"i wore the dress, and she stayed home."

props to whoever can name the tune from the lyrics listed above. (except for you lauren!)

my awesome sister came out to help me for a week and i enjoyed every minute of it. not only did she sacrifice by leaving her 3 sick kiddos, but she celebrated her 30th with us, and missed the official birthday of her little girl (they celebrated after she got back) in order to be here with us.

being as awesome as she is, she rang in her birthday by jumping in our apartment pool at 12:01. with her clothes on. (we couldn't convince her to do it in the buff, but it was probably for the best since i ended up recording it on camera)

we tried to make it a special day for her even though she was taking care of us the whole time. so for her present she got a massage, and then came home to our apartment decorated for her. complete with hanging toilet paper, compliments of ben. we party in style.

here are some pictures of her visit.

the birthday girl, indulging us by wearing the provided party hat & feather boa.

a rare moment of happiness from caleb who continually lamented, "i wish it was my birthday." what a good sport.

ben & myself.

snuggling with her namesake...leah (my middle name) layne (lauren's middle name)

we ate cheesecake, stayed up too late, went shopping, went swimming and talked and talked. and talked. she is so fantastic & i can't thank her enough for all of the help & support.

miss you already laur. come back soon!