Lorien Turns 2

First birthdays are for the parents: a celebration of surviving the marathon first year. Second birthdays are much more fun as far as the kid is concerned. This time around, Lorien knew what to do with both her cake and her presents and we had a great time celebrating with her.

She turned 2 on July 19, but we spread the birthday partying over more than a week. First, she shared a party at our house with 2 FLI students when we hosted dessert night for the summer 2011 class. And later, we had a dinner party with Mimi and Papa in attendance. And yummy chocolate and peppermint cake!

Yummy Chantilly Cake from Whole Foods for the birthday party with the students. If you haven't tried this stuff, you really should! (You can see the desserts for Matt and Rachael, the other guests of honor to the right.)

We also got to worship with students in our home that night—a sweet time. 

Blowing out the candles at her family party. She wanted us to relight them so she could blow them out again. 

Here are some portraits I took of the birthday girl. 

One of Lorien's favorite things this summer is sidewalk chalk, so I thought this would be an appropriate way to commemorate 2 years. 

Sunflower girl

Favorites

Here's what captures her attention for the longest span right now: She loves to play in the kitchen sink. It creates a bit of a flood on the floor, but it's worth it.

Lorien has always been a little skeptical about the Institute students. She has to size them up for a bit before she will be friendly with them. But this summer, she totally latched on to Mindy, whom I met with each week. As we shared big questions and thoughts about spiritual growth and a shared love of education (Mindy is a second grade teacher), Lorien fell in love with her, just as I did.

Lorien is learning to respond to requests to "smile" for pictures. So far, this goofy face is the result. 

So sweet!

Visit from the Randalls

Christy, Nathan and Macrae visited from Michigan the first week of July. Unfortunately, my lower back went out that week, so I was not very mobile. Fortunately, swimming is easy on the back, and Lorien and Macrae both love the water. We had so much fun at the pool!

The pool at the apartment complex where the FLI students live has a shallow section that is perfect for little kids. Macrae could crawl around and not be in too deep. And he thought it was hilarious to splash himself in the face.

Yes, this time around I broke down and bought a maternity swimsuit. I have a love-hate relationship with it, but at least it allowed me to get in the water and relieve my aching back. 

Love his laughter!