12.31.11

Lauren (the vet) examining her patient, Allie cat

12.30.11

Move over, Logan's! This girl's got a new favorite restaurant - Panera Bread.

12.29.11

There may not be snow outside, but we've created our own {colorful} flakes inside

12.28.11

Here's the letter Lauren wrote for her friend Dani...They had a play date today.
"Dani, You are my friend. I like Sydney (Dani's sister) too."
Maybe it's just the teacher part of me, but I love to see her developing writing skills. :)

12.27.11

Our answer to unorganized and scattered craft supplies - Lauren supplied the labels :)

12.26.11

Lauren and Allie playing Marble Works (Thanks Uncle Scott and Aunt Stacey!)

12.25.11

Allie and her new vanity/hair salon

12.24.11

Opening jammies from Great Grandpa and Grandma Hieftje

12.23.11

Allie and Grandpa VanOmmen at the VanOmmen family Christmas party

12.22.11

It was a Lauren and Mom date day at the movies...Polar Express was a great choice

12.21.11

All wrapped and ready to go - just in the nick of time

12.20.11

Every night we check on Lauren and Allie one last time before heading to bed to give them a kiss and re-tuck them in if necessary. Although it melts my heart to see them sleeping peacefully each night, tonight they both seemed especially precious with the glow of the Christmas lights on their faces.

12.19.11

Each year Lisa's family decorates Christmas cookies together. The results are always far from professional looking, but we always have a great time together.

12.18.11

Cuddling with Daddy...Allie has been perfecting her "fake sleeping" lately as evidenced by the slight smirk on her face.

12.17.11

We enjoyed a REAL (no running errands) date night in Grand Rapids
{Bistro Bella Vita, The Wizard of Oz, drinks afterwards}

...as Lauren and Allie enjoyed their annual gingerbread house construction project with Grandpa and Grandma

12.16.11

What a Daddy won't do for his daughter...

12.15.11

This girl loves her hot chocolate...just so long as it's only warm :)

12.14.11

Allie loves Legos!

12.13.11

A visit with Santa Claus

12.12.11

Somebody REALLY likes bath time!

12.11.11

Lauren singing in our church's Christmas Program

12.10.11

First snow angels of the season!

12.09.11

Mom and Dad had to leave Gracie at the American Girl Doll Hospital in Chicago last weekend with a case of a broken eye. She was discharged and delivered to us today complete with a fixed eye and a hospital gown. Allie laid her in her crib with bubble wrap "cuz Gwacie wikes to pop da bubbles".

12.08.11

Lauren just couldn't fall asleep tonight, so she got up, taped a Rudolph nose on, and helped wrap gifts...Who needs counting sheep anyway?

12.07.11

A fun craft night hosted by Theresa :)

12.06.11

Lisa's family "adopted" a family for Christmas this year. Here are the things that Lauren and Allie picked out for the kids in the family.

12.05.11

Lauren and Allie had a great time with Amanda while Dad and Mom were in Chicago. Here are the Christmas cookies that they made.

12.04.11

Another great day in Chicago

12.03.11

A great Chicago weekend with Lisa's family...shopping, show, and lots of delicious food!

12.02.11

Yup. This is what her bed always looks like when she's sleeping - a stuffed animal slumber party. :)

12.01.11

Lauren's crafty Christmas tree creation