Lauren graduated from Kindergarten this spring after a very successful year.
Awe, mom... stop taking picutres!
Congratulations to the Kindgergarten class of 2010!
First Grade ~ here I come!
My teacher, Mrs. Beech.
We are so proud of you - good work!
Matthew found all of his eggs... treats, toys and even some $$$!
Lauren was happy she didn't lose her favorite pink, sparkly egg.
Ahhh, I found more!!!
For Spring Break this year, we headed to the beach (our favorite place). This year we went to Santa Monica Pier to take in the sights and great views.
What a beautiful day to stroll the boardwalk!
Lauren and Jenn rode the ferris wheel and could see everything along the beach and pier... spectacular!
Lauren riding high.
Larry took us to a local park that he used to frequent when he was a kid. The rocket ship has been there for over 50 years... see the kids at the top?
Christmas Eve we celebrated with Larry's family. We had a great dinner and then the kids were able to open the gifts Cristy and James brought as well as the ones from Grandma.
The Santa hats were a big hit!
Thanks, Grandma!!! I love the doll house!!!
Lauren and I pose for a little holiday photo.
More gifts... ahhh the excitement!
Yes, Santa... we have been good and we love each other very much. No... we don't fight. Look how happy we are together!!! We are off to bed so please stop by our house tonight!
Seriously... look at us. We are the perfect brother/sister combo!
Sweet!!! Santa came and he believed 
Happy Holidays! 
On our first weekend of summer, we took the kids to Boulder City to ride a train and to go to Hoover Dam. It had been about 8 years since Larry and I had been back and what a HUGE difference a few years makes. I don't estimate very well, but the lake is down at least 40 feet. Of course you can see the line of demarcation in the rocks but if you look way in the back, you can see little white specks... those are the boats. It gives you an idea of just how low the water level is. 
We are standing on the State Line... Arizona and Nevada for you geographically challenged.
Matthew and Lauren take a look down the Dam - river side.
In the recent years, the traffic over the Dam has become ridiculous... plus with terror threats, Arizona and Nevada decided to build a Dam Bypass bridge. The picture doesn't do it justice... it was spectacular and absolutely mind blowing in it's construction and engineering.
Another shot of the Dam Bypass.
Lake side
We also took the kids to the Southern Nevada Railway Museum.
We saw some great old trains... some that have been around for over 100 years and others that helped transport materials and goods to the Dam during construction in the 1930's.
We sat in the open air cars and took a 45 minute ride through the hills of Boulder City.
Although it doesn't look like much in the way of scenery, it was a beautiful ride!
Lauren was ready to stay on the train all day!
We love trains!
Matthew's school held a 1st grade performance in which they sang songs, recited patriotic responses and hosted Matthew Shaps as a headliner. The title of his written piece was called, "Who I love and Who Frustrates Me in My Family." We were extremely proud!
Little Miss Lauren, too debuted at her school singing "You are my Sunshine" for the kindergarten graduation.
Preschool was a cinch... Kindergarten here I come!
Matthew was chosen as the Program Hander-Outer. 
Mom poses with one of her favorite student aides. Derek will go on to do great things... Good luck!
Another 2 great girls ... Congratulations!
Although Lauren has not gone through First Communion, she found my old veil and dons it regularly. I rubbed some olive oil on her forehead in the form of the sign of the cross. She should be good to go with that! :)
Our fabulous friend Hope invited us to Bonnie Springs to help her celebrate her 8th birthday. We had such a great time!
Lauren tried to feed the doe but she just wasn't hungry that morning.
The 3 Musketeers...
Matthew wanted to take those Peacocks home. 
