Professional Pictures

At the end of December we had our family picture taken. I don't love it, love it, but I think it is alright. 

We also had Carter's picture done. The photographer caught this cute shot on her first try. What a cooperative little boy!

We finally have our family picture hanging above the piano with a picture of each of the kids beside it. It had been a long time coming, but we figured now that we've lived her for two years we should make our mark . . . 

An Eventful Week

This past week has been just great!

First of all, Carter wore jeans for the first time. Impressive, I know.

This is the story of Carter's life . . . a lot of physical love from his older sister.

What a strong boy! He actually rolled over for the first time last Monday. He hasn't done it since, so maybe it was just a mistake, but it sure was exciting!

Tuesday we went to the Draper Temple Open House. Ashlyn was sucking on bread when we took these pictures, so her faces are really funny looking. Many of you may not know this, but Ashlyn sucks on her food all the time! I like this picture of her in her Sunday coat. 

Here I am with the kiddos before the open house. 

Here are my favorite three people in the world!

The temple was beautiful and we really enjoyed the evening together as a family. Ashlyn's favorite part was the bus ride from a local stake center to the temple. She also liked the "sparkly" chandelier in the Celestial room. Carter was a complete champ and didn't cry or fuss at all, so I think he kind of liked it too!

The other day Ashlyn put on this hat and gloves and told me she was going to a football game. She then went to her playroom and found this football. I'm not sure why she equates football with hat and gloves . . .

Earlier this week we painted the playroom. It is now green instead of yellow. There are some other things we'd like to do to it, and when it's done, we'll take a picture. 

Also, Ashlyn told me that Mason and Lorie are in "Maka." What a smart girl! However, she still doesn't quite understand how Michael could be "in Hungary." We're still working on that. 

Saturday we went to Olive Garden for my birthday dinner (a week late) and it was fantastic! We also bought two picture frames for our family picture and Atlanta Temple picture and a webcam. Happy Birthday to me! 

Hope all is well with each of you!

Precious Kids

Carter can fall asleep anywhere - even sitting in our laps!

Ashlyn wasn't being a very good girl this afternoon. We told her that we weren't very happy with her behavior and then brought her to the kitchen to eat.  We gave her a bowl of popcorn which she quietly ate. After she was done she got down and  said, "I happy now." Maybe she's like me and she just gets cranky when she's hungry!

An Update

This weekend Lorie and Mason were staying with us (they left for Jamaica this morning). We loved having them around. We are going to miss them for the next three months!

I thought I would just post a quick update on each of the kids.

Carter: Everyone comments on what a big boy he is and it's true! We think he weighs about 15 pounds. I wonder how long it will take for him to pass up Ashlyn. He is a very happy boy and loves to be sung to, talked to, and tickled under the chin.

Ashlyn: She had her bangs cut on Friday. Her favorite songs are "Popcorn Tree"(Popcorn Popping) and "Temple One" (I love to see the temple). She can sing most of the words by herself.  She loves to put on dresses and dance, color, and cook with Mommy. She tells us, "Good Job" when we get an answer right and says "I miss him" when Daddy is gone to work.

Kids sure are fun!

Wonderful Holidays

Well, the holidays are now over, but they were just wonderful! We got to spend a lot of time with Brad's family (and missed my family in Georgia) and it was very relaxing. I took three pictures on Christmas day. Here are two of them:

Ashlyn wearing Marley's princess costume and watching Dad put together her baby stroller. Don't you love the way she put on the crown?

What a pretty, pretty princess.

My new year's resolution is to take more pictures next Christmas. What about you . . . what are your resolutions?

What We've Been Up To

The last few days we've been getting lots of snow. Ashlyn went out for about 1 minute today to play in it. It was a little too deep for her.

Carter is growing like a weed. He is a happy boy and we love his smiles!

Last Thursday we went to Gardner Village with Tiffany and Kyle to see the elves. It was not nearly as crowded as our October visit and the kids had fun sitting on rocks, 

and watching the ducks!

Carter spent the entire trip sleeping in the stroller. What a champ!

I have been back and forth about what to do for Christmas cards. I had a family portrait session scheduled for Tuesday, but we had to cancel it because of the snow, so we don't have the pictures . . . So, I've decided that I am going to email Christmas updates and for those of you who expressed a desire for a family picture, I'll mail some out in January (when we have our picture taken).

We've enjoyed everyone's Christmas cards and we hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!

Christmas Cards

Okay, I have a question for everyone. How do you feel about emailed Christmas cards? I am considering emailing our picture and card this year instead of sending it in the mail. I know some people prefer a tangible card and picture, while maybe others don't care as much. Could you let me know what you think?