Happy 2nd Birthday Lauren!!!

On Thursday, June 23rd our baby girl turned 2 years old.  We had a quiet day together.  Daddy was at work and the boys finished up their swimming lessons.  But that night we enjoyed a yummy Korean meal of Kimchi Stew, Bulgogi, and Bee Bim Bap.  We sang Happy Birthday to Lauren over bowls of ice cream (her favorite dessert) and ended the day with more presents.  Happy Birthday sweet girl!!! We hope this next year is full of happiness, learning, laughter, fun and love. 

Lauren is Two 

Opening her new Dora Doll from her Big Brothers 

All Three Kids Can't Wait to Play with Lauren's New Water Table 

Yummy Ice Cream!

Licking Out Every Last Drop

Today was also a day of remembering.  We remember and honor Lauren's loving foster family who taught her how to love and trust.  They cared for her for her first 13 months of life and will always be in our hearts.  We remember Lauren's birth family.  We are sure they loved his little girl with all their hearts and tried to make the best decision they could at the time.  We hope both families know how much we love this little girl. 

Happy 2nd Birthday Lauren MeeHyeon!!!

Second Birthday Party

Saturday, June 18th we held a small family birthday party for our soon to be 2 year old, Lauren MeeHyeon.  Despite it being a cold rainy day, it was wonderful to celebrate our daughter's birthday with her this year.  Lauren had a great time with her grandparents, great grandmother, uncle and aunt. 

I think her favorite part was presents.  She politely opened each card before ripping into the wrapping paper.  What 2 year old does that?  We were amazed. 

The only downfall for the day occurred at cake time.  The theme of her party was flowers, butterflies, and bugs - her favorite things.  Her cupcakes looked like dirt complete with gummy worms.  When it came time to blow out her two candles, she couldn't resist the pretty glow of the flame and quickly grabbed the top of the candles.  Ouch!  Luckily she enjoyed playing with some ice while she munched on her cupcakes and her little fingers didn't look too burned. 

Lauren with Great Grandma Betty 

Aunt Angela, Lauren, and Uncle Steven - She loves her new pretty pink purse!

Grandma Judy, Grandpa Al & Lauren  -

A cute new suitcase for visiting their house and wooden dress up dolls!!!

Such concentration 

Her favorite new baby doll - Thanks Aunt Alice and Uncle John!!! 

Four Generations 

Daddy wasn't quick enough 

Lauren enjoying her candy bug kabobs 

Cuddle time with big brother, Kyle 

Family Photo Time 

Bath Time with Baby

Birthday Hanbok

Late last week, I pulled out Lauren's hanbok so I could practice tying the bow in preparation of her 2nd birthday which is quickly approaching.  The beautiful hanbok was given to Lauren by her loving foster mother when we left Korea last summer.  It is her first birthday hanbok that she would have worn last year at this time.  As soon as Lauren saw the hanbok, she declared it to be "so pretty" and told me "on, on, on" over and over again.  I quickly got the point that she wanted to wear it and now.  Given that she was so happy to be wearing her hanbok, I snapped a few quick pictures of her in it.   

BUGS

BUGS, BUGS, BUGS!!!  Kyle and Lauren love hunting, catching, stomping, and watching bugs together.  They could spent hours outside every single day with each other and their favorite bug friends.  It is so cute that they share this common interest.  As Lauren would say..."Fun Bugs".

 Say BUGS!

 Stomping Ants!

 Ant Hills and June Bugs

Lauren Thinks its Super Funny to Throw June Bugs at Mommy!

Preschool Picnic

Hard to believe Kyle has finished his first year of preschool.  He is growing up so fast.  He started off a little rocky and not really liking school, but ended the year LOVING school.  His school held an end of the year picnic which Lauren and I attended with him.  We all had a blast.  The kids enjoyed blowing bubbles, running in the grass, playing at the playground, and watching a super fun magic show.  Somewhere in there we ate, but only for a few minutes as there were so many other activities to enjoy.  Since the picnic was held during Lauren's nap time, luckily I had remembered to bring our carrier.  She slept on my back so that Kyle could enjoy more time with his friends.  So very proud of my youngest son. 

Sunglasses - so debonair!

All Smiles

Bubble Time 

I love her expression of determination as she tries to open a huge container of bubble solution. 

 Slide

Climb 

Smiles and Claps for a Fun Day

Springtime Popsicles

These pictures were taken back in April 2011, as we sat outside enjoying the beautiful spring weather, our first dinner outside and the first Popsicles of the year.  What a beautiful and fun evening.  Little did we know that it would snow a week later.  That is Minnesota weather for you.