Life with Lauren: So Much to Be Thankful For

We returned this weekend after spending a few days in Reno, where we visited my younger brother Greg (although he was MIA save for an hour or so because he was on call - we really missed him!), his wife Stacie and my three beautiful nieces. To say that Lauren had the time of her life is an understatement. She sobbed uncontrollably when we had to leave, and has unequivocably announced that she wants to live in Reno. We wish we could live closer so she could spend more time with her cousins. Of course, the severe overtiredness resulting from no naps while there and not enough sleep at night to make up for it has had Norm and I dealing with the consequences since our return. Let's just say that we really hope her newfound sassiness and refusal to go to sleep for naps or at night are a phase that will end quickly.

Of course I took tons and tons of photos while there, as I didn't want to miss capturing the countless precious moments of Lauren attached at the hip to her "girl" cousins. She literally did not leave Stephanie's side for the entire trip. Here's a photo record of some of those moments during our Thanksgiving week with family.

While at the airport waiting for our flight, Lauren opened one of my birthday cards she had decorated - of course this was a musical card that blasted the song "Celebrate Good Times", which so tickled her that she had to play it over and over and over again, much to the chagrin of our neighboring passengers . . .

After arriving in Reno, we waited for the girls to come home from school, then went to watch Stephanie's ballet class.

With Jess, who's going to be 13 next month!

After dinner at home, the girls brought out a surprise cake. Lauren unabashedly sang Happy Birthday in Hebrew, much to everyone's delight.

The day before Thanksgiving dawned crisp and sunny. Perfect weather for cousins to play in the parklike backyard with a play structure and tire swing.

Stacie and I then took all the girls to lunch and shopping - a perfect girls' day out.

I really noticed the family resemblance in these pics with Ally and Steph. Wow, they are growing up so quickly!

Wednesday evening, my parents arrived after a marathon drive, then we were treated to "pasta and prime" night at Greg and Stacie's golf club.

Jess and Steph:

Lauren assuming her usual position planted on Stephanie's lap:

With Nana and Pop Pop Mark:

Mischievous little devil:

After dinner, when the sillies kicked in:

Back at the house, Lauren was introduced to the family hamster. Needless to say, she was smitten.

Thanksgiving morning, Lauren was treated to french braids by Jessica so her hair would be wavy for the big feast:

Nanas are entitled to as many hugs as they want:

Norm flew in and got to the house just before lunch. Of course since we were at Stacie and Greg's house, it was a day of nonstop eating, so in advance of Thanksgiving dinner we pretty much noshed on everything from bagels and lox to salami to hot artichoke dip. Feeling the need to expend some energy (and a few of those calories), we headed out back to the trampoline. Lauren had never been on a trampoline before but was eagerly anticipating the experience. Hesitant at first, she watched Steph and Ally before she got the hang of it and starting having a blast.

Ally was the first up to demonstrate her flexibility:

Followed by Steph, who made being airborne look effortless:

Then the two sisters got into the act together:

I can't tell if Lauren is having a good time - what do you think?

After the girls begged, Norm and I joined the show. Nothing like being a kid again!

Later that afternoon, Greg made it home for about 15 minutes before getting paged again. Not before I could snap a quick shot of him with his gorgeous family:

Norm and my dad asserted the male birthright on Thanksgiving - watching football:

The Thanksgiving table looked gorgeous - Stacie really knocked herself out with all of the home cooked dishes and decorations.

Everyone dressed up a bit for the occasion:

Note the maniacal look attributed to too much sugar after dinner:

We were so sorry Greg couldn't join us for dinner, although he was able to sneak home from the hospital for some turkey later that evening before going back to pull another all-nighter.

On Friday, my parents and I took the girls shopping at a bookstore (part of our Hanukkah gifts to them), then out to lunch before we headed home that afternoon.