Lauren is 18!!!

Lauren had her 18th birthday on September 5th! None of us can believe it!

Just yesterday she was singing along to Barney songs, playing dress up and wearing her dad's cowboy boots, and making friends on the little league soccer field DURING the game!

Some of our favorite things about Lauren is how contageous her smile is. Whenever you see a picture of Lauren or are in her presence and she has a big smile on her face you can't help but be filled by her light! She is such a wonderful helper and hard worker. She is always there to help those in need and lift others up when they are down. She is a very loyal friend and loves everyone no matter who they are or what their circumstance. Now she is learning to drive, getting ready to graduate high school and start her college career. How did she grow up so fast?!

WE LOVE YOU LAUREN!!!

Cherished Memories of Grammy

On July 31st my dear Grammy passed away. She is home now with her daughter Barbara, Grandpa, my dad and little Jessica. What a homecoming that must have been. I will miss my dear Gram. I will be forever grateful for my visit to Florida before her passing. I Can Only Imagine her joy!

Ashley's Getting Hitched!!!

On the afternoon of June 7th Steve Contreras proposed to Ashley at the Heceta Lighhouse on the Oregon Coast. After dating for over a year, our whole family is excited to finally welcome Steve to the family on September 26, 2009. The ring bears special meaning from Steve's family so be sure to talk to Ashley about it's history. So far the planning has been going smoothly and Morgan is eager to be the flower girl for her lucky sister. So SAVE THE DATE and celebrate with us this September!

Memorial Day Weekend

Tara and her boyfriend Corey drove up from Provo, UT to spend Memorial Day weekend with us. It was great to have the entire family together (plus Corey, Steve & Kyle) for a couple of days. On Saturday we all went to Seaside and flew kites in the typical Oregon beach weather. Even though it was breezy we managed to pull out our smiles for a group picture.

Prom 2009

Friday night Elise came over to give us some ideas for hairstyles. Elise and Keri grew up together and she went to school for hair and makeup so when we found out she was in town for a visit we asked for her help. Just wanted you to see before and after shots. These girls are beautiful either way but it's fun to see them transform into pure elegance :)
It took three ladies two hours straight. A big thank you to Kristi Rutter and Kaylee Alberts for all their help. It was a lot of fun!


Saturday Night and the girls are ready. Lauren and Amber are slowly coming down the stairs. Jesse is watching with a funny grin.....wish we could of gotten it on camera.


It's time to leave for the World Trade Center in downtown Portland. But, of course not before we take more pictures in the backyard. The sun was setting but not for these three kids. This night to remember was just beginning.
Three friends, Lauren, Jesse and Amber ... Jesse, you are a lucky young man - let the fun begin!

Morgan Has Spirit!

Morgan had spirit day at school and had to wear a team sports shirt. The only one we had belonged to Lauren but Morgan wanted to wear it. It said PACK the PIT! Lauren was such a great big sister and helped her pick out an outfit and told her to wear a bandana and a cougar paw on her cheek. Morgan used her own creative license on the bandana and she was so excited to go to school and show her team spirit.

Lauren

Lauren colored her hair darker and it took a little while but we all seem to like it. She looks more like the rest of the girls now. Funny to think that she was blond when she was born and stayed that way until she was 8. Then I guess with the rainy winters and not as much sun as Texas her hair started to get darker. It is more a medium brown with some copper highlights naturally. We think she is a beautiful girl and love her bunches!