Today Lauren began taking ballet lessons. The last time she tried Ballet it didn’t really work out. This time however she is really excited about her ballet lessons and performing in her recitals.

Home of the Durken’s — Daryl, Amber, Colin & Lauren
Today Lauren began taking ballet lessons. The last time she tried Ballet it didn’t really work out. This time however she is really excited about her ballet lessons and performing in her recitals.

Greg’s birthday present to the kids was a whale watch in Boston. The kids were really excited about this trip. On the drive out to Boston they told me that they hoped to see a mother whale, a baby whale, a couple of dolphins and a swordfish. I just hoped that we would get to see at least one whale.
After arriving in Boston we rushed over to the harbor just in time to board the boat. The weather was absolutely fabulous and we enjoyed standing on the deck watching the Boston skyline disappear in the distance as we made our way out to the whale watching spot. The first part of the trip included a narrated tour of Boston Harbor. Early into our trip Colin had his favorite Red Sox baseball cap fly off his head and into the Ocean. He was devastated. But he cheered up after I assured him that we could probably find a replacement cap when we got back to the city. At first he was a bit more nervous and cautious on the boat but in no time he forgot all about his hat and began enjoying himself.
Once we reached Stellwagen Bank, the feeding grounds, we began to see the whales pop up out of the water and then gracefully flip their tails as they descended again for food. Colin and Lauren just loved it.
After the whale watch we grabbed a quick dinner at Faneuil Hall and picked up a new Red Sox cap for Colin.

Colin (hatless) and Lauren watching the Boston skyline dissapear.

Uncle Greg, Colin and Lauren posing in front of our whale watching boat
Lauren and I attended our first Father Daughter dance. Lauren enjoyed getting all dressed up and dancing with her friends. We enjoyed spending a special evening together.

Today was a great day to be playing out in the snow. Both Colin and Lauren went sledding down the hill in our backyard.

Lauren looks at all of the snow on her glove.

Today is a big day for our family. Colin and Lauren went off to Kindergarten this morning. For the past few weeks we have been preparing for this big event by picking out book bags, lunch bags, school supplies and the perfect attire for their big day.
They have both been a little nervous and excited to start in the big school. They really are big kids now which makes mommy a bit sad but also very happy to see them grow up into such great kids. They decided to buy lunch today (hopefully they like it). We drove them to school this morning and will be waiting to pick them up off the bus this afternoon.
Where does the time go?!?
Here are a few pictures from their first day of Kindergarten.



Colin and Lauren say goodbye to Busy Bee Preschool. Today was their last day of the Preschool summer program and pretty soon they will begin Kindergarten. They really enjoyed the structured educational program, the art & music activities and playing with their friends at Busy Bee. Most of all they will miss their teachers who each made every day special.

Lauren and Colin practice t-ball in our backyard. In a few days they start t-ball in our town. Both are very excited to play. This weekend we went out to to Dick’s Sporting Goods and picked gloves and balls.

Lauren takes a swing.

Colin prepares to swing.
Lauren has been participating in gymnastics. Finally she has found a sport that she enjoys!

Lauren attended her first baby shower. It happened to be for someone very special to her and to our whole family. We are all very excited that Kallan and Tim are expecting a new little baby girl in April. As you can see Lauren really enjoyed attending Kallan’s baby shower and got to sit next to the guest of honor and the big tray of goodies as well.
While the ladies were at the Tea Colin also had a good time hanging out with the boys … Uncle Tim and Owen. He brought his backpack full of trucks and cars and kept himself very busy. Then to top off his day he enjoyed his favorite dinner…..PIZZA!!!
