Lauren & Ben's Pool Birthday Bash

We combined Lauren's 10th and Ben's 8th birthday parties-the weather from April through June was awful so Lauren's party was late & we didn't want to do Ben's party after school started, hence the combo. We rented a pool & let the kids invite their friends and their families (that way I wasn't responsible for a bizillion kids in a swimming pool-their parents were). I thought it rather ingenious.

The pool was great...it had a waterslide, a lazy river and a jungle gym for the little kids! Everyone had a fabulous time! The best part for me? NO PARTY CLEAN UP!!

The girls look darling in this picture, but for the funniest part of the picture look at the lifeguard behind the girls & the fountain. HAHAHA!!! Totally unintentional, but way hysterical!

10 Things I Adore About My 10 Year Old

10 Things I adore about my 10 year old (in no particular order)...

1. Great sense of humor

2. A friend to everyone

3. Obedient & honest

4. Mad swimming skills (even if she doens't like it)

5. Trys hard to do what is right

6. Beautiful

7. Responsible

8. Intelligent

9. Creative & Artistic

10. Loving & sweet

You're growing up so fast! Happy 10th Birhtday Lauren! I love you!

Perform...In Public...By Choice?

Lauren dropped the bomb on me that she wants to be in the talent show at school! Whose kid is she? I mean seriously...perform...in public...by choice? What is wrong with that child? She obviously didn't get that from me! But she's a good dancer and if she wants to show off, I'm not going to stop her.

HOWEVER, she informed me of this desire on Monday night and the auditions are being held Monday through Thursday. 2 days to throw something together? Welcome back from Florida mom!!!

She wrangled a buddy into joining her and I got to help them put together a dance performance at 7 o'clock last night. Fortunately, Lauren still remembered most of the dance she did at Disneyland a year and a half ago. We just had to work out a few kinks and teach her friend all the steps. After a couple hours of practicing they seem like they have it down.

Another stroke of luck is that Wendi, our favorite dance teacher, is willing to loan us the props we need. Now I just get to try to slam out a couple of pink tutu's tonight & they are set.

As I said, I am happy to help her perform...just don't make me get up and do it!

Time Saving Tips by Lauren

Lauren apparently had an epiphany yesterday...If you sleep with your clothes UNDER your jammies it saves time getting dressed in the morning. We left the kids with a baby sitter last night and I couldn't understand why she didn't have them put their jammies on. But I didn't really care since I didn't have to put them to bed!

It didn't occur to me until tonight when the girls came out in their pajamas OVER the outfit for tomorrow. I asked why and Lauren's simple reply was that it made it quicker in the morning. Brilliant as that is, I had to burst her bubble by telling her why that is a gross concept! She & Rachel promptly remedied the situation! Too bad, the girls will just have to get dressed in the morning like everyone else!!!