Artist in Training

Elizabeth went to summer camp for the very first time this week.  It was actually mini-camp (9:00-12:00) called Artist in Training.  She was so excited each day.  Caroline, however, did not like her big sister leaving without her.  We would pull through the car line, the camp counselors would actually open E's door and get her out of her seat.  I never had to get out of the car.  Caroline did not like strangers taking her sister out of the car at all!  

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday- She picked this outfit all by herself!  The pockets were her motivation and she didn't take her hands out of them all morning.

Making News

So today went a little different than planned.  We woke up to our upstairs air conditining not working which is where the girls' bedrooms are.  So we called Cool Ray and they said they'd give us a call between 10:00 and 2:00 before coming out.  We continued with our plans.  We dropped Elizabeth at camp and headed into the Y to workout.  A really good workout plus the 103 degree temperature equals a whole lot of nasty sweat. 

When Cool Ray called saying they'd be there in 10 minutes they also let us know that Channel 2 news was doing a story on the heat and would be accompanying their guy.  WHAT?!?!?!  My house is a hot mess.  I'm a discusting, sweaty mess.  And they want to come do a story with us?! 

We knew we only had a few minutes so we did a clean sweap of the downstairs.  You will notice in the video that I made the poor decision of ignoring the playroom.  Who knew they would tape the messiest room in my house!  Not this girl, or I would have picked it up.

The reporter and camera man actually arrived BEFORE Cool Ray and started shooting immediately.  I was so flustered.  I didn't even have the good sense to throw on a hat or put on a clean t-shirt.  Neither did Bert.  But thankfully, he agreed to do all of the talking.  I told the reporter that I wouldn't ignore him if he asked me a question, but I prefered NOT to hear my voice on the evening news.  He said I could just go about doing what I would normally, which was serve my girls some lunch.  I usually chow down with them, but I definitely wasn't about to stuff my face on television! 

Flashback Friday

As we head to Memphis to celebrate my mom's Big Birthday and the 4th of July, here are some pictures from July 4th in Memphis 2009.

cousins

Grandma and Elizabeth

Elizabeth and Meyers

Rewind to the end of May

I cannot believe that my summer is halfway over.  I would love to rewind back to the end of May.  I had just finished school.  We had not gone on vacation yet.  The whole summer was ahead of us.  This was our first trip to the pool sometime during that blissful anticipation of summer.

It takes a village...

to push the strollers up the mountain!

It took all 5 adults taking turns pushing in order to get these 3 strollers up the mountain.  It was steep, but we made it!!

A Movie, Popcorn, and Friends

Elizabeth went to her very first movie today!  She had popcorn for the first time too! 

She held her ears during the previews.  It made me a little nervous, but when the movie started she was really into it. 

 She sat still and quiet throughout the entire movie.  When it was over she asked to watch it again.  I've decided that going to the movies is a great way to beat the heat this summer!

No idea what they were doing.  But they were all doing it while the mommies were talking.



We all scream for ice cream!

There's no real point to these pictures except that I was playing with my settings again.  Just when I think I've figured it out, I realize I don't know what I'm doing!  Oh well, that's why we pay a professional.  And I'll keep practicing on my favorite subjects!!

The Bentley Bash

I say all the time how much I love our neighborhood.  I love the pool, the tennis courts, the walking paths, but it's the people who make it so awesome.  Our street is filled with families who I am glad my children will grow up beside.  One of those families, the Bentleys, are moving so we had a farewell party for them tonight.  

Elizabeth and Lainey playing in the sprinkler.

Lainey Bentley quickly became one of Elizabeth's favorite friends.  We are going to miss this sweet family so much.  They made us feel so welcome when we moved here just a year ago.  

Caroline wasn't too keen on the sprinkler.

Rebecca played on their swing set with E for quite a while.

Elizabeth, Lainey, and Luke

It started to rain, and the real fun began!

finding "shelter" under the tree

Change of Plans

This morning we left the house and headed for the gym at 9:00.  It's a big deal in our house to get everybody up, fed, dressed, and out the door when we are in summer mode.  Unfortunately, the vents in the workout studio were smoking.  They had to call the fireman and close the child care which is just beside it.  I was so bumbed to miss my 9:30 class after working so hard just to get there!

We decided to go hike Kennesaw Mountain instead.  It's the 148th anniversary of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain so we got to see some reinactments as well.  The girls enjoyed watching them fire the canons.

Caroline was the lucky one who had a fan above her head that kept her very cool.

I thought I was going to die, but we made it to the top!



Elizabeth didn't want to hold my hand because I was "too hot and sweaty."  But she didn't mind holding her daddy's.



14 Months Old

Poor Caroline is definitely victim to second baby syndrome.  I totally missed her 13 month post and did not even realize it until a few weeks passed.  I think she'll survive, and know she is loved just as much as her big sister.  Here's what sweet girl has been up to for the last 2 months.

Caroline, I feel like time is slipping through my fingers.  I'm just trying to soak up every bit of you and your sister while I'm home with you this summer.

• First and foremost, you are officially a walker.  I mean FULL TIME walker.  You took your first steps on May 26th (13 months).  On your first attempt, you took 6 steps.  Your daddy, your sister, and myself all witnessed it.  We were so excited.  You had not even tried to take one step at that point.  You decided to take 6 on your first try.  They were slow and steady.  Elizabeth was cheering so loud and when you finally went to your knees she hugged you and said, "Caroline, I so proud of you."  Now she claims to everyone that she taught you to walk.  That girl is too funny.

• One month later, and you walk everywhere.  You sometimes crawl still, but mostly walk.
• You always go straight for the stairs.  And when you see me coming to get you, you try to go faster.

You've started giving the biggest hugs.  I love feeling your sweet, chubby arms wrap around my neck.

You are still a mama's girl.  No matter who is holding you, when you see me you throw your arms up for me to take you.  The fact that you want me above all else is my favorite thing in the world! 

You still take 2 naps a day.  You wake up around 8:00, nap from 10:00-12:00, then again from 3:00-4:00.  Every now and then I can keep you busy enough to stay awake until noon, and only take one long nap.  But that doesn't happen too often.

You are a great eater, usually eating more than your sister at each meal.

You are quite the snuggler.  I love it when you cuddle on the couch with me.  But you still don't like being rocked. 

Elizabeth has started picking you up and carrying you around.  We tell her not to.  Of course she does it anyway when she doesn't think we're looking.  And you really don't mind.  You are so content.  Even when she drops you (which is why we don't let her do it:))

Stats: 22 pounds, 7 teeth, size 4 shoe, 18-24 month clothes

One Month, Seven Months, and 14 Months Comparison

I think Elizabeth and Caroline look a lot alike this month.  I see the most difference in their eyes.  I forgot how curly Elizabeth's hair use to be.  So is Caroline's. 

Flashback Friday

These pictures are from the summer of 2010 when the Easons visited.  We will be visiting them along with my family next week. They have grown so much in the last two years.