Father/Son & Girls Night Out

Friday, Darin and the boys went on the Father & Son Outing with our ward. They camped, played baseball, collected bugs, sticks, etc and had a great time together. I am always so busy now-a-days, usually playing catch-up and just trying to stay on top of everything that I didn't even take time to think about what the girls and I would do while the boys were gone. Last minute I decided we would go to the mall. This may sound like no big deal, but I haven't really had the opportunity to get out much. Having a newborn is so demanding with naps and feeding schedules that it is almost impossible to go anywhere. I only leave when I have to. Even grocery shopping is precisely scheduled so that I can zip through the store in as little time as possible, not that I have much time to work with anyway!
So I thought it was funny when I told Julia we were going to the mall, that she had no idea what I was talking about. When I explained that we were going "shopping" she said "oh, to Walmart!" I guess that is the only place we usually go. I tried to describe the mall the the best I could, and she was happy that we were going "shopping". She quickly decided we should buy her a pair of sunglasses "like Capri's". She ended up picking a pair of pink princess sunglasses. I was contemplating the idea of piercing Lauren's ears, but totally chickened out. She was being so good, awake and happy, that it didn't seem right to put her through the pain and have her upset and crying... it would've ruined our whole "mall adventure"! We had a fun time shopping, I found some good deals and enjoyed being out with my girls. When we got home, Julia asked if I would lay on the floor with her and watch "The Bee Movie". I realized that I never take the time to lay on the floor with her and watch an entire movie. She was thrilled and I enjoyed doing something so simple that made her so happy!

Julia found this gigantic teddy bear in one of the stores. I turned around to find her all wrapped up in it's arms like this and she said "take my picture Mommy!"

This weekend Lauren noticed the toys dangling from her activity mat for the first time. She is so entertained by the smiling faces of the bee and turtle and will smile and coo at them. I can't believe how fast time is going and how quickly she is changing.

Our four blessings