They Suddenly Look Older To Me.

Everytime I looked at them this past weekend, I kept thinking how big they are getting so quickly. Especially since this.

Pillow Talk

Ever since Carter saw his coustin Marshall's fancy pillow at the lake a couple of months ago he has mentioned having his own pillow. Since he does sleep soundly on one every night combined with the fact that we do seem to travel a bunch, I thought it was time for them to have their own pillows that they each could pick out. I thought about making the simple little things but when I thought about my already insaine section of "nice to do's" on my already completly filled, typed, font sized 10, back and front To-Do List, I thought I may have some other better places, personally, for my time.... :) But we did go together to THE PILLOW STORE as Carter now calls BED BATH & BEYOND and they picked out their own pillow and protective case, such a big deal to toddlers! They also did choose the color and style of the case and were so excited this last week when they finally arrived in the mail!

I am thinking it a win win, as I will more than likely get to use one during long drives in the car!

Siblings "Surfing"

Perhaps next year they will be ready to take it out to the first sand bar.

The Bond Broken?

I remember fondly the days I wrote about the bond Carter and Addie were developing. We have been blown away by the success of the first 25 months and owe 90 percent of it to Carter's gentle and patient personality. Well, about 3 weeks ago, that BOND came to a screeching halt when suddenly the 2 of them could not be in the same room as each other with out scratching, hitting or screaming, ultimately ending in a major breakdown with both of them. Blake and I were at our wits end wondering what went so wrong? Thank goodness 10 days later and separate baths and everything else, they just as suddenly snapped out of it... thank goodness! (But I did get a sneak peak at what the adolescent years will look like with these 2!)

After we got home one afternoon, I was unloading the car and came in the kitchen to find this sequence of events happening. Addie talked her "Bubba" into helping her get a specific pink sippy cup she wanted out of the cabinet. She proceeded to open the refrigerator all by herself, get out her TWO different cartons of soy milk we mix together and evenly poor her own combination of milk. She was so focused on the task, I seriously don't think she had a clue I was behind her documenting all this.

When she wants her "milky," she is serious. A very determined and self sufficient little girl.

Just some sweet & random pictures over the last week of them back together not trying to kill each other...

We are so thankful that the love is back.

MeMe in San Antonio = Fun, Water & Sun!! (Part I&II)

MeMe came in town and after a Friday afternoon and night FILLED with swimming, we all headed to Sea World on Saturday morning! Addie was focused on finding Rollie Pollies at first before she found the lazy river!

We all agree that competitive DIVING may be in Addie's future. She cannot get enough of it no matter where we are...

She consistently lays out and looks like she is flying.

Carter got a little water basketball time in and went down the slide in the background with MeMe!

Staying consistent with her recent bug fascination, Addie tool a breather from diving to check out the grass hopper...

After a LONG nap, we had dinner with the Perkins and Putniki's. Carter and Addie got to sport their new shirts...

Then and Now

July 2009 - Addie 14 months old and Carter 2.5 years old.

Just 1 year and 10 days later, same place. Addie just over 2 and Carter 3.5 years old...

Look What We Found...

What mom?

Look in the plant...

A little closer Carter!!!

Babies!

The sad truth is, I had thrown the 2 previous nests out (of course with no eggs) so that I could keep this plant alive and be able to water it. But this morning when we took it down to water, it was TOO late! Good thing... the reason I love this plant is it is SO HARDY!

Then and Now

Beach - A Year Ago and Now
I love reflecting how how much my babies change in just a year's time. It is simply amazing yet bittersweet. Being back at the same place allows me to compare and it makes it quite fun. Here are a few of my favorites...

The main reason this trip was so incredible was it was just so laid back and easy... simple and fun... 2 things I want to get back to more with my family.

Tons of good ol' sand castle building.

We would even do "dinner time" snacks on the beach just to be able... 

...to have later dinners in the front yard...  

As Type A and planned as I am in 80 percent of my life, these are the laid back and impromptu coastal weekend memories I had growing up and I want to make sure that I am giving them to Carter and Addie. 

 

We will be back soon. :)