive me for being a few months behind. Give me time and I will have highlights from the first half of the month - they are written down so I don't forget!

Lauryn's first day at big kid school - she LOVES it! It blows our mind all that she has learned this year. I love that instead of me reading to her, she reads to me. So awesome!

Our first hurricane (Dang, Ike!!!) - when we moved here, I never imagined that hurricane preparedness would be an issue. Silly me, I just assumed that we were far enough inland so there would be no issues. I was so very wrong! We horded water and batteries, filled our bathtubs with water, slept Harry Potter-style (under the stairs), ate spaghetti-o's off the grill, and then became evacuees in Dallas.

We were all in a wedding - Sam and Adam's that is. They were married in Chicago in October. We all flew out and enjoyed some time getting to know Sam's family and taking in the sights. Chicago is a great place! Lauryn got her first American Girl doll - that started an even bigger trend... The wedding was beautiful and I finally got that sister that I've been asking Adam for!

We went to Disney World!!! Over New Year, we went to Florida with both sets of parents for a little Mickey magic. Although the crowds were out of control, it was a fantastic trip! Princesses and Disney characters surrounded us while we ate. We went Soarin', stayed in a Haunted Mansion, saw Everest, and a safari! It was such a great trip, we are planning one to Disneyland this summer! What a fantastic way to start the year!!!