Lauren is three!

Lauren turned three years old on Sunday the 27th of January, and she was so excited! She told everyone at church that day that it was her birthday and that she was going to have a "Punzel" (Rapunzel) cake. Both Brandon and I had meetings after church for our callings, and then I had to finish preparing to speak at a youth fireside that night, so we kept things pretty simple and the older kids all helped Brandon decorate the cake after I baked it. I think they all had a blast! Lauren got some wonderful books, an iron and ironing board (she has been wanting this to go with her kitchen), a fun Rapunzel doll whose hair you can brush and fix, food for her new kitchen, and a painting book (she loves to paint right now).

She also got a personalized birthday sign from her sister, Lindsey, who absolutely adores drawing, and a "boots" toy from her brother, Zach's personal toy collection. They were as excited to give her these things as she was to get them.

We surely are grateful to have Lauren in our family! She is such a sweet little girl and has hugs and loves for everyone. She is very sure she needs to have a hug and a kiss from each member of her family at the beginning and end of the day and before anyone goes anywhere. She makes us laugh with her cute little, raspy voice and her dancing and singing. One of her new things is to tell different people at different times that they are "her favorite." She calls cupcakes "pupcakes," makes up stories as she looks at her books, loves to play with her "babies," likes to tease and wants to do everything her older siblings do. She is a joy!