A Big Change

Well, as some of you know and as some of you don't know, we have moved away from Pasco, Washington, and will now be living in Twin Falls, ID. It happened quickly and unexpectedly. Jason was offered a new job in March and started his new job at the beginning of May. We are excited for this new adventure. We are especially excited about being closer to both sets of grandparents.

With this excitement comes sadness too. We are going to miss Pasco and all the wonderful people we met. We were just shy of living there for six years. Many friendships and memories were made. I'm sad to have that phase of our lives over because it has been the best phase yet. My grandma once advised me to enjoy each phase in life because they will come and they will go. The "Pasco Phase" is over for us, but we will never forget it.

In the Dirt

Blake is all boy, which is just fine with me.
However, I can't ever go outside now without keeping an eye on him. He loves putting everything in his mouth. When outside, I'm usually trying my best to keep him on the grass because there typically isn't any "choking hazard" items there. Blake doesn't like being on the grass long, he'd rather be in the dirt. So the other day I said, "Fine! Go to the dirt." He could be entertained with dirt all day if I let him. I let him eat dirt too. I was hoping that one bite would let him discover that it is gross and that it wouldn't be necessary to try again. We shall see in the future whether my outlook worked. He's a boy, so.....it probably didn't work one bit.

Change

We have been having some really nice days, so I took some pictures of Lauren and Blake outside. I'm afraid the wind has been blowing today and that means only one thing: the weather is changing. I'm going to miss the warm days.
The weather isn't the only thing that is changing. Lauren will be turning 6 years old on Sunday and Blake is almost the same weight as Lauren. Just kidding. However, he is a big boy! They are both changing so much.

These pictures are random and from our trip to Oakley in August. I've been meaning to put these on because they are hilarious. Where is Lauren? haha. I used to ride where Lauren is when I was younger. This was my mom's bike. We all had a good laugh.

Blake's Blessing

This past weekend was Blake's blessing. A lot of family came up for the occasion. We had a bbq and a party for Jason's sister, Elaine. Lauren spent a great deal with her cousins and loved every minute of it. It was a special weekend.

Lauren's in Kindergarten and More...

Lauren has started kindergarten. She was more than ready. She loves everything about it, especially riding the bus and recess. It has been so fun hearing about her day and what she has learned. Blake and I walk her to and from the bus stop.

Lauren took swimming lessons this summer. She passed Level 1 and can now swim on her own. At the beginning of her lessons she didn't have goggles, but, once she got a pair she became a new woman and passed the class. Now we will find her in the bathtub looking like this.

Lauren and Blake

Here are some pictures of Lauren and Blake together. Lauren has really enjoyed being a big sister. She has been very helpful. She loves to be around him at all times, loves to hold him, and loves to sing to him. Blake doesn't seem to mind most times. He falls asleep to her singing and smiles at her. It has been a joy to see the two of them together.

It is amazing to me how much the two of them look a like as babies. Here is an example.

Lauren's Baby Brother

I don't know where to begin with this post. But, alas, a miracle has taken place in our family. Throughout the past three years I wasn't sure if we'd ever have another baby, if it was even possible. Then, there were certain experiences that made me continue to hope that maybe we would. What a rollar coaster of emotions it has been.
In December I found out that I was pregnant. I had no idea, but I was nine weeks when I found out. So, to make a long story short, we had a baby boy on July 9th. He was 8 lbs 15 oz and 21.5 inches long. Like Lauren, we had a boy name picked out long ago. His name is Blake Aroet Brown. Jason and I have always liked the name Lauren, as well as, Blake. Aroet is a family name on my dad's side. His father (my grandpa) was named Wallace Aroet and my great great grandpa's name was Aroet. The way to pronounce Aroet is "uh row it".
Now that Lauren is 5 1/2 years old, it has been like having a first baby all over again. I have forgotten a lot, but am learning and remembering as I go. Boys are a lot different than girls that is for sure! We've experienced more mishaps when changing diapers and giving baths. We are definitely learning to speed through both of those procedures before any accidents occur, but they still occur. Blake has been a good baby and has gained a pound already. He loves to eat and will let you know when he is hungry. Lauren just loves him to death. A little too much maybe, but I'd rather her love him then not. She is a good helper and she is his mom too. I told her she could be the mom at night, but she didn't agree to that.
Here are some pictures from the first few days after he was born. We are so thankful to have Blake in our family!

I wasn't able to get this picture to turn upright, but this was taken the day after he was born.

My sister was able to come up and watch Lauren while we were in the hospital.
 So glad she was there.

My parents came up for a few days as well.

We finally made it home. He loves to sleep too.

Lauren always wants to be where Blake is.
Blake looks just like Lauren when she was a baby.

So She Dances

Lauren has been in ballet/tap for a year now. Every week I watched her class from the window. I can't believe how much Lauren has grown up since the first day. She is graceful and eloquent. Her recital couldn't have been more perfect. All the girls were so excited and have been waiting for that moment to perform in front of a big crowd. Not one of them showed any fear. 
Okay, so I am going to try to be better at blogging.

Bruised

Here is our bruised ballerina. Over Thanksgiving Lauren was running in Grandma and Grandpa Brown's house, when she tripped and hit the side of her face on the leg of a stool.

I'll be glad when it is gone completely because I am so tired of the stares we get out in public.

This past weekend Lauren was able to go and dance on the stage where the Nutcracker is taking place. They were given wands and danced to three songs. Her teacher, Melissa, is the one dressed in street clothes. In the Spring she'll get to perform in a recital.

I can't see an end in sight of her ballet days. This could turn into a lifetime thing. I am happy that she has found something that she loves to do.

Howdy Doody Partner!

I'm behind on posts yet again.

This year Lauren was a cowgirl for Halloween.

Yeehaw!!!

Happy 5th Birthday!!

This birthday for Lauren was a lot different than ones in the past. When she turned 2, 3, and 4, I was in the kitchen for hours preparing cake or cupcakes. This birthday I didn't even spend one second preparing anything in the kitchen.

Has anyone ever known a 5 year old, or any age for that matter, that didn't want a birthday cake?

This year Lauren just wanted to get some frozen yogurt at MyFroYo. We invited family to come along. We have gotten together with Jason's brother and family, and his sister on Lauren's birthday for the last 5 years. That is hard to believe! Where does time go?

The only dilemma for the evening was: How was Lauren going to blow out candles?

Well, we made her a cake out of our cups, sang happy birthday, and she blew out her candles.

We love you, Lauren! You are one of a kind!!