Our 'Advanced' Gymnast

Congratulations Lauren!

Lauren has some exciting news to share!  She has been selected to move up to the 'Advanced' gymnastics class!  At the end of class on Saturday, Miss Cindy selected 4 girls and said, 'You won't be seeing these girls in class anymore, not because they are in trouble, but because they will now move up to the 4 o'clock advanced class!"  I wish I had caught Lauren's surprise and excitement on camera.  Her smile was huge!  This is the first Miss Cindy has moved anyone up this winter.  On Saturday the girls were introduced to the back bend, and truth be told Lauren needs some back bend practice, but she does have her cartwheel, roundoff, and handstand down well.  Those 'Advanced' girls are all older and taller, but we both are excited for Lauren to learn new skills.  I'm so proud of her!

Because of Lauren's gymnastics, I missed the 2nd half of Nick's basketball game...and some smooth skills from Nick on the court.  When I left I did notice he was being aggressive and playing well.  After I left he made a shot, AND then stole the ball from the other team and dribbled down the court for an assist.  I wish I could be in 2 places at once.  Very proud of him as well! 

After basketball, Nick went to Matthew's for a sleepover.  Lauren and I kicked Daddy to the neighbor's house for football watching while we had a 'girls night'.  Girls night involved a trip to Bath and Body works to purchase new smell good stuff, scrumptious homemade grilled chicken salads (Lauren loves salads), cleaning out her dresser drawers to make room for new Hello Kitty and Monster High clothes, baking pink frosted red velvet cupcakes in the Easy Baked Oven, and finally cuddling on the couch to watch Soul Surfer. 



Chef Lauren and her cupcakes

2 things I learned from girls night.  1)  We need to have more girls nights.  I received more kisses and hugs in one night than I have in the past 6 months.  I was told I was the best mommy Lauren has ever had (and I did point out I was the only mommy she has ever had).  I completely enjoyed hanging out with my favorite girl.  2)  Soul Surfer is a must see movie.  Great entertainment, included a bit of crying, but also some smiles, and a GREAT message.  100% great family movie.  (Thank you Carson - I knew this movie was one of your fave's and took a chance Lauren and I would enjoy it, too!).

Sunday was a productive day on the remodel and around the house in general.  I was Ryan's dedicated helper and we completed the plumbing re-work/re-do.  I cleaned up the remodel mess (this is a never ending job), did laundry, vacuumed, and mopped up drywall on our floors.  Lauren missed her brother and asked when he was coming home at least 152 times...but she was a trooper throughout the day.  She helped search for nails, a lost earring (Lauren lost one of her earring studs this week in the gravel...and we haven't found it), played with duck tape, and chatted it up with us while we worked.  Nick made it home around 4 pm.  Some neighbor friends stopped in for some grilling and football play-off action.  Then we finally and VERY happily called it a night.  Weekends sure are busy down on the river.