Caleb and Clan

Weekends with Daddy

2012-01-22T17:11:00.001-06:00

Double trouble

2012-01-22T17:06:00.000-06:00

When thinking about the future before we had any kids yet, I always thought I'd have two boys and if we were going to be able to have a girl it would be our third. That's just how I had always pictured it. So when we found out Kennedy was a girl we were really surprised, excited but surprised. I hoped my boys would be close in age and grow up best buddies. Well these two are already the best buddies I had hoped for. They adore each other more than I could have ever hoped. Of course they fight and I'm sure they will have their moments as they get older but they truly love each other. Caleb patiently waits each morning and nap time for the slightest sound that Sis is awake and then runs into her room to get her (sometimes even before she's actually awake). These two have a lot of fun/trouble yet to get into.

I have to say, this totally freaked me out because I flashed forward about 13 years and saw them as teenagers driving off. I have said numerous times, them driving I think is the milestone that freaks me out the most! Oh the trouble they are going to get into!!

We were going through all the clothes Dyson and Cooper sent us and they thought the bags were more fun to climb all over.

I heard some crazy screaming coming from the kitchen and ran to see what was wrong. Sis had shut Caleb in the pantry. It was hilarious!!

Caleb can find a sucker anywhere and always has to grab one for Sis.

Caled lately

2012-01-22T16:41:00.001-06:00

When you look in the dictonary under crazy 3 year old boy, Caleb's picture has to be beside it. Loud, crazy, wild, fearless, happy, chatty, rambunctious, inquisitive, challenging, sneaky, loving, protective, and way to smart for his own good. I could go on and on with words that describe this little guy. I have come to love our "tuddle" time in the mornings. He sneaks in every morning, turns the tv on, and climbs in bed with me. Usually climbing on top of me saying "Lets tuddle mommy" with a big cheesy grin. He talks my ear off all day long and amazes Tyler and I with the things he says. We are always saying where did that come from!! He is in love with his "Sassy frass" and is already so protective of her. He adores his daddy and greets him every night from work with "Chase me daddy chase me!!" Caleb tests every boundary he's ever faced with and finds the loop hole in everything. He will make one heck of an attorney when he's older if that's what he chooses to do. One thing I know is God has special plans in store for this little spit fire and I am so excited to watch and see as they unfold!

Since he's decided to drop naps, this is a familiar sight in the afternoons

I heard "wee wee wee this is fun" coming from the laundry room

We may not have one but this little guy sure cheered hard!

Since we got the flyer in the mail for the dinosaurs at the Children's museum, Caleb has been begging to go! They will be here in Feb and he has a date with MiMi.

If there is a sucker within a mile radius, Caleb will find it. And will remember every time you go back where they are!

Kennedy 18 months

2012-01-22T15:15:00.001-06:00

Our little princess is 1 1/2 and I just don't know where the time has gone! To say she is the princess of our house, a little ray of sunshine doesn't do it justice. The giggles, laughs, smiles, hugs, kisses... that Kennedy provides on a daily basis is just immeasurable. Sissy, Sassy pants, Sassy, Sassy Frass, princess, she has many nicknames. I love watching her little personality starting to develop. She can work a room like no one I have ever seen. She can have someone knew wrapped around her little finger within seconds. I am so blessed to call this little angel my daughter. I love you more than you'll ever know Sassy pants!

Here are some fun pics from this month so far.

I'm so glad that came from the clean basket!

A little added protection from big brother.

Lilly and baby William came to play

She looked so cute just chilaxin' I had to take a picture

A tiger and Saints fan from birth

So big, she sits at the big table. And even sat in a regular chair at the restaurant for breakfast the other morning

Who does this remind you of?

This is what happens when we forget to brush this crazy hair after bath time. We wake up to this!!

Auschwitz/Yarbrough wolf Pack

2012-01-22T14:28:00.002-06:00

The boys were channeling the "Wolf pack" from the Twilight movies while having a Christmas day dance party.

Christmas Day 2012

2012-01-22T14:25:00.003-06:00

Caleb and Kennedy must have been really good this year.

Santa left a little piece of cookie behind and Sis found it! Between Caleb stealing them Christmas Eve and Sis Christmas morning, I'm surprised Santa got any!

MiMi wanted a picture of all of us in our Christmas Eve jammies. I had already changed so I put my shirt on but was not about to change the kids clothes too. So these are close enough :)

Papa K and KK got Caleb his first truck. Despite the cold mist and mud he went straight out to drive it! I don't know where the rest of Christmas morning pictures are. They may be on Tyler or Kendall's phones. I'll have to add them later if I find some more.

Over at Pops and Annie's house, we had the Auschwitz/Yarbrough/Amodio crew all together. The cousin had a blast playing and these were our attempts at a group picture.


Parker "Please make her stop" and Caleb digging for gold. Awesome!

I needed some sort pf proof that I carried this baby. If it comes out looking like the other two people start to doubt they're mine.

Some very intense games of ping pong going on

Just such a little angel!

We had a great trip (12 days and 23 1/2 hours in the car all together) but I was so glad to see this sign!

This is what I had to sort through, wash and put up once we were back!

It was another great Christmas season. We actually made our rounds to all the grandparents and great grandparents (well MiMi came to us) and we were able to see almost all of our family (only missing the Houston crew).

Christmas Eve

2012-01-21T14:18:00.001-06:00

Christmas Eve was pretty low key this year. We stayed in Shreveport and the kids ran around playing and the big boys played a lot of ping pong. We missed the craziness of the Antee Christmas Eve in Alexandria but enjoyed just hanging out and staying out of the car!

MiMi sent a picture of herself saying Happy Christmas Eve, followed by Nanner and KNae sending a picture of themselves driving to Alexandria, so Sis and I had to add our random picture.

Caleb was so exciting after making his reindeer food with Bennett a couple days before. He asked every day when he could put out his reindeer food.

Every year Buzz (or as in more recent years Mom) has given us girls PJs to all wear Christmas Eve. MiMi has carried on the tradition with her grandbabies. Here's Caleb and Kennedy showing off their MiMi jammies.

All dressed in their Christmas Eve jammies and ready for bed so Santa can come!

Hanging in Shreveport before Christmas

2012-01-19T08:20:00.001-06:00

Between cookie baking and Christmas, the kids and I had a week to hang in Shreveport. I was kind of nervous that they would tear down Papa K and KK's house being there that long and would start to go stir crazy being away from home and out of routine. But we didn't break too much and we were able to visit family and friends and of course eat all our favorite restaurants while there!

We sent lots of silly pictures back to Daddy so he wouldn't forget who we were.

Caleb and I went on a date to see Alvin and the Chipmunks Shipwreked. This was Caleb's third attempt at the movies and first one he sat all the way through! The second picture was him giving me thumbs up after it was over, or his attempt at thumbs up.

Shreveport Community Church, the old First Assembly, has an awesome inside playground people had told us we needed to check out. So we did. I was afraid when we got their Kennedy would be too little to really get to play but she made it up. Then I was afraid I was going to have to climb my big bellied self up there to get her if she got stuff but she made it back down without any problems. They loved it. We had the whole place to ourselves for a little while then a group that was meeting up there all came and the noise level went to a whole new level! I kept thinking why do kids have to scream as they play. Of course Caleb and Kennedy were joining in the screaming as they ran around playing. We loved it and will definitely go back next time we are in town. It brought back lots of memories going back to the church Tyler and I met at and attending throughout high school.

Caleb was so excited we were going to get to see Bennett. But after playing on the playground and not taking a nap this is what I saw when I pulled up to Bennett's house. It was not even a 5 minute drive and he was out! I was a little nervous how their little play date would go bc i knew I was about to wake one sleepy little boy.

Lindsey had some reindeer food for them to make and Caleb was so excited. It was still a couple days away from Christmas Eve but he asked every day to put it outside for the reindeer.

A trip to Shreveport is not complete without a stop at Superior. My kids loved dipping the chips in the house dressing! I've taught them well!

We were even able to fit in an impromptu dinner at the Maybry house. We picked Kendall up from the airport with a "surprise you get to babysit" welcome. After raiding Pop's closet for all the boys, we were all ready for an amazing dinner. That place never disappoints! When we got home from dinner, we went up to get the kids to take them to Papa K's house and we couldn't find Caleb. We ran down and asked Kendall if she knew where he was and she started to get a little nervous, until we opened the door to where Kennedy was and found them both asleep in her bed. He had snuck into Sissy's bed and passed out. :) That was the begining of his habit. Every bed/nap time since then he has tried to sneak into Kennedy's room. Its a pretty annoying habit, cute at first, that we have just now almost broken. Occasionally he still sneaks past us. Soon enough, they will be in the same room. I am not excited for that transition!!

Todd showing off his outfit from Pop's closet.

Natchitoches Lights with Papa and Nina

2012-01-19T07:47:00.001-06:00

After everyone else left cookie baking, we had planned to stay one more night at Papa and Nina's house. I started thinking about the Christmas lights in Natchitoches and how much the kids would love seeing them. Knowing we had to drive through Natchitoches anyway to get back to Shreveport, we decided to pack up and go see the lights.

The kids loved the lights and being able to just run free up and down the river.

Caleb became BFF with Santa this year and sat on his lap every time we saw him. Kennedy, on the other hand, did not like him and screamed louder and louder each time we saw him. I already had a picture with them both for this year, so I didn't make her get close to him. She was safe in Papa's arms.

Cookie Baking at Papa and Nina's

2012-01-18T08:50:00.001-06:00

Growing up Cookie Baking was a tradition we did every year at Papa and Nina's house. The main people were always the same with different new additions each year. We would bake and decorate cookies (and usually our faces), then we would go caroling to different people Papa and Nina knew, eat Pizza at CiCi's and then finish with the Christmas lights at the zoo. After Mathew passed away, it just wasn't the same. We were all older and it just didn't feel right anymore so we said we were going to take a break for a little while. This year, thanks to Facebook and a random old picture being posted, it al came together for us to surprise Papa and Nina with a cookie baking reunion. The kids and I packed up, along with Nanner and we headed to Alexandria. To say Papa and Nina were surprised would be an understatement. They were blown away that we were all (minus a few) there with all our little ones. We didn't really do the whole cooking baking/icing fiasco and we all agreed no singing! But we did continue with the Cici's Pizza and Zoo lights tradition. Aunt Margie made a movie of all the old pictures and videos of all the past cookie baking. It turned out great. We all laughed, cried and enjoyed reminiscing all the fun memories. Here's so pictures and videos of our fun day.

Oh the things great grandchildren can get you to do! Like put shoes on your head to make them laugh!

Papa has that effect on kids to make them cackle over and over!

We showed up to the zoo and the line was crazy long so we decided to go to eat pizza and then come back. Caleb was not to thrilled that we were at the zoo and now we were leaving but we promised him we'd come right back.

"Mommy this is my happy face because we are going to the zoo!!"

We were walking through the zoo and hear a band playing. Of course this group isn't going to pass up a chance to dance. So once we found it, I have to say we totally took over!

It didn't take long before Papa joined in.

Nana had been promising Caleb all night they would ride the train. Once we found it we realized it was about to go on its last run and the building to by the tickets had already closed. I knew if we didn't do something we would have one devastated 2 year old. So Nana and I sweet talked the conductor and got us all on that last ride, free may I add!!
If you really look you can see how Caleb's nose is still swollen and red from his Christmas program face plant into the table. (More about that in the Christmas program post)

It was an absolutely perfect day and a great way to kick off our Christmas festivities!

Caleb's Christmas program

2012-01-17T15:11:00.002-06:00

Caleb's Christmas program will be one we will remember for years to come. We had been planning it all out. MiMi, Nanner, and Knae would all be here and we would do Christmas all together after it. Everything worked out so, despite living far away from all his family, Caleb would have his own special audience. Well about 30 minutes before the program started, Caleb's teacher brought him up to my class covered in blood with blood still gushing from his nose. Of course all over the shirt I had ordered for him. After an emergency call to KNae, who was still at our house, we had a new shirt on the way. For the most part his nose stopped bleeding, but he still had some just hanging out during the whole performance. And he mostly just stood there during all of the songs.

The first two videos are from practice. This was the first practice all together in the sanctuary.

These pictures were another day of practice. Our last practice before the big performance. It was Polar Express pajama day.

And now for the big performance. Very uneventful. I wanted to move to get a better shot of him but once I did, then he saw me and walked down to tell me his nose was still bleeding. He's right behind the mic stand on the top. I didn't do too great filming.

Sis was still napping in her class, so she missed the show but made it for the after pictures. Caleb was too busy running around eating the treats so he missed the pictures :)

Caleb's actual birthday

2012-01-16T18:14:00.002-06:00

Kringle thought Caleb needed a fun little birthday surprise to get his day started off of a fun note.

My Sisters and I always had candle in our breakfast (pop tarts, toaster struddles, toast, muffins) growing up. It was a special birthday thing my mom always did. So we've kept the tradition alive. When Dianna lived with us a few years ago, we woke her up with her birthday muffin and set the fire alarm off!

We ventured out to story time and the Children's museum for Caleb's birthday. I tried to get a picture of Caleb in the birthday hat at story time but was not very successful.

I can't believe this little guy is three already. Sometimes I just look at him and think/say where did my baby go. He is just too big. Now with three comes more independence which can be good and bad sometimes. I know this year will full of lots of craziness, laughs, smiles, hugs and kisses! 2 was fun yet challenging at times and I'm sure 3 will be just the same. I can't wait to see what 3 has in store for us! I love you my crazy little man!!

December random pictures

2012-01-13T11:32:00.001-06:00

When we got back home from Oklahoma, we had a friend waiting for us. We named him Kringle "Pringle", as Caleb says it. Here are a couple things Kringle got into while he was with us this year.

Of course before I started filming they were jamming and dancing all around. When I tried to film them they stopped.

Loving his new boots from Dyson and Cooper

Santa came to visit Caleb's class.

The kids found my presents my students gave me at school.

Kennedy learning to use a spoon (or her hands)

Thanksgiving

2012-01-12T18:38:00.002-06:00

This year for Thanksgiving we were able to go to Oklahoma to be with the WHOLE Auschwitz crew. All 13 of us under one roof (Thanks Trey and Carey for letting us take over your house!) and it couldn't have been more perfect. The kids played nonstop and we were all able to catch up, eat lots of great food and enjoy the holiday! Here's some pictures of the fun.

Claire had her own real life baby doll to play with.

I'm not sure what was going on but Tod looks a little "goofy" in this picture

Caleb found the kitty cats

Max, Jack and Claire's elf showed up while we were there and he even brought snow covered treats for breakfast!

Tyler telling the story of how he nearly shot Trey duck hunting. We can all laugh about it bc they were both ok but thank goodness they had someone watching out for them!

Time to bake some Christmas cookies

Santa picture time

Now to decorate/eat the cookies

The Daddies return to show off what they shot this time out

Our two girls

These two were sacked out from all the fun

It couldn't have been a more perfect Thanksgiving. One we will remember for years to come!

Caleb's impromptu performances

2012-01-12T18:10:00.000-06:00

"Mommy hurry the shows about to start!!!" Now I was curious, I had to stop what I was doing and go watch. Of course bringing my camera along. And this is the showed that followed. We saw this exact "show" over and over and over. It makes no sense and we have no clue where he got the idea but it was always quite entertaining to watch.

Random November pictures

2012-01-11T18:26:00.003-06:00

This is what Caleb told his teachers he was thankful for. Too bad we don't have a puppy.

Caleb found a scrub hat and said he wanted to be like Daddy.

And Sis found Mommy's jewelry

LSU vs. Ole Miss game

School Thanksgiving feast

Caleb's in the back right and his face describes how he acted the whole feast and most of the day

Fall fun

2012-01-11T17:38:00.001-06:00

Tyler's RUNN course

2012-01-11T17:16:00.001-06:00

I've got a bunch of blogs to catch up on before I can print my 2011 Blog book (and 2010 while I'm at it). So I'll apologize in advance for the overload of pictures and blogs.

Back in October, Tyler had to go to a conference outside of Boston for a week. It happened to be over Halloween so we stayed really busy and MiMi came to help with all the festivities. Here's some pictures from our week and a few that Tyler took on their trip.

We built a tent that turned into a hide out for Caleb and Kennedy to sneak snacks.

Getting ready to watch LSU beat Bama

Well earned certificate

At least they were able to get a little sight seeing in while they were there.

Looks like the lectures were very interesting

Caleb's 3rd birthday Hoedown

2011-12-05T19:01:00.001-06:00

Caleb has told me since August he wanted a pony to ride at his birthday. We thought maybe he'd forget but he hasn't. So as it got closer I realized we had to find a pony for his party. The weather couldn't have been more perfect and the animals were a huge hit. Get ready for another picture heavy post!!

This little guy jumped out of the trailer and was trying to escape. I can't say I blame him with all those crazy kids.

Caleb rode that poor pony at least 15 times.

I thought Dianna was waiting in line so Kennedy could ride but she was secretly hoping to get a ride herself.

Not too sure about it yet.

And the verdict is in, she doesn't like it!

Gabe and the llama became fast friends.

We said cake and the kids swarmed!!

Thanks MiMi for my birthday treat! It definitely made this the best birthday party ever.

Of course no party is complete without the pinata.

Papa K sent me my first LSU jersey to wear for my party and for the SEC championship game. The tigers won big! It must be a good luck charm.

Gabe is admiring the horsies he gave Caleb.

This was one happy birthday boy.

I don't think this little guy's 3rd birthday could have been any better. He was surrounded by friends and family that love him and were there to celebrate with him. I look forward to the fun and craziness that 3 has in store for this little guy!

New Orleans

2011-11-15T15:24:00.001-06:00

Last weekend we went down to New Orleans for friends from med school's wedding. We had a great time seeing everyone and we all agreed it was just wrong that we had let so much time go by without all getting together! Hopefully we can get these residency schedules aligned so we can all get together soon.

Of course we had to go to Cafe Du Monde and walk around the French quarter.

The Guste kiddos happen to have their birthday party while we were in town so we were able to spend the day with them. Kennedy napped through the party but Caleb skipped nap and powered through. He loved the gardens where Clayton and Emerson's party was.

Our best attempt at a Guste/ Auschwitz kiddo picture. Next time we are all together there will be two more to add to it.

conversation with Caleb

2011-11-06T17:36:00.000-06:00

Me: Do you want tomatoes with your dinner?
Caleb: No... Not today
Me: Ok Maybe another day
Caleb: Well maybe yes today.
Me: You are so cute.
Caleb: I know.

Halloween

2011-11-04T11:09:00.001-05:00

The Hubbards had us all over for chili before the trick or treating kicked off. It was fun watching all the kids run around and play all excited in their costumes. And then they were all off at once. It only took about 3 houses before they all split off. The bigger faster kids were off in front and we were all bringing up the rear.

We met up with the Smiths and spent most of trick or treating with Emery and Sutton. Caleb and Emery are Best Buddies and it was so much fun watching them running from house to house. They were so into it this year. They have some really cute pictures that I'll add later. I just wanted to get caught up on posts since we're just hanging around the house this morning.

Neighborhood Halloween Party

2011-11-04T10:52:00.005-05:00

I know I've said it a million times but we love our neighborhood. We've said we totally lucked out with this house and this neighborhood since we knew nothing about Memphis. We had some great help from the Tebbes pointing us in the right direction and we love it! Our Halloween party was bigger and better this year than its ever been and we had a blast. Since my camera is missing some pieces at the moment the Smiths took some great ones for us and of course there are lots from my phone.

The firetruck even made an appearance.

I think she's all partied out.

Soccer Party

2011-11-04T10:20:00.001-05:00

Our first experience with soccer is over. It was fun but unfortunately we made as many "games" as we missed. October was a busy month. But I felt this was a great program for these little ones and Caleb really enjoyed it when we were able to go. Spring soccer is in March. I'm not too sure if we'll be doing that one since we will have 3 kiddos then! We'll see!

Kennedy trying to figure out how to slide down the hill.

On a side note: Yes we are Saints fans but our neighbor gave Caleb his old Titans jersey and he loves it!! Especially since it came from Rob who he just loves. He asks to wear it all the time and I've kept it just for weekends :) I wouldn't want anyone confused as to who we really cheer for. I sent this picture to Papa K and said Caleb needs a Brees/ Saints jersey for his birthday!!! :)

Zoo Boo

2011-10-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

The Zoo Boo is always a fun Halloween activity and it didn't let us down once again. Caleb loved trick or treating and was just loving running around in his costume. He decided he was going to be an owl for Halloween. Every time I asked him thinking maybe he would have changed his answer, he always said owl. So I went online searching for an owl costume and really had a hard time finding one. I had to order this costume in a 24 month because that was the biggest size it came in. I ordered it early just in case we had to go a different direction. I was sweating it out but it came in and fit perfectly. For school dress up day he had a melt down because I tried to put a shirt underneath and he never made it to school with the hat on, despite running around the house in it all morning. So I was glad to make it through the whole zoo boo with the hat on. People were stopping asking us where we found it and constantly oohh and aahhing over it. I think the owl was a hoot :) sorry had to do it. And of course our little butterfly was just adorable! And she knew it too!! I left my memory card in the photo printer at school yesterday so pardon the crummy pictures. They are all from my phone.

Caleb held the tarantula and got the sticker to prove it.

Caleb was stealing Sissy's candy! This is probably the last year he'll beable to get away with that!

Kennedy found Caleb's bucket and was going back after her candy he stole!

This was the costume parade and Caleb loved showing off his owl on stage! He wanted to do it again once our turn was over. I was wondering if he'd get shy up there but he was hamming it up!

We had a great time and when I put Caleb to bed he told me "after my nap, I want to go trick or treating at the zoo again" Maybe not at the zoo but we do still have a couple more fun Halloween activities to look forward to.

Cedar Hill Farms pumpkin patch

2011-10-26T19:51:00.001-05:00

Saturday Tyler was off and it was the only day we could head out to Cedar Hill Farms pumpkin patch. So off we went. This post really is just a lot of pictures. The kids loved it and Caleb's talked about it every day since.

They had a really fun petting zoo. Caleb thought the big lazy pigs were funny.

Her bangs are in her face in every picture! I couldn't find a bow to match! She always takes them out so I've never forced them but its time to start pinning those bangs back!!

Sis wasn't too sure of the train. It was so loud she didn't really know what to think about it.

Caleb on the other hand loved it and wanted to ride it over and over.

They even had pig races which Caleb thought was so funny. He was even called on to wave the flags for the pigs to run towards!!

Monkey see, monkey do constantly with these two!!

And of course pony rides. Kennedy doesn't look to sure but Caleb loved it and had to ride them a couple times.

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-26T19:28:00.001-05:00

pumpkin painting

2011-10-24T19:39:00.002-05:00

A fun filled busy weekend

2011-10-14T20:09:00.003-05:00

Watching a little football with daddy. Yes he's saying "OU"

Cheering on her tigers!

Playing at the park after church

Feeding the ducks

Sis stealing some bites of the ducks' bread.

Impromptu pumpkin patch fun

Trying to get a cute picture of them both but not quite successful

Caleb wanted his horsey to sleep in his room too for naptime.

Painting our pumpkins

Sis discovering the slide while Caleb was painting. She's been climbing up in the clubhouse but she just mastered the slide by herself. It's pretty funny watching her fly down it and then belly flop on the ground, laugh and do it over and over.

Discovering the new dinosaur at the zoo! Caleb can not wait for them to come in March!!

Another unsuccessful photo op.

Kennedy loves seeing all the animals now and roars at all of them.

"momma take a picture of my boo boo and send it to daddy"

Then he looked at the picture and said daddy couldn't see it so take another one.

I love her hair!!

Sporting our OU gear for daddy!

Things Caleb says #2

2011-10-14T19:10:00.001-05:00

There are some things you just have to write down so you have it to look back on in the future. And these are just a few of the things Caleb has said recently that cracked me up and made me take note of.

- Coming screaming into the living room. "momma!! Sissy played in the potty with my TT, gross!!"
- a great discovery he made "My underwear has a pocket for my PP"
- being a protective big brother "No mam sissy don't take your shoes off." "Mommy I don't want sissy to get a spanking, she's too little." (side note: she wouldn't have gotten a spanking but he gets his foot spanked when he takes his shoes off in the car bc I'm tired of putting shoes on every where we go!)
- "What's that noise, the chocolate is tooting"
- nightly prayers are always sweet because I never know who or what he is going to pray for. Random family members will slip in and out based on who he thinks of at the moment. This was the other night's "Dear Jesus: please bless daddy, knae, all the animals, sissy, me, mommy, all my friends and all my family."
- "Mama whats that silly lady doing?" When a lady jumped out of the armored car to yell at us because I pulled out in front of them after going to see the buffalo. Whoops! My bad!
- "I am going to the zoo in nashavilled to see the lions, that'll be amazing"
- "I'm big now I'm going to the football game too"
- "Mommy and sissy are my best girls and daddy is my best buddy"

I'm sure I'll have some more to add later.

Soccer the 1st 2 weeks

2011-10-10T14:31:00.000-05:00

Caleb has been really excited about starting soccer since he watched his cousin Cooper play awhile back. He always sees the big kids practicing and wants to get out there with him. He's had alot of fun with it so far. Granted he is not completely cooperative the whole time but he does like when they do whole group activities. Here are some pictures and videos from his first two weeks.

I missed his kick but his reaction was so cute.

Sis wanted to play so bad!!

Circle up and snack time!

Week 2

Not really doing what he's supposed to be doing but doing a good job playing with the other little boy!

Practicing skipping and galloping

Firetruck comes to school!

2011-10-05T19:19:00.001-05:00

We had a firetruck come to visit school since September was safety month. Caleb was so excited about it. He talked about it for a week before they came.

Kennedy's class was so funny watching from the windows!

These are my little monsters. They look so sweet and innocent, oh how looks can be deceiving :)

Oklahoma visit

2011-10-05T19:09:00.001-05:00

A couple weekends ago we went to Oklahoma for John's, Tyler's step dad's, retirement party. John is such a strong man who is always there to greet you with a smile, big hug and usually a joke of some kind. We were so glad to be able to be there with his family and friends to show how much we love and care about him.

These first few pictures are from our flight over. Thank goodness we had a direct flight.

The picture on the left is my side of the plane. This picture is very deceiving because they did not stay this way!! The picture on the right is Tyler's side of the plane. Yes he's playing solitaire. Man did I draw the short straw or what!!

These were all the wonderful ladies who came out Friday night to help us get all the food ready for the party. We could have never done it without them, or we wouldn't have slept any :)

This is what Tyler and the kids were doing while we were party planning. Planning around at the mall.

I got back to the hotel and thought I had both kids asleep. I was in Todd's room resting up from a busy day when all of a sudden I hear Kennedy laughing. She had been asleep for about 30 minutes. Caleb I thought had finally gone to sleep. I was wrong. He snuck in her bed and woke her up!!

We did have a little time to sneak in a trip to the new outlet mall! Caleb got his first pair of light up shoes and was so pumped!!

I wasn't able to get many pictures from the party because I was chasing around two crazy kiddos. But here's a few.

Carey's amazing party planning skills were a success once again.

They had a band from church sing and our kids loved them! We literally had to drag Caleb away kicking and screaming, a couple times because he kept sneaking back up there!

Sunday we were able to go out to YaBe and John's house to hang out for the afternoon and have a mini birthday party for YaBe because our flight didn't leave until almost 5.

Thank goodness we didn't use all this watermelon at the party because we would've missed out! It was one of the best I've ever had! My kids thought so too.

Happy birthday YaBe!!!!

I'm so glad we were able to squeeze in a little cousin time. They had a ball!

September fun

2011-10-05T18:15:00.002-05:00

Some more random pictures.

This is what happens when you refuse nap. You get one anyway.

Trying on Kennedy's Halloween costume

Just plain cuteness!!!

Feeding the goats at the fair

Daddy put some on Sis's leg

This was a picture I got from a thank you note from a friend's birthday party. Yes every kid got this picture with Caleb front and center in his underroos!!

Enjoying mommy's surprise birthday treat from my favorite aunts!!

Uncle Beck helping Caleb pp on the ants.

Blackmail one day!!!
I was trying to sneak in a bath before school while the kids were watching TV. I walked into the living room while the tub was filling up and came back to this. Someone else wanted a bath too!

Caleb teaching Kennedy her family

I looked for her for awhile and she was in the back bathroom hiding!

Awesome shirt sent from Nanner from Egypt

Mom's first weekend away

2011-10-05T13:48:00.005-05:00

For my birthday, Tyler arranged, with help from my dad, for me to go to Dallas to watch LSU play, and beat, the Oregon ducks. I had a great time and was very glad Tyler arranged it all because I never would've gone without him making me. Meanwhile, Tyler had his first weekend alone with the kids. They had a great time. I was impressed he ventured out to the y, church, the park, and even an end of summer party.

This was the plane I took on my way to Dallas. I have to say I was a little nervous.

I didn't get any pictures of me, dad and Kathryn but here's a few I took throughout the day.

The signs and tailgates around Dallas were pretty creative.

It pretty much was a home game for LSU. And cowboy stadium was quite impressive.

I guess no drinking for me. I knew this but thanks for the reminder.

Here were some pictures Tyler texted me from home while I was gone. Daddy did a good job dressing Sis!

Caleb playing with the cowbells watching the Mississippi state game at a friends house.

Sonic treats with daddy

I had a great trip. It was fun to get away and visit with my dad and Kathryn. And of course cheer the Tigers on to a big win!

Random pictures from August

2011-10-05T13:31:00.003-05:00

I've gotten a little behind and found a bunch of random pictures I haven't posted yet. So here's a glimpse into what we were up to in August.

First day of "school" in Mrs. Becca and Marelise's room

Our zoo had a new baby giraffe, baby Wendy. She was about a week old here.

Two new baby girls joined the neurosurgery residency program in September and we hosted a shower/get together for them right before they got here. This was one of the diaper cakes I made, my new favorite baby shower gift.

We were taking advantage of Daddy being off work and hit our favorite outside spot, the zoo.

They just looked so big sitting there eating together.

Caleb leading the way for Sis to school. She does not let him hold her hand. Hopefully she will start so once baby #3 comes, they can walk together in and out of places. A mom can only hope.

Caleb standing in his clubhouse yelling at his friends to come play, yes in his underroos. That's better than nothing, which is what he usually has on.

The aftermath of Caleb cleaning the house, and Sis with Clorox!

He thought he was so cool because he touched that snake! Thank the Lord it was only a tiny one she had out or mom wouldn't have been standing there to take his picture!

The naked chef!!! Like I said clothes are optional around this house for this guy. It started because of potty training but he just would rather be free! It's gotten a little better but his little bum is still a regular site around here.

I got up and came back and these two had taken over my chair! They looked so sweet reading I couldn't kick them out! :)

The funny things Caleb says

2011-09-18T16:25:00.002-05:00

Caleb was sitting on the couch with Daddy and I heard "I pick my boogas too daddy."
Caleb is always trying to make people happy when they are upset. If a kid is crying he will bring them a toy to make them happy. So when we were walking and we saw a dead squirrel in the road he said
"Here dead squirrel here's a acorn I make you happy." "Oh no momma his family will miss him. His momma is so sad."
"Don't ride out in the street or a car might get you, like the dead squirrel?"
We were playing outside and he hurt his toe. He fusses a minute then says "mommy go get me a toy"
"Mommy i love you so much, my daddy loves me so much."
"I do it in Spanish UNO dos tres quarto cinco"
"Mommy the house is all clean" this mean he found the clorox and "cleaned" sissy, the furniture and the carpet.
screaming at his friends from his playhouse "Rob Caroline Elizabeth Henry come play at my house"
Every time I put him in his bed, as I'm walking out he says "After my nap..." followed by
a long list of things we are going to do when he wakes up (we go to the children's museum, the zoo and ride the carrousel, play in the backyard with emery, rob, caroline, elizabeth, henry... And give them a pop cycle, go to the y) he will keep naming things until I say ok we will see and shut the door.
From the backseat "This is ridiculous" what is ridiculous Caleb? "These red lights are ridiculous"
"cars get outta my mommies way!"
"You can catch me I gotta boo boo" instead if nanny nanny boo boo
He calls zucchini bread "bikini bread"

Snorkling, diving and banana boating!

2011-09-08T21:45:00.003-05:00

Beaches has tons of water sports to offer and we took advantage of everything they had!!

Here are some shots the boys took in one of their many diving trips.

Banana boat ride. With commentary from Tyler

Fishing trip. They did come back with fish (even though the resort wouldn't cook it for us!!)

Because we had such a large group (and with a little talking to from Trey) we got our own private snorkeling trip.

Parasailing in Jamaica

2011-09-08T21:32:00.001-05:00

All the boys were a little nervous, but everyone loved it!

Jack and Trey were up first.

Jennifer and Dyson

Carey and Max

Carey, Max and Claire

Collin and Travis

Todd and Cooper

Me, Tyler and Caleb

Pops and Annie

Kennedy couldn't go so she just enjoyed the boat ride.

I don't know why they are posting blurry. I'm posting from my Ipad and editing on the computer so somewhere in there they are getting messed up. I'll figure it out :)

Family beach pictures

2011-09-08T21:27:00.001-05:00

The whole crew

Sesame Street- Jamaica

2011-09-08T20:52:00.000-05:00

A big part of our resort was all the sesame street activities. Most of the kiddos with us were a little old for Sesame Street but I think they secretly enjoyed them. Caleb on the other hand loved every minute and asked every night to go the show. Here are a few pictures with all our Sesame Street friends. This is my first post on my iPad, just a disclaimer in case it doesn't look right :)

Dancing at our nightly show. These kids danced their little hearts out every night! Caleb would leave drenched in sweat, completely worn out, but smiling from ear to ear.

Cookie monster jumped off the stage and Caleb and Claire took off like he was coming after them!!

Kennedy enjoyed the shows too!

Our breakfast with all the characters

Sis was just a little afraid of them

Cooking with Cookie Monster

Cooper protecting his cookies

We skipped nap to cook with Cookie monster, can't you tell! It was worth it!!

They had parade one night. It was a little cheesy but that's what the kids like.

Where are they?!?! Anxiously awaiting the parade!

Drinks

2011-08-31T17:28:00.005-05:00

Being an all inclusive resort, the drinks were flowing endlessly. But I don't know who was at the bar more, the kids or the adults.

Tip for anyone going all inclusive: Take your own cups. They give you little ones, so these big cups save you more trips to the bar.

Oh no, I guess i just need to go get another one!

Bars closed? I'll just get my own thanks.

Jamaica Part 1 of many

2011-08-31T16:36:00.007-05:00

Here's the first batch of pictures from Jamaica. To make sorting through all these pictures easier, I'm going to do a bunch of different blogs with all the same sort of pictures. This first one will be beach/ waterpark fun. There are a bunch. And here's a couple of our trip to Jamaica.

She lasted about as long as it took me to take this picture, sitting still in this seat. KNae you have two more fans to add to your Delta cookies club.

Caleb could spot the Nemo slide sprinklers as soon as they came on from the beach every morning. The second they started spewing he was begging to go to the Nemo slide.

I have so many pics of Sis on the beach. She was just way to cute not to just take a million pictures!Cooper

Tyler skiing

Dyson and Max, and Cooper and Jack both tied for the resorts sand castle building contest!

Branson Trip

2011-08-26T07:12:00.012-05:00

I know I am so behind on all our July trips but the thought of scaling through the magnitude of pictures to decide which ones make the cut always sends me away. So I am going to skip Jamaica for now and I will attempt to come back to it after Branson and a quick August update. I will throw out a disclaimer now: Lots and lots of pictures to come! But remember I use this as my scrapbook (once I actually get them printed out I'm only 2 years behind on that) so I want to make sure all the great pictures are in there.

After we got back from our awesome family trip to Jamaica, we had a couple days to rest/recup before heading to Branson for a neurosurgery conference. MiMi wanted to come visit that week so instead of hanging in Memphis she hopped in the car and headed to Branson with us.

Somehow we managed to score the biggest balcony in the whole place. Thank goodness we did because we spent alot of time playing up on this balacony. But the view was beautiful.To say Caleb loves "horsies" is an understatement. So when we saw they not only had stables but pony rides we knew this little boy was going to be in Heaven. We bribbed Caleb with the pony ride to make him take a good nap. After nap time, Daddy was done with his meetings and we headed to the stables. Only to find out they were closed because it was too hot. Caleb was so excited to be able to see all the horses he forgot we said he could ride one.

Caleb's first cream soda. It reminded me of Papa and Nina's house. Papa always had/has cream soda in that little fridge for us when we'd come to visit.

There were many different pools for us to explore and with it as hot as it was we took advantage of them.

Pony riding attempt #2: a success!! MiMi was a little nervous that Caleb would be scared but he jumped right on and had a smile from ear to ear!They would walk over some big steps and I'd hear Caleb saying "Whoooaaa"

"I want to ride Chester again" MiMi and I looked at each other and thought about it but by then there was a long line with a long wait!

This little Sheriff loved his pony ride.

Sis just wanted to climb in there and play with them.

Just walking around the lodge there were many photo ops. It really was a beautiful place.

They had little streams going across the road and Caleb loved going through them.

3 adults (Mimi was in too but had to get out to take the picture) + 2 kids= a very intense workout for MiMi and Daddy on the paddleboat. We didn't even make it out of the boat dock area. But it was a fun short ride.

r Caleb is for sure an Antee. He would walk up to random kids and say "Hi guys I'm 2 1/2" This family was so sweet and played so well with him. He was upset when they had to leave.

We were really surprised/pleased with how much free time Tyler had to be able to come play with us.

The one night we went into Branson for dinner, Caleb finds a stage and decided he needed to get up and make a surprise performance. I literally had to drag him off the stage kicking and screaming. After I filmed this a little girl came and joined him and they were quite the duet.

It was a great surprise trip to top off a really crazy fun month. I do have to say we were really glad to get home, in our own beds and get into a routine after all this traveling.

Orange Beach

2011-07-31T18:53:00.007-05:00

These last two weeks have been a whirlwind of fun and we have a couple days to recup at home before heading off on our last leg of our 3 week adventure.To start it off the kids and I headed down to Orange Beach to meet Papa K, KK, KNae and Uncle Flash. I was a little nervous because up until that point my longest drive with the kids alone was 6 hours. They usually do great and we always have made it in one piece but this would be a new record. With a couple stops for diaper changes, gas and food we made it to and from Orange Beach in about 7- 7 1/2 hours. I have to say taking two kids 2 and 1 to the beach without Daddy, is a totally different beach experience then I've ever had. Despite wearing Mommy out, we had a great time.

At one point during the drive, I saw this little monkey flipped all the way around in her seat.

Seriously, they both fell asleep with about 30 minutes left in the trip.

We finally made it and I had 2 really excited kiddos! They couldn't wait to get on that beach!

The puddle on the balcony bought me a little bit of time before our first adventure in the sand.

It sure didn't take long before she was eating fistfuls of sand!

Here are some fun on the beach pictures:

Yes it was empty