tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353963412024-03-12T17:51:50.590-05:00All Boy(s)The joys of mothering 3 busy boysRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.comBlogger252125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-75497184336748997162010-05-10T19:44:00.002-05:002010-05-10T19:54:44.628-05:00Noah's First T-ball Game<div align="center">Saturday was Noah's first t-ball game on the Pirates! </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ipnhI8BTI/AAAAAAAADFI/MMPBDF-Zb88/s1600/100_4455.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469808243817317682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ipnhI8BTI/AAAAAAAADFI/MMPBDF-Zb88/s320/100_4455.JPG" /></a> my little man all suited up</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ipdSETZXI/AAAAAAAADFA/Joo4n1B0dGY/s1600/100_4463.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469808067972654450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ipdSETZXI/AAAAAAAADFA/Joo4n1B0dGY/s320/100_4463.JPG" /></a>team huddle with coach clay :)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ipc31fxHI/AAAAAAAADE4/N_U2T_cs0uI/s1600/100_4464.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469808060931228786" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ipc31fxHI/AAAAAAAADE4/N_U2T_cs0uI/s320/100_4464.JPG" /></a>the pirates<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ipcjI4N5I/AAAAAAAADEw/vyFUVjax9dU/s1600/100_4467.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469808055375378322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ipcjI4N5I/AAAAAAAADEw/vyFUVjax9dU/s320/100_4467.JPG" /></a>clay prepping <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">noah</span> for his first at-bat<br /></div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ipcI5KhFI/AAAAAAAADEo/A33k4Xm2f64/s1600/100_4468.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469808048330146898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ipcI5KhFI/AAAAAAAADEo/A33k4Xm2f64/s320/100_4468.JPG" /></a>he hit it past 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> base on the first swing!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ipbr8BGeI/AAAAAAAADEg/AFZouJJKsU4/s1600/100_4470.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469808040557484514" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ipbr8BGeI/AAAAAAAADEg/AFZouJJKsU4/s320/100_4470.JPG" /></a> one of the moms had sugar cookies made with the kids' names on them</div></div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-13897229151680943062010-05-10T19:00:00.004-05:002010-05-10T19:44:49.987-05:00ELC Art Show<div align="center">A couple of weeks ago our family enjoyed the Early Learning Center Art Show at the boys' school. The Art Show is a fundraiser held each year where the kids' art work is displayed and some art is auctioned off, all in order to raise money for the school. This year the money raised went to buy new inside play equipment.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Here are some pictures of Noah and Jude, their art, and a video of Jude's class singing Jesus Loves Me:</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-il97_UyJI/AAAAAAAADEY/E5jm3tdxyYE/s1600/100_4437.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469804230935365778" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-il97_UyJI/AAAAAAAADEY/E5jm3tdxyYE/s320/100_4437.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-il9SEeFRI/AAAAAAAADEQ/nDSEpbWolpw/s1600/100_4438.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469804219682657554" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-il9SEeFRI/AAAAAAAADEQ/nDSEpbWolpw/s320/100_4438.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-il8yOqvfI/AAAAAAAADEI/5_Bpgu-DuKQ/s1600/100_4442.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469804211135495666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-il8yOqvfI/AAAAAAAADEI/5_Bpgu-DuKQ/s320/100_4442.JPG" /></a> Noah and his friends' art work<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-il8ghm4MI/AAAAAAAADEA/jzIDe1xKHUE/s1600/100_4443.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469804206383096002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-il8ghm4MI/AAAAAAAADEA/jzIDe1xKHUE/s320/100_4443.JPG" /></a>Noah's butterfly<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-il7-Bab-I/AAAAAAAADD4/opDoovoa4pk/s1600/100_4444.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469804197121257442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-il7-Bab-I/AAAAAAAADD4/opDoovoa4pk/s320/100_4444.JPG" /></a>Noah's Sand Art<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ilR-8AtDI/AAAAAAAADDw/Xi_XV8chJw8/s1600/100_4445.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469803475812529202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ilR-8AtDI/AAAAAAAADDw/Xi_XV8chJw8/s320/100_4445.JPG" /></a> Jude and his friends' art work</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ilRSKfZQI/AAAAAAAADDo/7dhAXpJV6rI/s1600/100_4446.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469803463793665282" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ilRSKfZQI/AAAAAAAADDo/7dhAXpJV6rI/s320/100_4446.JPG" /></a>Jude's star<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ilQ7noanI/AAAAAAAADDg/wsRYA0kOH7c/s1600/100_4447.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469803457741875826" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ilQ7noanI/AAAAAAAADDg/wsRYA0kOH7c/s320/100_4447.JPG" /></a> Jude's butterfly<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ilQsI-1LI/AAAAAAAADDY/qv1s1KZ6CNw/s1600/100_4448.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469803453586789554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ilQsI-1LI/AAAAAAAADDY/qv1s1KZ6CNw/s320/100_4448.JPG" /></a>Jude's colored glue painting<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ilQA9-H7I/AAAAAAAADDQ/JyleAfVVwg8/s1600/100_4450.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469803441997881266" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-ilQA9-H7I/AAAAAAAADDQ/JyleAfVVwg8/s320/100_4450.JPG" /></a> Jude's glued tissue string art<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxBbUMdqTk0eULrM5Ja7nATLqAIf80ecIOOX-AQqttI0BFTzeQu7RPqLTN5ehxODnqDx1z0H-L9ArM' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-11570555622440627152010-05-10T18:39:00.002-05:002010-05-10T19:00:30.768-05:00Spring Fun<div align="center">Noah and Jude are at such fun ages. I realize I'm going to have a big adjustment when Luke joins our family next month. Right now, I can say, "Come on boys. Let's load up." and they get their things and follow me to the car. Noah can buckle himself in, so I just have one child to strap in. Noah can get himself dressed, so I just have one toddler to get ready each day. We hardly have to take anything with us anymore when we leave the house. I'm going to soak up all the "easiness" I have with an almost 2 year old and an almost 4 year old for the next few weeks!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Here are a few pictures of the boys over the past month:</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-iaX5FklmI/AAAAAAAADDI/77fVybMoMqk/s1600/100_4427.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469791482693326434" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-iaX5FklmI/AAAAAAAADDI/77fVybMoMqk/s320/100_4427.JPG" /></a> Noah was wearing his baseball pants one day and requested that Jude wear his as well.</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-iaXZ8LnrI/AAAAAAAADDA/ykkvtjXYjvc/s1600/100_4428.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469791474332442290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-iaXZ8LnrI/AAAAAAAADDA/ykkvtjXYjvc/s320/100_4428.JPG" /></a>We have enjoyed some beautiful weather. The boys have loved playing outside.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-iaXAVrJzI/AAAAAAAADC4/CgwUN1YMwaE/s1600/100_4430.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469791467460044594" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-iaXAVrJzI/AAAAAAAADC4/CgwUN1YMwaE/s320/100_4430.JPG" /></a><br />We have enjoyed some yummy grilled foods, compliments of Chef Clay.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-iaWr4zrCI/AAAAAAAADCw/2Rjmc5Y6BXU/s1600/100_4432.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469791461970258978" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-iaWr4zrCI/AAAAAAAADCw/2Rjmc5Y6BXU/s320/100_4432.JPG" /></a> We have enjoyed many evening walks...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-iaV_zOaTI/AAAAAAAADCo/WPMgNB8stYk/s1600/100_4433.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469791450135685426" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S-iaV_zOaTI/AAAAAAAADCo/WPMgNB8stYk/s320/100_4433.JPG" /></a> and bike rides!</div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-31301221047537865102010-04-17T08:12:00.004-05:002010-04-17T09:00:48.186-05:00birthday parties and the railroad festival<div align="center">Last weekend we took a trip to Louisiana. We had not been to visit our families since Christmas, so it was long overdue. Clay was scheduled to preach a weekend revival in north Louisiana, so he dropped us off in DeQuincy and then headed out. The boys and I enjoyed a couple of fast paced days which included the Railroad Festival, two birthday parties, church, and lots of family time.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m1bxp_r-I/AAAAAAAADCg/573mShOA4SQ/s1600/100_4401.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461095511954010082" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m1bxp_r-I/AAAAAAAADCg/573mShOA4SQ/s320/100_4401.JPG" /></a> The Railroad Festival is an annual tradition held in DeQuincy the 2nd weekend of April. As a kid, I looked forward to riding rides and getting out of school for half a day. It's so fun to watch my boys enjoy the festival now. This was Jude's first year to enjoy the rides.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m1bcumvNI/AAAAAAAADCY/gT-nHNWBE08/s1600/100_4399.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461095506336201938" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m1bcumvNI/AAAAAAAADCY/gT-nHNWBE08/s320/100_4399.JPG" /></a>Noah, on the other hand, is an old pro as this was his 3rd year to ride rides!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m1a7li5aI/AAAAAAAADCQ/_obSelzKELg/s1600/100_4405.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461095497439831458" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m1a7li5aI/AAAAAAAADCQ/_obSelzKELg/s320/100_4405.JPG" /></a>There is a city park right in the middle of the festival. I think the kids enjoy it as much if not more than the rest of the entertainment!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m1ah_CBzI/AAAAAAAADCI/lEILRyQ7ZEY/s1600/100_4406.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461095490567407410" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m1ah_CBzI/AAAAAAAADCI/lEILRyQ7ZEY/s320/100_4406.JPG" /></a>Here's Carson cheesing it up.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m1aFt7RMI/AAAAAAAADCA/6e64qErOnCI/s1600/100_4416.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461095482979468482" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m1aFt7RMI/AAAAAAAADCA/6e64qErOnCI/s320/100_4416.JPG" /></a> I can't mention the RR Festival without sharing with you the great food. Among the favorites are the "Pentecostal" hamburgers, homemade corn dogs, funnel cakes, and pork-a-bobs. You have to go several days to get all this eating in!<br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m0caDklZI/AAAAAAAADBw/Y6orwiLt0R8/s1600/100_4420.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461094423287076242" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m0caDklZI/AAAAAAAADBw/Y6orwiLt0R8/s320/100_4420.JPG" /></a>On Saturday, we were able to go to Dry Creek for Jack's 3rd birthday party! Amanda did a great job in planning a bug-themed party. The food was made to look like ants and spiders and worms. The dessert was yummy dirt pudding! Amanda also made "cocoons" which were cocktail wienies baked inside crescent rolls, ants on a log (peanut butter and raisins on "logs" of celery) and many other fun snacks!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m0b9FRCZI/AAAAAAAADBo/dUofYx_74QM/s1600/100_4421.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461094415509555602" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m0b9FRCZI/AAAAAAAADBo/dUofYx_74QM/s320/100_4421.JPG" /></a>For the entertainment, Clint released worms and crickets for the kids to collect in the their bug houses. Surprisingly, Noah- our city boy- wanted nothing to do with the bugs. However, our Jude LOVED the bugs. He would laugh, pick them up, and laugh again. Jack definitely taught our boys about being a true country boy.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m0bcW2f7I/AAAAAAAADBg/cGS4oDFWj6Q/s1600/100_4424.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461094406724943794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m0bcW2f7I/AAAAAAAADBg/cGS4oDFWj6Q/s320/100_4424.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m0axTxgGI/AAAAAAAADBY/fOaf_u7BOJU/s1600/CIMG0991%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461094395169308770" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8m0axTxgGI/AAAAAAAADBY/fOaf_u7BOJU/s320/CIMG0991%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a> On Sunday, we went to church with my family and then met Clay in Alexandria at Clint and Amanda's house. We attempted to get a picture of the 4 grandkids together. Baby Sydney is all the way to the left. She is our first niece and was born at the end of February. She is already 7 weeks old! We were so glad to finally get to meet her and see her precious pink room. The boys were all really gentle with her. We can't wait to see how this sweet little girl fits into our wild bunch of boys!<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-48373122635416108522010-04-14T15:16:00.005-05:002010-04-14T16:21:00.447-05:00sweet guests<div align="left">At the end of March we enjoyed 3 separate visits from our families. First, my mom, sister, brother, and 2 nephews came for a couple of days. Then Clay's dad, my 84 year young Nana, and Clay's 75 year young <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">MeMe</span>, came and doted on us. A few days later, Mrs. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">DeDe</span> came to stay with us. It was a busy time, but it was so nice to have family come spend time with us during Clay's crazy semester. Here are a few pictures from the 3 visits:</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><u>Visit from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grammie</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kaykie</span>, Uncle Landon, Carson, and Grant:</u></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YpSVUBheI/AAAAAAAADBQ/cnED1FSrSLY/s1600/100_4344.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460096993168819682" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YpSVUBheI/AAAAAAAADBQ/cnED1FSrSLY/s320/100_4344.JPG" /></a> We had not seen Grant since he was a few days old. He was so much to hold! I could never tire of tickling those sweet little thighs.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yo844qHjI/AAAAAAAADBI/NVywExrvW0I/s1600/100_4346.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460096624760593970" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yo844qHjI/AAAAAAAADBI/NVywExrvW0I/s320/100_4346.JPG" /></a>Clay is such a good dad and uncle. I always want my boys out of the kitchen (unless we are cooking something kid-friendly and I have planned ahead :) However, he lets them dig in and get messy. He let them spread butter on the foil before he put the veggies on for grilling. We ate yummy fajitas that night!! <br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yo8T9agCI/AAAAAAAADBA/EMVbSpK21Jg/s1600/100_4348.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460096614848430114" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yo8T9agCI/AAAAAAAADBA/EMVbSpK21Jg/s320/100_4348.JPG" /></a>Landon isn't such a bad uncle himself. He let the boys climb all over him on the floor with very little protesting :) Watch out Landon: Soon there will be 5 boys climbing on your back!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yo8KC3njI/AAAAAAAADA4/6VqRsTjOhrc/s1600/100_4350.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460096612186955314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yo8KC3njI/AAAAAAAADA4/6VqRsTjOhrc/s320/100_4350.JPG" /></a> Watching Noah with Grant made me look forward to little Luke joining our family. Now Jude on the other hand...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yo7mLknXI/AAAAAAAADAw/mh7Q7RLLILI/s1600/100_4356.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460096602559782258" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yo7mLknXI/AAAAAAAADAw/mh7Q7RLLILI/s320/100_4356.JPG" /></a> I took this shot multiple times. The last time I took it, I asked them to hide their you-know-whats. They took me very literally :)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yo7CAmGTI/AAAAAAAADAo/xdz-IKANZvQ/s1600/100_4357.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460096592850065714" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yo7CAmGTI/AAAAAAAADAo/xdz-IKANZvQ/s320/100_4357.JPG" /></a> The morning they left we enjoyed a pancake breakfast courtesy of Clay. </div><div>I promise my mom and sister were also there, although they made no appearances in the pictures. We did make an outing to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, but sadly I forgot my camera. Story of my life.</div><div> </div><div><u>Visit from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">PaPa</span>, Nana, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">MeMe</span>:</u><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Ykk_kVnfI/AAAAAAAADAg/2ez2nFqbIp8/s1600/100_4362.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460091816191041010" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Ykk_kVnfI/AAAAAAAADAg/2ez2nFqbIp8/s320/100_4362.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">PaPa</span> and Noah going on a bike ride<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YkkpS7u3I/AAAAAAAADAY/lqH6SHigb_g/s1600/100_4364.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460091810212461426" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YkkpS7u3I/AAAAAAAADAY/lqH6SHigb_g/s320/100_4364.JPG" /></a>The grandmas enjoyed watching the boys enjoy the beautiful Spring weather.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YkkDSV_7I/AAAAAAAADAI/D0f21AhZfIU/s1600/100_4369.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460091800009441202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YkkDSV_7I/AAAAAAAADAI/D0f21AhZfIU/s320/100_4369.JPG" /></a> One day we visited the Stockyards and watched the cattle drive. Jude's favorite animal is the cow right now, so he was very pleased. We then enjoyed a yummy lunch at Joe T. Garcia's.<br /><br /><div><em></em><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YkjiEJHxI/AAAAAAAADAA/g_gCZZpcvSU/s1600/100_4375.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460091791091506962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YkjiEJHxI/AAAAAAAADAA/g_gCZZpcvSU/s320/100_4375.JPG" /></a><em>our family outside the Seminary Cafe where we enjoyed a breakfast together</em> </div><div> </div><div>On our last evening together Clay had to go to night class. I knew I had a lot to do to get the boys bathed and in bed and get the kitchen cleaned up, but I also wanted to visit with our sweet guests. No problem. Those sweet ladies cleaned the kitchen (including drying the dishes!), bathed and dressed the boys, and sent me on a walk!<br /><br /><u>Visit from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">GranDee</span>:<br /></u></div><div>When Mrs. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">DeDe</span> visits our home, my dishes always magically disappear before I can even make plans to start on them. I call her the "Dish Fairy". During her trip to Fort Worth, we enjoyed eating dinner with friends, going to church together, playing in the park, taking walks, and meeting Clay for lunch. Here are a few pictures from playing at the park:<br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yjvp0zuxI/AAAAAAAAC_4/litHgFJQNCM/s1600/100_4380.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460090899821476626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yjvp0zuxI/AAAAAAAAC_4/litHgFJQNCM/s320/100_4380.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YjvNy1OrI/AAAAAAAAC_w/CNo9x-l6AQ4/s1600/100_4382.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460090892296993458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YjvNy1OrI/AAAAAAAAC_w/CNo9x-l6AQ4/s320/100_4382.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yjuu_pzBI/AAAAAAAAC_o/27aa-SqM4Tc/s1600/100_4383.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460090884029271058" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8Yjuu_pzBI/AAAAAAAAC_o/27aa-SqM4Tc/s320/100_4383.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YjuHiVk2I/AAAAAAAAC_g/OClr_0wm5mE/s1600/100_4385.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460090873437328226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YjuHiVk2I/AAAAAAAAC_g/OClr_0wm5mE/s320/100_4385.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YjtmhN8PI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/m2IYLcKP-5o/s1600/100_4390.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460090864574263538" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S8YjtmhN8PI/AAAAAAAAC_Y/m2IYLcKP-5o/s320/100_4390.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-19944316303308405602010-03-15T15:03:00.010-05:002010-03-15T16:46:27.298-05:00what have we been up to?<div align="center">I'm sure you've noticed that I haven't blogged about the Iles family since the beginning of November! I decided to give you a little recap to get you caught up on what we've been up to these last 41/2 months!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><u><span style="font-family:arial;">October</span></u></div><div align="center"><u></u></div><div align="center">I thought I'd include one important thing that hadn't made any of the October posts... we found out in late-October that we are expecting baby #3!! We traveled home the next day and were able to surprise our families with the good news. This sweet addition is due late June!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56bgO2zY2I/AAAAAAAAC_I/6JVdOHFlg_I/s1600-h/100_3917.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448963577210954594" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56bgO2zY2I/AAAAAAAAC_I/6JVdOHFlg_I/s320/100_3917.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="center">Somehow no pictures were taken in the month of <u>November</u>. I'm going to blame it on being sick for the first 20 weeks (and more) of pregnancy, being out of town often, and probably not having the camera charged, too! We did enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with the Terry family, Iles family, and Mitchell family during a trip to Louisiana.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><u><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></u> </div><div align="center"><u><span style="font-family:arial;">December</span></u></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">We were very busy in the month of December. We enjoyed being home together and then spending 10 days with our extended families. We also enjoyed several snows!</span></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56bGWOwWFI/AAAAAAAAC_A/PaE1m0KuSng/s1600-h/snow+was+too+wet+to+play.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448963132513867858" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56bGWOwWFI/AAAAAAAAC_A/PaE1m0KuSng/s320/snow+was+too+wet+to+play.JPG" /></a> The boys took a peek outside at the snow, but it was too wet to play in this time.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56bFlAd2KI/AAAAAAAAC-4/vlFIJeao1_M/s1600-h/christmas+outifts-+ready+for+church.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448963119300597922" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56bFlAd2KI/AAAAAAAAC-4/vlFIJeao1_M/s320/christmas+outifts-+ready+for+church.jpg" /></a> The boys all dressed up for church with their Christmas outfits<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56bFEPCwhI/AAAAAAAAC-w/5askiGOGYjI/s1600-h/silly+boys.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448963110503367186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56bFEPCwhI/AAAAAAAAC-w/5askiGOGYjI/s320/silly+boys.jpg" /></a> Noah and Jude acting silly during picture time<br />*********************************************************</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">We celebrated Christmas together as a family of 4:</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56bEvGUy8I/AAAAAAAAC-o/5hpm4QDtb0M/s1600-h/he+loves+it!.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448963104829656002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56bEvGUy8I/AAAAAAAAC-o/5hpm4QDtb0M/s320/he+loves+it!.jpg" /></a> Noah riding his new Spiderman bike for the first time!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56bEHRFk9I/AAAAAAAAC-g/ufTqxIkUzYA/s1600-h/jude+playing+with+the+little+people+nativity.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448963094137377746" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56bEHRFk9I/AAAAAAAAC-g/ufTqxIkUzYA/s320/jude+playing+with+the+little+people+nativity.jpg" /></a> Jude playing with his new Little People Nativity set<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56Y_s0k3uI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/ImQ1rVb4B3M/s1600-h/steak+mashed+pot.+and+salad-+our+christmas+meal.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448960819295739618" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56Y_s0k3uI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/ImQ1rVb4B3M/s320/steak+mashed+pot.+and+salad-+our+christmas+meal.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center">The yummy steak that Clay grilled for our family</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">********************************************************************</div><div align="center">My sweet baby nephew, Grant Eston Rainwater, was born on December 18! We were so thankful to be going home the same day as he was born!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56Y_SeFF-I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/jT5LyURja1s/s1600-h/wide+awake.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448960812222060514" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56Y_SeFF-I/AAAAAAAAC-Q/jT5LyURja1s/s320/wide+awake.JPG" /></a> ****************************************************************<br />We enjoyed a sweet celebration of Christ's birth with the Mitchell family.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56Y-4QnUBI/AAAAAAAAC-I/8d_4gboxQLo/s1600-h/nana+rocking+jude.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448960805186261010" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56Y-4QnUBI/AAAAAAAAC-I/8d_4gboxQLo/s320/nana+rocking+jude.jpg" /></a> Nana rocking Jude<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56Y-TlqknI/AAAAAAAAC-A/MnePaXLHmBQ/s1600-h/jude+and+his+puppy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448960795342443122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56Y-TlqknI/AAAAAAAAC-A/MnePaXLHmBQ/s320/jude+and+his+puppy.JPG" /></a> Jude, along with his infamous "burpie", playing with a new gift from Grammie and Pops<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56Y9y_KQVI/AAAAAAAAC94/j06CtvEaiZg/s1600-h/Picture+or+Video+123.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448960786591007058" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56Y9y_KQVI/AAAAAAAAC94/j06CtvEaiZg/s320/Picture+or+Video+123.jpg" /></a> Me holding my sweet new nephew- Grant<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56X_W9EPiI/AAAAAAAAC9w/pBkKIRdFfY4/s1600-h/Picture+or+Video+108.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448959713914142242" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56X_W9EPiI/AAAAAAAAC9w/pBkKIRdFfY4/s320/Picture+or+Video+108.jpg" /></a> Carson and Noah enjoying their new LSU football uniforms</div><div align="center">*************************************************************</div><div align="center"><br />We also enjoyed celebrating Christmas with the Iles family.</div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56X-zhoBMI/AAAAAAAAC9o/6yKjzwVlywo/s1600-h/all+3+boys+with+their+hunting+gear.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448959704403805378" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56X-zhoBMI/AAAAAAAAC9o/6yKjzwVlywo/s320/all+3+boys+with+their+hunting+gear.JPG" /></a>The 3 Iles grandsons enjoyed their new coon-skinned hats and play rifles that their great-MeMe got them!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56X-cZIeKI/AAAAAAAAC9g/0uTMaybI25Y/s1600-h/noah+telling+ivory+bye+for+the+last+time.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448959698194167970" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56X-cZIeKI/AAAAAAAAC9g/0uTMaybI25Y/s320/noah+telling+ivory+bye+for+the+last+time.JPG" /></a> Noah said goodbye to Ivory for the last time at Papa and Dee's house.<br /><br /><u><span style="font-family:arial;">January<br /></span></u></div><div align="center">In January, Clay started back to school with a new semester complete with 3 theology classes (aka- lots of reading!) Apparently the only thing I have reserved on film for the month of January was our trip to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. The museum just recently reopened with brand new exhibits. The boys had a great time, as usual. Clay and I loved just standing back and marveling at their independence and their joy in discovering new things.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Also, Noah decided to take a large growth spurt after Christmas which proved to be quite difficult. There were many cold days left but no winter clothes in any of the stores. Well, thanks to new management at Children's Place stores a huge sale went on where everything was $2.99! I had coupons on top of that, so I got Noah enough clothes to last him the rest of winter for around $23!!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56X93LhU6I/AAAAAAAAC9Y/GRiOUjg7bj8/s1600-h/Picture+or+Video+189.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448959688204964770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56X93LhU6I/AAAAAAAAC9Y/GRiOUjg7bj8/s320/Picture+or+Video+189.jpg" /></a> Jude enjoyed taking care of the babies<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56X9afodqI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/-X69UTs-eG0/s1600-h/Picture+or+Video+192.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448959680504690338" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56X9afodqI/AAAAAAAAC9Q/-X69UTs-eG0/s320/Picture+or+Video+192.jpg" /></a>Noah enjoyed the Dino-dig exhibit<br /><br /><u><span style="font-family:arial;">February</span></u></div><div align="center"><u><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /></u></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56WYyr9-II/AAAAAAAAC9I/aInLQqVXmYY/s1600-h/our+family+(minus+our+noah).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448957951832094850" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56WYyr9-II/AAAAAAAAC9I/aInLQqVXmYY/s320/our+family+(minus+our+noah).JPG" /></a>Noah went to visit his grandparents in Louisiana mid-February and while he was gone we had the most snow in Fort Worth history! We measured 8 inches in our yard over the course of 2 days. We had the best time playing together in the snow. We were just sad that Noah had to miss such a special time.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56WYWxhGkI/AAAAAAAAC9A/j0D1B_CZWhI/s1600-h/early+snow+play+before+school.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448957944339176002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56WYWxhGkI/AAAAAAAAC9A/j0D1B_CZWhI/s320/early+snow+play+before+school.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56WYEMlnuI/AAAAAAAAC84/8qXNEtVYPN8/s1600-h/big+brother+shirts.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448957939352444642" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56WYEMlnuI/AAAAAAAAC84/8qXNEtVYPN8/s320/big+brother+shirts.JPG" /></a>We found out we are having another sweet boy! I found these great Big Brother shirts for Noah and Jude!<br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><u></u></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><u>March<br /></u></span><br />So far in March we have enjoyed some beautiful days of warm sunshine and flip-flops and days full of spring thunderstorms and indoor play. Here are some things we do when it's bad weather outside:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56WXrU_FiI/AAAAAAAAC8w/s3BFq2rTR4w/s1600-h/buzz+light+year+dress+up+fun.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448957932676781602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56WXrU_FiI/AAAAAAAAC8w/s3BFq2rTR4w/s320/buzz+light+year+dress+up+fun.JPG" /></a> Noah plays dress-up as Buzz Lightyear<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56WXfOeTUI/AAAAAAAAC8o/cUQzJjWxaP8/s1600-h/jude%27s+first+finger+painting.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448957929428241730" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/S56WXfOeTUI/AAAAAAAAC8o/cUQzJjWxaP8/s320/jude%27s+first+finger+painting.JPG" /></a> Jude's first finger-painting</div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-84662360793630141812009-11-10T21:30:00.002-06:002009-11-10T22:00:38.650-06:00storybook parade<div align="center">A couple of weeks ago, Noah and Jude's school held a Storybook Parade where the kids could dress up as characters from their favorite book. My boys were the absolute cutest ones! (I'm a little biased :) You can see past Storybook Parade entries <a href="http://newsaboutnoah.blogspot.com/2008/10/storybook-parade.html">here</a> and <a href="http://newsaboutnoah.blogspot.com/2007/10/curious-noah.html">here</a>.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svoxe3tAIqI/AAAAAAAAC74/r__cTQeWNu8/s1600-h/100_3949.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402685109402870434" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svoxe3tAIqI/AAAAAAAAC74/r__cTQeWNu8/s320/100_3949.JPG" /></a> Jude as Curious George and Noah as Woody from Toy Story<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvoxejjhUiI/AAAAAAAAC7w/DyV8fVKsrHg/s1600-h/100_3955.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402685103994393122" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvoxejjhUiI/AAAAAAAAC7w/DyV8fVKsrHg/s320/100_3955.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svoxefwu6TI/AAAAAAAAC7o/vDzaM-xu87Y/s1600-h/100_3959.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402685102976067890" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svoxefwu6TI/AAAAAAAAC7o/vDzaM-xu87Y/s320/100_3959.JPG" /></a>Jude's sweet class with his teachers Ms. Nelda and Ms. Leigh Anne. Noah had these same teachers when he was in the baby class and the ones class. He even wore this same costume and rode in the same buggy for a Storybook Parade a couple of years ago!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvoxeEBiWGI/AAAAAAAAC7g/COWGMw50lKc/s1600-h/100_3961.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402685095530354786" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvoxeEBiWGI/AAAAAAAAC7g/COWGMw50lKc/s320/100_3961.JPG" /></a> my cute little monkey<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svoxdpx-ZsI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/RzoKWJnBHJY/s1600-h/100_3965.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402685088485762754" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svoxdpx-ZsI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/RzoKWJnBHJY/s320/100_3965.JPG" /></a></div><div>Clay was so sweet to come take pictures at the parade. I was helping in the 4 year old class that day, so he recorded the events for me.</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvowteBixVI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/6Uslkp6bFGs/s1600-h/100_3967.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402684260696114514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvowteBixVI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/6Uslkp6bFGs/s320/100_3967.JPG" /></a>Noah was super excited about the candy this year!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvowtL8PisI/AAAAAAAAC7I/8XCjTCFbRL0/s1600-h/100_3975.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402684255842044610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvowtL8PisI/AAAAAAAAC7I/8XCjTCFbRL0/s320/100_3975.JPG" /></a> Noah's class including his teacher Mrs. Kerrie<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svows3BOBaI/AAAAAAAAC7A/5nnowe2Bsv4/s1600-h/100_3976.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402684250225771938" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svows3BOBaI/AAAAAAAAC7A/5nnowe2Bsv4/s320/100_3976.JPG" /></a> Noah's class had a little party afterwards. He really loved this cupcake.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvowsWpP2XI/AAAAAAAAC64/LTteYuuLqh0/s1600-h/100_3977.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402684241535293810" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvowsWpP2XI/AAAAAAAAC64/LTteYuuLqh0/s320/100_3977.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvowsBQDSSI/AAAAAAAAC6w/IKNVTz7Vaho/s1600-h/100_3978.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402684235792468258" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvowsBQDSSI/AAAAAAAAC6w/IKNVTz7Vaho/s320/100_3978.JPG" /></a> This was actually the next morning. Noah woke up and wanted to wear his holsters which he calls his "holders". Is this not the iconic look for a 3 year old?</div><div> </div><div>The next week Noah came home with a Thanksgiving placemat where he had named things he was thankful for. Among the things listed were his Woody hat, his guns and his "holders", and also his momma, daddy, and Jude. Clay and I think those last 3 things were probably thrown in there by the encouragement of his teacher. Regardless, we are thankful for him and glad he's learning somewhat the meaning of thankfulness.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-24929600955683525862009-11-10T20:45:00.002-06:002009-11-10T21:28:40.779-06:00louisiana trip<div align="center">At the end of October, we took a trip home to see our brother-in-law, Jake, get baptized at Bible Baptist Church. Noah talked about it for weeks and kept asking when he was going to get baptized. We were so glad to be able to join our family in celebrating Jake's commitment to follow Christ in baptism. We were also thankful to be there on a Sunday that he sang and played guitar as well.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svom8aYpZ8I/AAAAAAAAC6o/iNEqo8thD94/s1600-h/100_3908.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402673522301036482" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svom8aYpZ8I/AAAAAAAAC6o/iNEqo8thD94/s320/100_3908.JPG" /></a> our crazy boys playing on the suitcases the night before we left</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svom8K7gVDI/AAAAAAAAC6g/qjRZ8HHZar0/s1600-h/100_3918.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402673518152274994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svom8K7gVDI/AAAAAAAAC6g/qjRZ8HHZar0/s320/100_3918.JPG" /></a>Noah's ready for the road!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">On Friday we arrived to Jake and KK's house at dinner time and enjoyed a yummy meal of crawfish and corn chowder!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svom7rHEm2I/AAAAAAAAC6Y/IiWzqGitkig/s1600-h/100_3939.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402673509610855266" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svom7rHEm2I/AAAAAAAAC6Y/IiWzqGitkig/s320/100_3939.JPG" /></a>On Saturday we took a trip to Reeves to visit CW Farms. Here the cousins are playing in a large vat of corn kernels. Who knew that corn could provide such great entertainment?<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svom7QQdaEI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/eDN-Rhxp_dE/s1600-h/100_3940.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402673502402472002" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svom7QQdaEI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/eDN-Rhxp_dE/s320/100_3940.JPG" /></a> Dee and Noah on a train ride<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svom68HWW9I/AAAAAAAAC6I/owHFZLB2FqA/s1600-h/100_3941.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402673496995552210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Svom68HWW9I/AAAAAAAAC6I/owHFZLB2FqA/s320/100_3941.JPG" /></a>Grammie and Jude on the train ride<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvomOX1g0bI/AAAAAAAAC6A/IyJD6pOhC6k/s1600-h/100_3942.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402672731342819762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvomOX1g0bI/AAAAAAAAC6A/IyJD6pOhC6k/s320/100_3942.JPG" /></a> Of course, Jude's favorite spot was the petting zoo. He just laughs and laughs when he sees any animal. He also started making some animals sounds such as "moo" and "baa". So adorable!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvomOKcnSiI/AAAAAAAAC54/MVDJJneLrDo/s1600-h/100_3943.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402672727748725282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvomOKcnSiI/AAAAAAAAC54/MVDJJneLrDo/s320/100_3943.JPG" /></a>Landon brought a friend with him and these boys were so helpful with Noah and Carson. They took them up this mountain of tires and dirt. The little guys felt so big going up with the big guys.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvomNtnPDBI/AAAAAAAAC5w/daHiu0HiB60/s1600-h/100_3944.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402672720008645650" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvomNtnPDBI/AAAAAAAAC5w/daHiu0HiB60/s320/100_3944.JPG" /></a>jump!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvomNW0m37I/AAAAAAAAC5o/BKqIqjckX_o/s1600-h/100_3945.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402672713890717618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvomNW0m37I/AAAAAAAAC5o/BKqIqjckX_o/s320/100_3945.JPG" /></a> Our whole group took a hay ride, minus the hay. There were great sights along the way. We were able to see many animals as we travelled around the large property.<br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvomMyrXm5I/AAAAAAAAC5g/jEVt7CpWS7w/s1600-h/100_3947.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402672704188291986" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvomMyrXm5I/AAAAAAAAC5g/jEVt7CpWS7w/s320/100_3947.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div><p align="center">Saturday evening we enjoyed some yummy fried foods- shrimp, fish, fries, and hush puppies. Then the guys enjoyed the LSU game and the girls took the little boys (minus Jude) with us to Walmart. Noah and Carson picked out a toy that Grammie lovingly bought for them. Noah is still sleeping with his soccer ball that he picked out.</p><p align="center">On Sunday, we enjoyed going to Sunday School with Jake and KK. We enjoyed the church service as well, where Jake was baptized. We enjoyed lunch together as a large family and friend gathering at my mom and dad's afterwards. Then we were on our way home!</p><p align="center">Thank you Jake for allowing us to be a part of such a special time in your life!</p><p> </p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-4539330816274772652009-11-06T20:23:00.001-06:002009-11-07T09:45:27.973-06:00visit from papa and dee<div align="center">In early October we welcomed a weekend visit from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">PaPa</span> and Dee.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvWMJMLpkkI/AAAAAAAAC3g/zN-DeiMGOLI/s1600-h/100_3826.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401377417617576514" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvWMJMLpkkI/AAAAAAAAC3g/zN-DeiMGOLI/s320/100_3826.JPG" /></a> Noah helped cut up bananas for a banana pudding we made for dessert.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvWMI50NzAI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/UzQDa81fPdg/s1600-h/100_3828.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401377412687449090" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvWMI50NzAI/AAAAAAAAC3Y/UzQDa81fPdg/s320/100_3828.JPG" /></a> He used a butter knife and Clay helped supervise :)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvWMIot2dSI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/M3IvgsOmqo8/s1600-h/100_3832.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401377408097350946" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvWMIot2dSI/AAAAAAAAC3Q/M3IvgsOmqo8/s320/100_3832.JPG" /></a> This is what Jude looked like after eating the banana pudding.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvWMILVFO5I/AAAAAAAAC3I/ZMDqQJHdDHM/s1600-h/100_3834.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401377400208833426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvWMILVFO5I/AAAAAAAAC3I/ZMDqQJHdDHM/s320/100_3834.JPG" /></a>Saturday morning we drove to downtown Fort Worth and got on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">TRE</span> to travel to Dallas. The 45 minute train ride was just as part of the adventure as our destination was.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvWMH4YUDlI/AAAAAAAAC3A/0uMPA6HOnro/s1600-h/100_3839.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401377395122114130" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvWMH4YUDlI/AAAAAAAAC3A/0uMPA6HOnro/s320/100_3839.JPG" /></a> We arrived at the State Fair mid-morning. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">PaPa</span> and Noah posed in front of Big Tex at the entrance to the fair grounds.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV9afXWaVI/AAAAAAAAC24/0ZmqVG-7DKI/s1600-h/100_3842.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401361222150285650" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV9afXWaVI/AAAAAAAAC24/0ZmqVG-7DKI/s320/100_3842.JPG" /></a> We started our day by letting Noah ride a few kiddie rides.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV9aFo_FPI/AAAAAAAAC2w/B6sOAR_7snM/s1600-h/100_3844.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401361215244932338" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV9aFo_FPI/AAAAAAAAC2w/B6sOAR_7snM/s320/100_3844.JPG" /></a> It was so fun to watch him just walk right up to the ride and get on by himself. There are many things that are fun about having an independent three-year-old.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV9Z3bkvrI/AAAAAAAAC2o/lAfLP9HhCgA/s1600-h/100_3852.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401361211430583986" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV9Z3bkvrI/AAAAAAAAC2o/lAfLP9HhCgA/s320/100_3852.JPG" /></a>Jude was a bit too young to ride rides just yet, but he enjoyed hanging out with Dee and watching big brother.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV9ZpWI--I/AAAAAAAAC2g/qViBRnRLCHA/s1600-h/100_3854.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401361207649696738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV9ZpWI--I/AAAAAAAAC2g/qViBRnRLCHA/s320/100_3854.JPG" /></a> One of our favorite things we did was watch Noah go through a little kid's activity farm. This teachable "farm" was designed to educate kids on the process that farmers take to get food to the grocery store and that it doesn't just magically appear there with no work involved. </div><div></div><div>Noah started by dressing in the appropriate gear, wearing an apron and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">donning</span> a bucket.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV9ZL52vgI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/geztAqJMFiY/s1600-h/100_3855.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401361199746432514" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV9ZL52vgI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/geztAqJMFiY/s320/100_3855.JPG" /></a> First he watered the peach tree and then was able to take one of the peaches for his bucket.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV8fPbR9XI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/-tIx93pDMT4/s1600-h/100_3858.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401360204259521906" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV8fPbR9XI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/-tIx93pDMT4/s320/100_3858.JPG" /></a>He also milked a cow and was able to take a carton of milk for his bucket.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV8e-n-WlI/AAAAAAAAC2I/3jup5-VQovs/s1600-h/100_3859.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401360199749360210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV8e-n-WlI/AAAAAAAAC2I/3jup5-VQovs/s320/100_3859.JPG" /></a> Another step was planting a seed and then choosing a veggie to place in his bucket.<br /></div><div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV8eW8oLkI/AAAAAAAAC2A/x_CgLTfaLFY/s1600-h/100_3861.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401360189098569282" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV8eW8oLkI/AAAAAAAAC2A/x_CgLTfaLFY/s320/100_3861.JPG" /></a>He jumped on a John Deere tractor, placed his bucket in the wagon on the back, and took his produce and dairy to the store.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV8eKCuvlI/AAAAAAAAC14/IVLZm2_OkT0/s1600-h/100_3862.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401360185634504274" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV8eKCuvlI/AAAAAAAAC14/IVLZm2_OkT0/s320/100_3862.JPG" /></a> He was paid a buck for all his hard labor.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV8d5kXfNI/AAAAAAAAC1w/crWST8V7Ygk/s1600-h/100_3864.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401360181212183762" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvV8d5kXfNI/AAAAAAAAC1w/crWST8V7Ygk/s320/100_3864.JPG" /></a> He exchanged the buck for a pack of fruit snacks.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvTbItBmepI/AAAAAAAAC1o/hlq0JwsUj98/s1600-h/100_3866.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401182795695815314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvTbItBmepI/AAAAAAAAC1o/hlq0JwsUj98/s320/100_3866.JPG" /></a>Another fun, completely free activity we did was enjoy the petting zoo.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvTbIeWlCPI/AAAAAAAAC1g/USCCDQjm2-I/s1600-h/100_3872.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401182791757269234" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvTbIeWlCPI/AAAAAAAAC1g/USCCDQjm2-I/s320/100_3872.JPG" /></a> While Noah enjoyed feeding the animals with a shovel...<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvTbHyD_BJI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/6C0E4C8pScc/s1600-h/100_3884.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401182779868120210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvTbHyD_BJI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/6C0E4C8pScc/s320/100_3884.JPG" /></a> ... Jude enjoyed touching the animals and squealing with delight! Jude learned to say quite a few words while traveling around with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">PaPa</span> and petting the animals.</div><div></div><div>Sadly the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">corn dog</span> stand line was too long at lunchtime, but we did enjoy a burger and fries. We weren't adventurous enough to try any of the fried goodies that the fair is known for.</div><div></div><div>After the train ride home, we rested a while and then enjoyed a dinner at home. The men watched the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">LSU</span>/Florida game while Mrs. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">DeDe</span> and I cleaned up and got the boys ready for a night at the hotel! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Every time</span> we pass the Seminary hotel now Noah says, "There's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">PaPa</span> and Dee's hotel!".<br /></div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvTbHS43vCI/AAAAAAAAC1I/lUfUGXzTf8g/s1600-h/100_3895.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401182771500006434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvTbHS43vCI/AAAAAAAAC1I/lUfUGXzTf8g/s320/100_3895.JPG" /></a> On Sunday morning we went to Sunday School and church. Mrs. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">DeDe</span> was so sweet to help me in the Ones Sunday School class. Once again, we were thankful to have our family join us for worship with our church family. </div><div></div><div>After church we enjoyed pizza at Joe's Pizza and Pasta and then <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">PaPa</span> and Dee hit the road. </div><div></div><div>Thank you both for taking time to visit us and love on our boys!</div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-6538532485230829712009-11-06T20:00:00.002-06:002009-11-06T20:23:37.414-06:00visit from jake, kk, and carson<div align="center">Later in September we enjoyed a quick visit from Uncle Jake, Kaykie, and Carson. Noah and Carson are possibly the best pair of friends I've seen. They get along better than most kids do at this age. I always wanted a cousin close in age. I'm so thankful that our kids can grow up together. When baby Grant arrives in December, there will be 4 sweet cousins to play together. Their ages will be 3.5, 2.5, 1.5, and infant. Look out Pops and Grammie's house!</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvTVfJJgjqI/AAAAAAAAC1A/ERIqeb1K3pg/s1600-h/100_3816.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401176584132529826" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvTVfJJgjqI/AAAAAAAAC1A/ERIqeb1K3pg/s320/100_3816.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvTVe0skwrI/AAAAAAAAC04/GEafhB6PlLQ/s1600-h/100_3818.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401176578642461362" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvTVe0skwrI/AAAAAAAAC04/GEafhB6PlLQ/s320/100_3818.JPG" /></a> The Rainwaters arrived Saturday at lunch. After lunch, the guys wanted to watch the LSU game and it was time for the boys to nap. So KK and I took the opportunity to do a little shopping! After the boys napped we took them to ride a local kiddie train. Despite the loud train whistle, the boys enjoyed themselves. For dinner, Clay and Jake grilled us some yummy fajitas. KK and I made the sides, which included some very cilantro-y salsa. It tasted great even if it was green!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">On Sunday we were thankful that Jake, KK, and Carson were able to come to church with us. They had never visited our church before, so it was so nice to introduce them to our church family. Noah and Carson even got to go to Sunday School together. After a lunch at Joe's Pizza and Pasta, they hit the road back to Louisiana. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">We LOVED having you visit us! Come again soon!</div><div align="center"></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-7095869785556621612009-11-06T16:35:00.002-06:002009-11-06T16:54:49.527-06:00First Day of School<div align="center">At the beginning of September the boys had their first day of school at the Early Learning Center of University Baptist Church. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSlP1QVJjI/AAAAAAAAC0w/IxAegk-8HqY/s1600-h/100_3809.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401123544536262194" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSlP1QVJjI/AAAAAAAAC0w/IxAegk-8HqY/s320/100_3809.JPG" /></a> This is Noah's fourth year of attending this school. He started going when he was 7 months old. That year he was in the baby class, the next year he was in the ones class, the year after he was in the twos class, and this year he's in the threes class.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSlPR8Be2I/AAAAAAAAC0o/RJlNohCgwYE/s1600-h/100_3811.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401123535055846242" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSlPR8Be2I/AAAAAAAAC0o/RJlNohCgwYE/s320/100_3811.JPG" /></a> This is Jude's first year to go to school. He's in the baby-18 months class. He came with me a few times last year when I subbed, but this is the first year he's going both days. I work one day a week in the threes and fours classes. The other day I'm able to run errands while my sweet boys are at school. We really enjoy the Early Learning Center and are a little sad that next year will be out last.</div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-83834973561457758432009-11-06T16:17:00.004-06:002009-11-06T16:35:47.490-06:00Labor Day Frugal Fun<div align="center">On Labor Day we enjoyed some free chicken sandwiches thanks to Chick-Fil-A's college football promotion. The rest of my family wore their LSU gear, but sadly, I found that I have no warm weather LSU apparel, so I settled for our alma mater, McNeese. We went with our good friends, the Sanks. They sported their fave team and alma mater, Louisiana Tech. You can't beat free food!</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSiULnoEBI/AAAAAAAAC0g/1lp7rnsoSwk/s1600-h/100_3807.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401120320724144146" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSiULnoEBI/AAAAAAAAC0g/1lp7rnsoSwk/s320/100_3807.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSiTsMxMzI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/S72ueeUwkJo/s1600-h/100_3805.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401120312289997618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSiTsMxMzI/AAAAAAAAC0Y/S72ueeUwkJo/s320/100_3805.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSiTVHajlI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/uK64hewtoh8/s1600-h/100_3808.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401120306093526610" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSiTVHajlI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/uK64hewtoh8/s320/100_3808.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div></div></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-74697243798791984972009-11-06T15:00:00.003-06:002009-11-06T16:17:10.167-06:00Visit from Grammie and Landon<div align="center"><em>(pretend the post date is sometime in early September- Labor Day weekend)</em></div><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center">We enjoyed a weekend of sweet company during Labor Day weekend from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grammie</span> and Landon. They arrived just in time for a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Zuppa</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Toscana</span> and french bread lunch. Afterwards, the boys went down for their naps, Clay and Landon got busy with a video game match, and mom and I hit the mall! Our goal was to find Noah's winter wardrobe for cheap. Thankfully, Children's Place, our go-to place for buying durable (and cute :) kids clothing, was having a fabulous Labor Day sale. Under 2 hours, we had bought Noah all the clothes he would need for the next several months. We felt very productive! After all that shopping we worked up an appetite. My mom was so gracious to take us to eat at our favorite restaurant- Uncle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Julios</span>!! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">On Sunday we went to Sunday School and church. We were thankful to get to share our family with our church body. For lunch we had shrimp <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fettucini</span> that my mom helped me prepare the night before. That afternoon I got to hang out with my "little" brother at the mall. Our favorite spots were testing out the mattresses in the mattress store and getting massages from the massage chairs. That evening my mom was kind enough to send Clay and I on a date while she watched the boys. We spent at evening at Outback and Montgomery Plaza while they ate <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">McDonalds</span> and played outside. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Monday morning we enjoyed breakfast together before they packed up and hit the road. Thank you mom and Landon (a bit late) for coming to visit us!</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSYVPkXxYI/AAAAAAAACzw/KCss5ZHNvBY/s1600-h/101_1082.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401109343847826818" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSYVPkXxYI/AAAAAAAACzw/KCss5ZHNvBY/s320/101_1082.JPG" /></a> Noah entertained us on his guitar<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSYUyisz8I/AAAAAAAACzo/hCQ1xiNqm_s/s1600-h/101_1067.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401109336056188866" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSYUyisz8I/AAAAAAAACzo/hCQ1xiNqm_s/s320/101_1067.JPG" /></a> Jude playing outside in his car<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSYUfXZMzI/AAAAAAAACzg/gpW3vGboBCU/s1600-h/101_1047.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401109330908492594" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSYUfXZMzI/AAAAAAAACzg/gpW3vGboBCU/s320/101_1047.JPG" /></a> Landon and Noah in the courtyard after church<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSYUMkzZBI/AAAAAAAACzY/I_PorRqZeKE/s1600-h/101_1043.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401109325864461330" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSYUMkzZBI/AAAAAAAACzY/I_PorRqZeKE/s320/101_1043.JPG" /></a> Noah coloring the menu at Uncle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Julios</span><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSYT5Zq0LI/AAAAAAAACzQ/mvlXpvJyXbM/s1600-h/101_1041.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401109320717488306" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSYT5Zq0LI/AAAAAAAACzQ/mvlXpvJyXbM/s320/101_1041.JPG" /></a>Jude <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">restaurant</span> coloring for the first time, without eating the crayons first!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSP2BK080I/AAAAAAAACx4/CuSQlIITy0E/s1600-h/101_1040.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401100011313623874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSP2BK080I/AAAAAAAACx4/CuSQlIITy0E/s320/101_1040.JPG" /></a>me and Landon waiting for our table<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSP1w-e_FI/AAAAAAAACxw/-jmpGqusUS0/s1600-h/101_1039.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401100006966885458" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSP1w-e_FI/AAAAAAAACxw/-jmpGqusUS0/s320/101_1039.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grammie</span>, Landon and Jude<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSP1T81b2I/AAAAAAAACxo/yqkkSEM2w50/s1600-h/100_3804.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401099999175339874" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSP1T81b2I/AAAAAAAACxo/yqkkSEM2w50/s320/100_3804.JPG" /></a>Landon, Noah and Jude enjoying a video game together<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSP1Fm56rI/AAAAAAAACxg/fIvno4karoM/s1600-h/100_3801.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401099995325262514" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SvSP1Fm56rI/AAAAAAAACxg/fIvno4karoM/s320/100_3801.JPG" /></a> Landon and Noah's band<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-43471402356282859012009-11-05T19:17:00.002-06:002009-11-05T19:22:01.468-06:00life x 2Remember that cough I mentioned in the last post? Well, it turns out it was the croup. Noah is now on steroids to help bring down some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inflammation</span>. It's incredibly sad to see my active boy so down. He sounds like he has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">laryngitis</span> and his cough is awful. Please pray that nothing else comes our way. This has been a rough week (totally understated) and I'm not sure we can take much more.<br /><br />Those posts I talked about will have to continue to wait...Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-21010582489717749262009-11-04T16:16:00.003-06:002009-11-04T16:22:58.594-06:00lifeSo, as you've noticed a whole two months has gone by with no activity here on Noah and Jude's blog. Well, it's not because there has been nothing to blog about. There has simply been no time to do so! Since September we have had 4 fun-filled weekends with family and 1 trip home. On top of that the flu visited our home. Currently, an ear infection has one son in pain while the other one is coughing during his nap. And our washer broke this week! Apparently somewhere in the middle of all this Clay is going to school and working full-time and I'm managing our normal household responsibilities and we are raising 2 little boys! Whew! Hopefully, over the next few days I'll be able to share with you some pictures and fun stories of our adventures from this fall. Stay tuned...Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-77862474925218268772009-09-01T13:52:00.002-05:002009-09-01T14:18:29.008-05:00Drum roll please....<p align="center">Jude is walking!! He started walking last Tuesday. He's a little wobbly in this video, but he's gotten much better over the past week. Sorry it's sideways. I couldn't figure out how to get it right side up. Enjoy!</p><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='347' height='288' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwmIUxoFu7VG0rUr90RQ-hXcrJDU7Nfk6q-9miwbULZ5-0ZT2ZcALqyiHS6MISoPXrZV7wGexhE76Y' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-28753342542810820182009-09-01T13:20:00.003-05:002009-09-01T13:52:30.287-05:00Cats Game<div align="center">Our friends, <a href="http://www.theothermalachi2.blogspot.com/">Michael and Meg</a>, were generous to us last week in giving our family free Cats tickets! <a href="http://www.fwcats.com/index.cfm">The Cats</a> are an independent minor league baseball team in Fort Worth. Since Jude is a bit too small to really enjoy the late night festivities, Clay and Noah took a father and son trip to the 7 p.m. game. Jude and I opted to do grocery shopping and hear all the details at a later time.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sp1ptpiSjDI/AAAAAAAACxI/g5WqbkLneKg/s1600-h/puttinghatondodger.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376569763114945586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sp1ptpiSjDI/AAAAAAAACxI/g5WqbkLneKg/s320/puttinghatondodger.JPG" /></a> From what I've heard, Noah was the star of the game. Apparently the Cats were getting blown away at the beginning of the game (13-1) so the entertainment had to lie elsewhere. Our boy is seen here placing his Astros hat on the team mascot, Dodger's, head. From the onlookers expressions, they must think he's as cute as I do :)</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sp1ptHJfUnI/AAAAAAAACxA/I4ZSqs8Q4U8/s1600-h/noaheatinghotdog.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376569753884119666" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sp1ptHJfUnI/AAAAAAAACxA/I4ZSqs8Q4U8/s320/noaheatinghotdog.JPG" /></a>A baseball game cannot be complete without enjoying a ballpark hotdog.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sp1psSYiMAI/AAAAAAAACw4/rkgvXUC5J0Y/s1600-h/sleepingboy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376569739720142850" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sp1psSYiMAI/AAAAAAAACw4/rkgvXUC5J0Y/s320/sleepingboy.JPG" /></a>Clay and Noah met a dad of one of the ball boys at the game. He told them to meet him by the dugout at the end of the game and he would give Noah a ball from the game. Noah was beyond thrilled when he came home with his new ball. </div><div> </div><div>Clay was so sweet to take good pictures for me. Especially this last one where he's all tuckered out on the way home, still holding tightly to his ball and glove.<br /><div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-31274581764424960452009-08-28T14:20:00.004-05:002009-08-28T14:38:12.216-05:00The Train and the Aquarium<div align="center">As a back to school celebration for Clay and the boys we took the train to Dallas and went to the Aquarium. The train was just as much part of the adventure for the boys!</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgwC7g6vQI/AAAAAAAACww/61NAMIOVCJE/s1600-h/clayandjuderidingthetrain.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375098982160317698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgwC7g6vQI/AAAAAAAACww/61NAMIOVCJE/s320/clayandjuderidingthetrain.JPG" /></a> Clay and Jude riding the train<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgwCfeppYI/AAAAAAAACwo/uWEbDuRET88/s1600-h/hangingfromthetrainbars.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375098974634616194" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgwCfeppYI/AAAAAAAACwo/uWEbDuRET88/s320/hangingfromthetrainbars.JPG" /></a> Noah acting like a monkey on the train<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgwB6cZY9I/AAAAAAAACwg/1crRfrh4qQY/s1600-h/meandnoahontrain.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375098964693050322" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgwB6cZY9I/AAAAAAAACwg/1crRfrh4qQY/s320/meandnoahontrain.JPG" /></a> Me and my sweet shark-loving boy<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgwBTB3wQI/AAAAAAAACwY/7bnFjdgSRKo/s1600-h/noahfeedingbird.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375098954112811266" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgwBTB3wQI/AAAAAAAACwY/7bnFjdgSRKo/s320/noahfeedingbird.JPG" /></a></div><div>This bird ate a cranberry right out of his hand!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgvSUQo98I/AAAAAAAACwQ/19wdBiLKZLc/s1600-h/aslough.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375098146989340610" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgvSUQo98I/AAAAAAAACwQ/19wdBiLKZLc/s320/aslough.JPG" /></a>This slough got fed a licorice stick as we were walking by. He just hangs out in the open so you can stop by and watch him roam about. There is even a Slough Crossing as you are walking by!</div><div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgvR5MjF9I/AAAAAAAACwI/fadVs4I-4DQ/s1600-h/sawshark.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375098139724421074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgvR5MjF9I/AAAAAAAACwI/fadVs4I-4DQ/s320/sawshark.JPG" /></a> A big high-light was watching the employees feed the animals. We were able to watch the otters, the sharks, and the penguins get fed one of their daily meals. This saw shark was Noah's favorite sea life creature of all. He was also very fond of the sea horse, sea dragon, and sea urchin.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgvQ46xeEI/AAAAAAAACwA/lK6KLBKHrE0/s1600-h/checkingoutthepenguins.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375098122469996610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgvQ46xeEI/AAAAAAAACwA/lK6KLBKHrE0/s320/checkingoutthepenguins.JPG" /></a>Clay and Noah are looking on as the penguins are being coerced to eat their lunch.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgvQaoURaI/AAAAAAAACv4/3Wor8sA8sXc/s1600-h/sleepingjude.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375098114339521954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgvQaoURaI/AAAAAAAACv4/3Wor8sA8sXc/s320/sleepingjude.JPG" /></a> Jude stayed awake almost the whole time, but fell asleep at the end.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgvP6uFcMI/AAAAAAAACvw/fnuZRDDk7w4/s1600-h/swimmingbuddies.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375098105773781186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgvP6uFcMI/AAAAAAAACvw/fnuZRDDk7w4/s320/swimmingbuddies.JPG" /></a> Swimming penguin buddies</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-358285393075732992009-08-28T13:54:00.003-05:002009-08-28T14:20:05.622-05:00Iles Family Trip<div align="center">At the beginning of August we met all the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Iles</span> family in East Texas at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Piney</span> Woods Camp for a weekend together. We were celebrating Bro. Curt and Mrs. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">DeDe's</span> 30<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> wedding anniversary, mine and Clay's and Clint and Amanda's 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> wedding anniversary, and Terry and Sara as a newly married couple. It's really neat how all of us celebrate our anniversaries within a couple of months during the summer. A great time of the year to all get together!</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Spgpyg8oqnI/AAAAAAAACvo/xZSMnHLD1GQ/s1600-h/100_3687.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375092103081142898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Spgpyg8oqnI/AAAAAAAACvo/xZSMnHLD1GQ/s320/100_3687.JPG" /></a> Noah spent the week away from us <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">visting</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">PaPa</span> and Dee and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grammie</span> and Pops, so we just had Jude along for the ride. We left during nap time so Jude was quite content during the drive.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Spgpx0NS1kI/AAAAAAAACvg/oatMqAgpP1w/s1600-h/100_3692.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375092091071419970" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Spgpx0NS1kI/AAAAAAAACvg/oatMqAgpP1w/s320/100_3692.JPG" /></a> This was the beautiful house that Bro. Curt, Mrs. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">DeDe</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">MeMe</span>, and the grandsons stayed in. Bro. Curt and Mrs. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">DeDe</span> were so kind to get the rest of us individual hotel rooms!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgpxbDN9xI/AAAAAAAACvY/1CXHSoErKNg/s1600-h/100_3691.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375092084318271250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgpxbDN9xI/AAAAAAAACvY/1CXHSoErKNg/s320/100_3691.JPG" /></a>Clay and his brothers grilled us some yummy hamburgers one night and steak another night. YUM!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgpPZgUsPI/AAAAAAAACvQ/bGQchNqi3BM/s1600-h/100_3694.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375091499787923698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgpPZgUsPI/AAAAAAAACvQ/bGQchNqi3BM/s320/100_3694.JPG" /></a>Sweet Noah sharing a snack with his brother. Nothing makes my heart happier than this :)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgpO06Av2I/AAAAAAAACvI/F0aYgXbADNc/s1600-h/100_3695.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375091489963556706" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgpO06Av2I/AAAAAAAACvI/F0aYgXbADNc/s320/100_3695.JPG" /></a> My talented sis-in-law, Amanda, made this yummy and creative 7-layer dip.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgpOB101QI/AAAAAAAACvA/g3M4U5MNPfY/s1600-h/100_3701.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375091476255790338" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgpOB101QI/AAAAAAAACvA/g3M4U5MNPfY/s320/100_3701.JPG" /></a> Noah and Jack showing off their muscles.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgpNg1EHPI/AAAAAAAACu4/V3bY7driDY4/s1600-h/100_3703.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375091467394227442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgpNg1EHPI/AAAAAAAACu4/V3bY7driDY4/s320/100_3703.JPG" /></a> Here's a photo of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">PaPa</span> and his 3 grandsons.</div><div>Noah (3), Jack (2), and Jude (1)</div><div>Now that Amanda is expecting again we are wondering if it's going to make <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Iles</span> grandson #4 or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Iles</span> granddaughter #1. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hmmm</span>....<br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgpM5kETRI/AAAAAAAACuw/XCqjV29YNgA/s1600-h/100_3713.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375091456853953810" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SpgpM5kETRI/AAAAAAAACuw/XCqjV29YNgA/s320/100_3713.JPG" /></a> That Saturday we spent the day at a really neat water area with a huge water slide for adults and other water activities for kids. Noah even caught his first fish in a fish pond, but I have no proof because I was a terrible picture taker! Well I do have this one picture of Clay and his brothers being brothers. I think they had the most fun in this "friendly" competition of pedal car racing. Sara and I were proclaimed as the official judges. We felt a little intimidated by all the rules :)</div><div> </div><div>The weekend was such a success we all agreed to do the same thing next year. Bro. Curt already has it booked for the same weekend a year from now!</div><div> </div><div>Thanks <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Iles</span> Family for a great time of together-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">ness</span>!</div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-53166907842994978492009-08-19T16:41:00.002-05:002009-08-19T17:08:58.741-05:00Our 5 Year Anniversary<div align="center">At the end of July Clay and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. Our sweet friends, Rick and Lynette <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Driggers</span>, agreed to keep our boys so we could enjoy a weekend get away. We celebrated close so we could come back to town for a wedding of some good friends that Saturday. Even though this blog is about Noah and Jude, I thought I'd share a little post about their mom and dad. And this weekend was about them, too. This was the first weekend away from me for Jude and Noah has only been away two other times, so this was a celebration of sorts for them as well.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxzEgTsXPI/AAAAAAAACuo/8h6kuyCn5Mo/s1600-h/100_3669.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371794976775363826" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxzEgTsXPI/AAAAAAAACuo/8h6kuyCn5Mo/s320/100_3669.JPG" /></a> We brought the boys to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Driggers</span> on Friday morning and headed to Dallas. We ate a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">cajun</span> lunch at Gators. We weren't too impressed with the food, but enjoyed being together. Our favorite thing was just walking around downtown with no stroller or bags or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">sippy</span> cups to worry about. It was such a treat!</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxzDxLV1VI/AAAAAAAACug/d1W_OpvD8OA/s1600-h/100_3673.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371794964123866450" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxzDxLV1VI/AAAAAAAACug/d1W_OpvD8OA/s320/100_3673.JPG" /></a> Next we went to the JFK Museum. I know it sounds like we are totally nerdy, but we live this close and have never been. It's definitely not a kid-friendly place. Few people realize that JFK was shot in Dallas and was shot out of this very building. There is even several <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Xs</span> on the road the mark where his car was when we was shot. The museum was really interesting and we were glad to get that experience.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxzDGuWdJI/AAAAAAAACuY/X131kKVZuCo/s1600-h/100_3683.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371794952727983250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxzDGuWdJI/AAAAAAAACuY/X131kKVZuCo/s320/100_3683.JPG" /></a>That night we took our time getting ready and didn't have any schedule of eating at a particular time or any bedtime to have to adhere to. Our friends, The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sanks</span>, recommended a lovely restaurant called <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Margarita</span> Grill. It is a delicious Mexican eatery in the middle of Mockingbird Station, a really fun entertainment district of Dallas. We enjoyed some yummy fajitas that we could not finish. We have vowed to take another trip there before we move and share a plate of bacon-wrapped shrimp fajitas!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxzCa1GgvI/AAAAAAAACuQ/81w81qyKKmM/s1600-h/100_3685.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371794940945138418" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxzCa1GgvI/AAAAAAAACuQ/81w81qyKKmM/s320/100_3685.JPG" /></a> Our waitress told the manager it was our anniversary and they brought out this yummy chocolate dessert!</div><div> </div><div>Afterwards we went to the movies and enjoyed sleeping in until 9:00 the next morning!!!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxzBplIDtI/AAAAAAAACuI/n5HvlB5NkMY/s1600-h/IMG_6251%5B1%5D.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371794927724793554" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxzBplIDtI/AAAAAAAACuI/n5HvlB5NkMY/s320/IMG_6251%5B1%5D.JPG" /></a> On Saturday we went to see our friends, Mike and Marci, get married. It was a beautiful wedding. We enjoyed the reception without having to chase kids. Our friend, Ginger, was the photographer for the wedding. She snapped this picture of us at the reception. </div><div> </div><div>When we left the reception we went to dinner at Pappadeaux's and ordered a movie in the room. Sunday morning we drove to church to pick up our boys who we missed very much.</div><div> </div><div>We enjoyed our time away, but are so thankful for the family God has given us. Our boys make life so much fun and are huge blessings!</div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-68188427450193062692009-08-19T16:08:00.003-05:002009-08-19T16:41:27.519-05:00A few favorite things<div align="center">These pictures were taken over the past month and show what are boys are constantly doing:</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxtByYqL3I/AAAAAAAACuA/RSeC1c9Y77o/s1600-h/pitching.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371788333018656626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxtByYqL3I/AAAAAAAACuA/RSeC1c9Y77o/s320/pitching.JPG" /></a> Noah LOVES baseball. He could play all day everyday if he had the chance. As soon as we go outside he requests his glove and baseball and he's ready for us to play catch. If we're in the house he wants to play catch as well, so we have many soft balls available for this. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Everything</span> he wears is "baseball" even if it has nothing to do with the game! Clay is so proud of his boy and I think may expect a change in sports in a few weeks when <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">LSU</span> plays their first game of the season :)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxtA1668wI/AAAAAAAACt4/yNGKXsY__1s/s1600-h/100_3607.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371788316787798786" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxtA1668wI/AAAAAAAACt4/yNGKXsY__1s/s320/100_3607.JPG" /></a>He also loves shoes of any sorts. One night we went to tell the boys good night and found Noah in his bed like this. Apparently after we put him to sleep, he gets up and gets his favorite shoes out of his closet and tries them on. He also likes wearing my flip flops or slip on shoes.<br /><br />Today he was wearing my flip-flops and I told him they were too big for him. He claimed they were not too big for him, even though they were hanging off his feet. There is no reasoning with this kid. He is very confident in his ideas and there isn't usually any way to persuade him. What's a kind way of calling my son stubborn?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxtAOUbnXI/AAAAAAAACtw/ArwWhRzre2o/s1600-h/100_3667.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371788306157378930" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoxtAOUbnXI/AAAAAAAACtw/ArwWhRzre2o/s320/100_3667.JPG" /></a>Jude's favorite thing to do is CLIMB! If there is a chair nearby he will find a way onto the couch, the top of the picnic table, or the top of the small Cars table in our living room. He also escapes outside if the door is left open for even a moment. He will climb onto or into any ride on toy that is available. He's also climbed up several slides recently. All this climbing makes me so nervous. He's not even walking yet, so his stability is pretty <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">shaky</span>. Now my eyes are on 2 kids every minute of the day. It's a good thing our house has already been child-proofed!</div><div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-75272562886543897812009-08-19T15:27:00.003-05:002009-08-19T16:08:25.646-05:00Noah's 3rd Birthday Party<div align="center">We celebrated Noah's 3rd birthday with a party on Saturday, July 25. (I'm way behind on posts!) He and his good pal, Karis, whose birthday is just 3 days before his, shared a joint celebration. Noah chose a fun baseball themed party, while Karis chose a very girly, flower party. I was a horrible picture taker throughout the event, but did grab a few photos to share with you all. </div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Soxg_YirisI/AAAAAAAACto/aRcrBnrzod8/s1600-h/100_3655.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371775097582095042" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Soxg_YirisI/AAAAAAAACto/aRcrBnrzod8/s320/100_3655.JPG" /></a> I have only 2 pictures of Noah at his own party! This is one of them. It counts event though it's a side shot, right?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Soxg-nasm9I/AAAAAAAACtg/3jsbtDxgLxE/s1600-h/100_3657.JPG"></a> <div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Soxg9wVQKXI/AAAAAAAACtY/iWfwQlWhISY/s1600-h/100_3658.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371775069608487282" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Soxg9wVQKXI/AAAAAAAACtY/iWfwQlWhISY/s320/100_3658.JPG" /></a>This is the other one. A little better I think :)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Soxg89Oas8I/AAAAAAAACtQ/k_bZJHq59wk/s1600-h/100_3664.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371775055889609666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Soxg89Oas8I/AAAAAAAACtQ/k_bZJHq59wk/s320/100_3664.JPG" /></a> Here are the fabulous cakes our sweet friend, Brooke, made. They were delicious and custom made for our kiddos.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Soxg8J6_OZI/AAAAAAAACtI/LQm9DKo8rNk/s1600-h/100_3666.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371775042117908882" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Soxg8J6_OZI/AAAAAAAACtI/LQm9DKo8rNk/s320/100_3666.JPG" /></a> Here's the loot that Noah and Karis collected. </div><div> </div><div>We are so thankful for good friends to celebrate life with. God has been so good to give us our Noah. Life would definitely be different without his sweet and active spirit!</div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-45617937827690241522009-08-12T21:01:00.004-05:002009-08-12T21:26:55.265-05:00Noah's Birthday Celebrations<div align="center">On July 24th Noah turned 3 years old! We had a day filled with fun!</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN2EXbHjHI/AAAAAAAACsY/aL4d_tXs8Rw/s1600-h/100_3618.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369264998135073906" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN2EXbHjHI/AAAAAAAACsY/aL4d_tXs8Rw/s320/100_3618.JPG" /></a> We started the morning with a breakfast birthday party. When Noah found out he was having a party at breakfast he requested "special plates and napkins". We took a trip to the Dollar Tree and he picked out sports plates, napkins, and a balloon. </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN1lVCVp5I/AAAAAAAACsQ/LehS04xC2P0/s1600-h/100_3621.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369264464918325138" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN1lVCVp5I/AAAAAAAACsQ/LehS04xC2P0/s320/100_3621.JPG" /></a>We continued the Iles tradition of serving birthday donuts. We also had chocolate milk because that's Noah's favorite drink. The chocolate milk is quickly being added into the birthday tradition.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN1ktrQWDI/AAAAAAAACsI/CB4YkemNiCM/s1600-h/100_3623.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369264454352525362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN1ktrQWDI/AAAAAAAACsI/CB4YkemNiCM/s320/100_3623.JPG" /></a>Noah enjoyed a very short stint with a toy guitar a while back. He enterained us with many songs and a few of those performances even made it on Facebook. However, the toy was short lived when Noah decided to act out a Hendrix move by smashing it against the kitchen table. Clay and I don't plan to always fix our kids' mistakes by buying them things, but in this case it was his birthday and he does enjoy playing the guitar. He has enjoyed playing his new guitar and especially using his picks. He's been warned that this one will not be replaced.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN1j0-YOTI/AAAAAAAACsA/12KzApvnZhA/s1600-h/100_3626.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369264439131912498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN1j0-YOTI/AAAAAAAACsA/12KzApvnZhA/s320/100_3626.JPG" /></a>He also got a new Astros hat, which he lovingly calls his "baseball hat". Actually everything he wears these days is baseball. Every shirt or pair of shorts or shoes he puts on he refers to as his "baseball _____".<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN1jUG-dJI/AAAAAAAACr4/Oi9NxV9gIbo/s1600-h/100_3632.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369264430309602450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN1jUG-dJI/AAAAAAAACr4/Oi9NxV9gIbo/s320/100_3632.JPG" /></a>We enjoyed a yummy lunch and birthday cupcakes with some special friends.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN1i_rKDQI/AAAAAAAACrw/xeVGY2Vu7b4/s1600-h/100_3637.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369264424824212738" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN1i_rKDQI/AAAAAAAACrw/xeVGY2Vu7b4/s320/100_3637.JPG" /></a>And we spent the afternoon swimming with those friends.</div><div>(Noah did not make the mid-day birthday pictures. He was probably claiming he was "going under" in the kiddie pool :)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN00e1aWcI/AAAAAAAACro/iRnt-by6GuQ/s1600-h/100_3645.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369263625734871490" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN00e1aWcI/AAAAAAAACro/iRnt-by6GuQ/s320/100_3645.JPG" /></a>That evening we took Noah and Jude to Chuck-E-Cheese. Noah hadn't been there in a year, so he had to get reaquainted, but it didn't take him long to feel right at home. He was eager to finish his pizza so he could play games. We saw his friend, Hudson, while we were there. Hudson told Noah, "Hey, do you wanna ride rides together after you finish eating your pizza?".<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN00CV5a5I/AAAAAAAACrg/zqCxpN1zxJA/s1600-h/100_3646.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369263618086497170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN00CV5a5I/AAAAAAAACrg/zqCxpN1zxJA/s320/100_3646.JPG" /></a>Jude insists on climbing on everything! The kid refuses to walk, but is an expert climber!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN0zT8kEPI/AAAAAAAACrY/sWKdSK-yGEA/s1600-h/100_3648.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369263605632209138" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN0zT8kEPI/AAAAAAAACrY/sWKdSK-yGEA/s320/100_3648.JPG" /></a>Our sweet boys love playing together. They are best buds!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN0yyc1ixI/AAAAAAAACrQ/jYt_lfZCCQQ/s1600-h/100_3652.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369263596640766738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN0yyc1ixI/AAAAAAAACrQ/jYt_lfZCCQQ/s320/100_3652.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN0yT19N8I/AAAAAAAACrI/P6Dx4OJg7kE/s1600-h/100_3654.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369263588424628162" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoN0yT19N8I/AAAAAAAACrI/P6Dx4OJg7kE/s320/100_3654.JPG" /></a> Noah is the best Skee Ball player I've seen. Well, when it comes to kids under 5 he's the best. He really racked up the points. He spent most of his tokens at this game. He didn't really get the point of the tickets, he just loved having permission to throw as many balls as he wanted!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-71369862685355970972009-08-12T20:12:00.004-05:002009-08-12T21:01:45.405-05:00Saying Goodbye to Sweet Friends<div align="center">Over the past 3 years we've had multiple opportunities to say goodbye to sweet friends. There is a special group of people we like to spend time with and it is slowly getting smaller and smaller. The connections range from being ex-Louisianians, to attending Louisiana Tech, to attending Southwestern Seminary, to everything <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">in between</span>. We enjoy get-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">togethers</span> for holiday celebrations, wedding showers, baby showers, and just any excuse we can find to eat and have fellowship. </div><div align="center"><br />Last month, we had a going away party for our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bufkin</span> friends. We will especially miss the camaraderie between their boys and our boys. Since they only moved a few hours away, hopefully we will see each other from time to time.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">These pictures are from the going away party we had at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sanks</span>' house. The last few pictures are from a dinner we had together a few days before they left.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxu3zBV-I/AAAAAAAACrA/b_CfPICVWz4/s1600-h/allthegalswithmeredith.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369260230821631970" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxu3zBV-I/AAAAAAAACrA/b_CfPICVWz4/s320/allthegalswithmeredith.jpg" /></a> some of the gals at the going away party<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxut4FiXI/AAAAAAAACq4/Q3FdE2REMAs/s1600-h/kidtrain.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369260228158523762" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxut4FiXI/AAAAAAAACq4/Q3FdE2REMAs/s320/kidtrain.jpg" /></a> our kiddos making a train with their chairs<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxi9UliDI/AAAAAAAACqw/1oYyl18LzQc/s1600-h/100_3613.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369260026146162738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxi9UliDI/AAAAAAAACqw/1oYyl18LzQc/s320/100_3613.JPG" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">jax</span> licking his brownie plate clean<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxiUjNeqI/AAAAAAAACqo/SLRA_9eyPCw/s1600-h/100_3614.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369260015201647266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxiUjNeqI/AAAAAAAACqo/SLRA_9eyPCw/s320/100_3614.JPG" /></a>and licking those fingers, too!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxhyTAfjI/AAAAAAAACqg/smo-qwuqHiA/s1600-h/100_3609.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369260006006881842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxhyTAfjI/AAAAAAAACqg/smo-qwuqHiA/s320/100_3609.JPG" /></a>Meredith and I always seem to dress our boys in green :)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxhVKcmzI/AAAAAAAACqY/cQpqHAVsTb0/s1600-h/100_3612.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369259998186347314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxhVKcmzI/AAAAAAAACqY/cQpqHAVsTb0/s320/100_3612.JPG" /></a><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">jude</span> is eating the last few brownie crumbs he can find<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxgpLwBbI/AAAAAAAACqQ/P9qpnSEzDVs/s1600-h/100_3610.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369259986380654002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/SoNxgpLwBbI/AAAAAAAACqQ/P9qpnSEzDVs/s320/100_3610.JPG" /></a> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">noah</span> and sawyer checking out a few books together</div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35396341.post-19173966861777472972009-07-26T21:05:00.003-05:002009-07-26T21:33:15.067-05:00Water Fun<div align="center">We have had lots of water fun lately. Usually the weather is so hot that we have to go to water-filled places to actually be outdoors! Thankfully, we got some rain last week and things have cooled off a bit. By "cooled off" I mean we went from 105 degrees at the highest to now enjoying the low nineties, but it has made a nice difference.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">A couple of weeks ago we met our friends <a href="http://thebufs.blogspot.com/">the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bufkins</span></a> at Hawaiian Falls water park in Mansfield. Our boys had a blast and Meredith and I had times for good conversation.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0NEq88SoI/AAAAAAAACqI/DOffPuiJc_Q/s1600-h/Noah+and+Sawyer.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362957105168665218" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0NEq88SoI/AAAAAAAACqI/DOffPuiJc_Q/s320/Noah+and+Sawyer.JPG" /></a> Noah and Sawyer are all <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">sunscreened</span>-up in this picture and are ready for splashing and sliding.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0NEKzqD2I/AAAAAAAACqA/THGEvH9A61g/s1600-h/Noah+Sawyer+and+Jax.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362957096539787106" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0NEKzqD2I/AAAAAAAACqA/THGEvH9A61g/s320/Noah+Sawyer+and+Jax.JPG" /></a> It's hard to get 3 little squirmy boys to cooperate in a picture, so this is the best we could do :)<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0ND_xwZhI/AAAAAAAACp4/kyJhEA12Vxk/s1600-h/noahlaughing.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362957093579023890" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0ND_xwZhI/AAAAAAAACp4/kyJhEA12Vxk/s320/noahlaughing.JPG" /></a> I don't think there is any doubt that Noah had a great time. He plays so hard. I enjoy bringing him places like this where he can run around, play hard, and not get in trouble. He has so much energy!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0NDYk7_-I/AAAAAAAACpw/bH8N328LV8k/s1600-h/babyjude.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362957083056275426" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0NDYk7_-I/AAAAAAAACpw/bH8N328LV8k/s320/babyjude.JPG" /></a> Jude enjoyed the wave pool and sliding down the slides a little. But mostly he enjoyed being strolled around. He's at that awkward "can't walk but wants to" stage. He really enjoyed his picnic lunch!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0NC9CKL9I/AAAAAAAACpo/TbDvbA9zEns/s1600-h/sawyerandnoahholdinghands.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362957075662647250" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0NC9CKL9I/AAAAAAAACpo/TbDvbA9zEns/s320/sawyerandnoahholdinghands.JPG" /></a> Our dry boys leaving the park and heading home for naps!<br /><br /></div><div><br />We also went to a Splash Pad in Crowley with our friend, <a href="http://mrsrachel.wordpress.com/">Rachel</a>, her son, Luke, and Rachel's sister, Ruthie. The Splash Pad is completely free! We brought a picnic lunch, so the results were a very frugal and fun day!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0MVmM3npI/AAAAAAAACpg/_RY8iCsJGwc/s1600-h/pumpitnoah.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362956296439438994" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0MVmM3npI/AAAAAAAACpg/_RY8iCsJGwc/s320/pumpitnoah.JPG" /></a> Noah enjoyed pumping these water guns and spraying friends.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0MVXntw7I/AAAAAAAACpY/SSh43sW52yI/s1600-h/happyjude.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362956292525507506" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0MVXntw7I/AAAAAAAACpY/SSh43sW52yI/s320/happyjude.JPG" /></a>Jude was a little clingy at first, but then he crawled around the soft padding and got a little braver with the water.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0MU70eeHI/AAAAAAAACpQ/VuPF4OganNY/s1600-h/noahhadablast.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362956285062838386" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0MU70eeHI/AAAAAAAACpQ/VuPF4OganNY/s320/noahhadablast.JPG" /></a>Again, Noah plays so hard. He's always exhausted and naps well after days like these!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0MUVYhFlI/AAAAAAAACpI/IwHqyQy9Hlw/s1600-h/rachellukeandruthie.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362956274745022034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0MUVYhFlI/AAAAAAAACpI/IwHqyQy9Hlw/s320/rachellukeandruthie.JPG" /></a> These are our friends, Rachel, Luke and Ruthie. Our budding photographer, Noah, actually took this shot. Amateur's luck, I guess.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0MUCBXTlI/AAAAAAAACpA/yQrBK_Gi5pY/s1600-h/spikyhairdude.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362956269547638354" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vkGL22iCToo/Sm0MUCBXTlI/AAAAAAAACpA/yQrBK_Gi5pY/s320/spikyhairdude.JPG" /></a> Here's sweet Luke. He and Jude's birthdays are only a few days apart so they are good buddies.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05198723061566323005noreply@blogger.com1