Monday, September 22, 2008

Phew September!



Wow! What a month it has been so far! We have been SO crazy busy with events....which is why I haven't blogged in a while, and why I have some family members upset with me about new posts. I will try and update everyone in this one blog. Warning: it is LONG! :)

September 6th:

I can't believe it, but it has been 10 years since I graduated high school (although some local cops still ask me if I am skipping school because I look so young. :) )! It was so great going to my 10 yr high school reunion. We met Michelle and Austin for dinner beforehand, and then headed over together. It was amazing and weird to see so many old faces!! With some people, it felt like no time had passed at all! There was a photographer there, so I didn't take any pictures of my own. Here are a few I have found from some friends.



Jamie and I before we left.


Me, Michelle, Tanna and Brittany


All the girls!

All the guys!

Tanna, Brittany, Me, Jenna and Jennifer.

September 5th-14th:

After my reunion I stayed in Arlington at Diana and Maddy's house since I had a wedding to attend on the 13th, and Jamie was going to be out of town the whole week and following weekend, so it worked out perfect. It was such a joy to be able to spend so much quality time with my sister and little Maddy who just turned 9 weeks old! Living so far away, it was nice to be able to get some one on one time with them. We also got to visit with my mom, my dad, my grandparents, and my cousin and her son Lawson. It made for some very long days spending one day for a family member, but totally worth it!


Ava and Maddy. Ava thought her fingers would taste good to Maddy!

Guess Ava thought her nose needed picking. ;)



If you haven't noticed, Maddy has a natural mohawk on the crown of her head. Ava thought it would be funny to make her hair do the same.

Maddy had to go to the doctor while we were visiting, and had to get her first set of shots. :( She was in the 95th percentile for her weight and height, but has a little head like me...in the 50th. :)




Can you see her Olympic torch flame hair?

Ava had SO much fun playing with Lawson and Maddy on this trip. Not so sure Maddy felt the same way on this day.

Grandma Sherri feeding Maddy.

Reading with Grandpa Jimmy

Playing with Uncle Jason

Maddy with Grandma Candy


September 13th:

We went to my cousin Christen's wedding, and it was beautiful! It was supposed to be outside at the Frisco Country Club, but Hurrican Ike made sure that didn't happen. The club did an amazing job at accommodating them and the change to the inside venue. It was all so beautiful!! We were so happy be could be part of her special day, rain and all.

Ava and Christen- the Bride. Isn't she beautiful?!

Mommy, Ava, Christen, Aunt Dee Dee and Maddy

Mommy and Ava

Ava LOVED dancing on the dance floor. Especially when Mommy turned her upside down to a good song. Can you see Ava's hair? Haha.

I think it was past Maddy's bedtime.

Grandma Candy and Ava

Ava's favorite thing was playing underdeath this glass coffee table in the lobby.


September 20th:


We flew up to Tulsa, Oklahoma to surprise my grandmother with her 80th birthday party. She was truly shocked when she pulled up with my aunt at my cousins house to see her two sons, and all of their families. It was her first time to meet Ava and Maddy. It was wonderful to see her again, since her health has really declined this past year, and we don't get to see her but maybe once a year. It was also great to see all of other extended family that I don't get to see. I was sad to leave, but have some great memories!

Ava and Grandpa Jimmy checking out the clouds on the way to Tulsa.

Grandpa Jimmy being funny while waiting for family to meet us at the gas station.

Great Grandma Elwell meeting Ava for the first time. Ava was acting shy.

Grandpa Jimmy, Mommy, Ava and Great Grandma Elwell at the dominoes table. Dominoes (Moon and 42) are basically played 24/7 at any Elwell gathering. Don't let her sweet face fool you, my grandmother will cream you every time!

My grandmother got to me Maddy for the first time too!

All the cousins!

My grandmother and 3 of her 4 children.

Ava and I on the way home on the airplane. We can't wait to get home!




Football Season:




Well, it is that time of year again. Hunter has started 8th grade football. He is the starting quarterback and linebacker for his team. He is really loving it, and we have enjoyed watching him play every Tuesday night. He has already scored several touchdowns and extra points for his team! Ava loves all of the action, and of course all of the attention she gets from the people in the stands. Have I mentioned lately just how much she loves being the center of attention?? ;)

I don't think Ava liked that last call!

She got to watch most of the game on her Daddy's shoulders. What else would a princess expect, but the best views?

After a GREAT game, I think they won 46 to 7, Hunter granted us a pose with Ava. ;)


And finally:

Ava is 11 months old! Just one more month until her big day. She is getting more brave with walking, but is having a hard time with all of our hardwood floors and tile. She was going to ask Santa for her two front teeth for Christmas, but they both came in this month. They make her look so much older. My little baby is starting to fade. :( She said bird today for the first time, but it sounded more like burr. Hehe. She gives hugs and kisses when you ask for them, but is also starting to hit. Yikes. She is beginning to be SO much fun to play with each day. I really love this age!!

Ava just woke up and had some CRAZY bed hair! Hahaha. Can you see her top two teeth?

I don't think she was too happy the paparazzi was after her so early in the morning!

My sweet angel!
Well, September isn't over yet, and we still have a few more events planned. Now that things are settling down again, I won't wait as long to post. Love to all!

3 comments:

Mrs. H. said...

Whoa! Lauren - I am exhausted just reading what you all have been up to! I knew you'd been busy, but I had no idea!!! Thank you for the update and all the wonderful, wonderful pictures! You have such a talent for putting the pictures and story all together. We enjoy it so much. Looking foward to Ava's first birthday. :-) Have a great week!

Chris said...

I love that picture of you and Ava on the plane coming home. Gorgeous! And the one of Hunter and Ava is adorable too. It was great seeing you over the weekend!

Anonymous said...

Girl, I was beginning to worry about you...so I am super glad you posted!! It was SO good to see you at the reunion, oh my goodness...that was great. I had a really good time catching up and just laughing...we are still the same ya know!! 10 years cant change that! Enjoyed the blog...