Because of so many events falling on Lauren's birthday this year, she got to have her party a little early with a small group of friends at Cafe Art. It was the perfect party to have this year: it suited our budding artist, it was easy--short and sweet, there was no mess for me to clean up, and best of all...Lauren LOVED it.
Our little artist.
I put together the favors (mini easel and paint set in a bucket), a colorful array of snacks, and a rainbow of cupcakes. And that's all I did besides show up!
Lauren's friends chose cute figurines to paint and they were quite the little experts. Most didn't need any help at all. They were very quiet as they concentrated on their work.
On the actual day of her birthday, Dad and Caleb were still at camp, but that didn't stop us from celebrating...
Good morning birthday girl!
Cute dress from Grandma!
This was Lauren's request this year--a sugar cookie fruit pizza cake. We used Natalie's yummy fruit dip for the spread and tried to make it look like a painter's palette :)
"Happy Birthday to me!"
Andrew was so proud of the card he made for Lauren.
The boys got home just in time to sing happy birthday, get presents unwrapped, and then they were off for another camp out! But the celebrations continued...
Lauren really wanted a robe for her birthday.
But she wanted her ears pierced even more than that robe!
Here she is before she got them pierced.
And here she is after it was all over. She did not even seem a bit nervous until the last second when she almost changed her mind. I told her we'd have to wait until her 9th birthday to come back if she walked away (I'm so mean). She decided to be brave and the ladies were really great with her. She said ow-ow-ow but no tears and it was over before she knew it. Whew!!
We went to California Pizza Kitchen to celebrate. Lauren was noticing how many people wore earrings all around us and she was sure everyone noticed her new sparkling earrings too.
EIGHT things that Lauren LOVES:
1. Art--she loves to paint and color.
2. Hugs--She makes sure we all get our "4 Hugs a Day"
3. Swimming--that is the BIG thing she looks forward to doing during the summer.
4. Animals--especially dogs and cats, but Rainbow, her pet fish, keeps her somewhat satisfied in the pet department for now.
5. Friends--she makes new ones every day!
6. Mr. Franklin--his stories and his guitar make him the best teacher ever in her book.
7. Games--"Would you Rather?" and "Twenty Questions" are her favorites
8. One-on-one time--She is at her best and such a joy when she comes on errands and she makes sure we have "Lauren day" every 20th day of the month.
We are so blessed to have Lauren in our family!
