Family Pictures 2009

Yesterday we went to Portrait Innovations yet again to get our family picture taken, as well as photos of each of the kids. They turned out alright.

This is the family picture we ended up choosing. We think it is cute that both of the kids have their hands rested on our hands.

This is the picture we chose of Ashlyn.

We bought this sibling picture in sepia to hang in their bedroom.

This was our favorite picture of the whole session, the one we chose of Carter.

Here are some other sample pictures that we took with us on the CD, but we can't make copies or anything.

This was a toss up for our family picture of choice. Looking at it now, I kind of wish we chose it.

"What are you crazy people doing?"

An Afternoon at Nelsons Grove

Friday we went with Diana and her kids to nearby Nelsons Grove. She recently bought a new camera and she was trying it out.

The next 5 pictures are ones she took of my kids.

Yes, I know Ashlyn needs her bangs cut. We're trying to grow them out, but she doesn't always keep the clips in her hair.

Ashlyn pretty much chooses what she is going to wear every day, so ... yeah.

Rock climbing

Carter climbed into the fountain (it wasn't turned on) and ended up getting himself soaking wet. We had to take off all his clothes and his diaper and I didn't have an extra diaper. So, he got to wear a spare pair of Ashlyn's panties. It was special. Ashlyn thought it was hilarious.

Here's a picture of the kind of things the kids do during the day.

Conference Weekend Traditions

I think we may have come up with some new Conference Weekend traditions. For example, we might make a habit out of mixing up a big batch of fresh salsa with some of the last of our garden's tomatoes.

Ashlyn helped me de-stem lots of cilantro. She even got creative with the stems.

I love it!

Also, I think Conference Weekend we'll try out our Halloween costumes for the year. Here's a sneak peek:

What do you think?

Carter's Party

Sunday night we celebrated Carter's first birthday with Brad's family.

He didn't exactly get the hang of opening up presents, but what one-year-old does anyway?

In my family it is tradition to have an angel food cake for the first birthday. I put too much cake batter in the pan while making it, and it overflowed and well, didn't turn out. So, since it was Sunday, and I had limited ingredients . . . Carter ended up with a no-bake cookie cake. I know it's impressive.

Carter barely even ate any. Oh well . . . it's just sugar anyway . . .

Happy Birthday Carter!

Exactly a year ago, at 12:01 in the morning Carter joined our family. We've sure loved having this ball of energy in our lives!

Before Brad left for work this morning we let Carter open his present from Grandma Cheney. Here he is enjoying the blocks she gave him:

We gave him this couch that folds out and you can drive cars on it. Ashlyn enjoyed the couch and blocks just as much as Carter!

If I was to describe Carter in one word it would have to be determined. It is pretty difficult to sidetrack him when he has his mind set on something. He'll figure out a way to get what he wants and let us know if we aren't making him happy!

A few interesting facts about Carter:

Carter has about 5 words - Daddy, Momma, No, Ball, and Mine (this one is very recent)

Carter loves balls

Carter's best buddy is definitely Ashlyn

Carter loves to eat and will still put almost anything in his mouth

Carter's favorite color is blue (the only reason we know this is because Ashlyn told us, so it must be true)

We love you sweet boy! Happy Birthday!!!

Ashlyn Started Preschool

We're doing a little preschool co-op for Ashlyn this year. It is with three other neighbor girls. It started on Tuesday and Ashlyn was so, so, so excited to go!

It is going to be every Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 3 in the afternoon. This week it was at Sammy's house, but next week it is going to be at our house.

These pictures are from Tuesday and they make me laugh. I think we've hit the posing stage.

I know this picture is horrible quality, but it just cracks me up! What's with the leg?

Here's her today just before riding her scooter over to preschool:

She saw a large praying mantis on the bush. Can you see it?

So we moved away from the bush, but she was still worried.

Sometimes I miss my baby girl who didn't even want to leave mommy's arms! Life sure flies by . . . .

Carter is Walking!

A little over a week ago Carter decided that he was ready to walk and he has been on the move ever since!

I can't believe he's almost one!