Comparison

Just thought I'd have a little comparison of Jeremy, the girls and I at around age 12months and 18 months. I'm not exactly sure how old Jeremy was in the first picture, but it looks close enough to around age 1. Do you think the girls look more like me or Jeremy? Do two of the three girls look more alike? I would love to hear all your comments and opinions.

12 months


18 months

Sunday Fun

Today was absolutely beautiful!! This afternoon, Jeremy decided to wash my car. It was in desperate need of a good cleaning. Since it was so warm outside, Camden and Claire thought this was the perfect opportunity to put on a swimsuit and help (more like play in the water). Anyway, we searched through all the swimsuits from last year and poor Camden could only find one that would fit her. I guess I know what the Easter Bunny is going to put in her basket. I really didn't want to take Carlyle out because she's not walking all the time and I knew she would prefer to crawl everywhere and I knew she would get filthy. But, she kept seeing everyone out the window and was dying to get outside. So, out we went. She had the best time crawling around, chasing her sisters and getting dirty! Oh what fun!!



Camden decided that her car needed to be cleaned, too.



Carlyle's checking out her dirty dress


Where's Carlyle? One of her new favorite games.

My two big girls...look how tall Claire is getting. She's catching up to her big sister.

Time to vacuum.

18 months and walking!!!

Carlyle turned 18 months yesterday and I was able to get just a few pictures. She finally started walking several days ago. She still prefers to crawl, but will walk awhile and when she falls, she then moves on to crawling. She has defnitely become more verbal this month, and will mimick almost anything that you say or do. Her personality is so fun, yet, when she wants something, you and everyone around know it. She makes her wishes very known!! Here are a few pictures of my 18 month old. I even used my new Flip video camera to capture Carlyle walking.

Arkansas Road Trip

This past Thursday, my mom, the girls and myself all headed to the northwest part of Arkansas to visit my cousins and uncle. I was dreading the 6 1/2 hour trip with the 3 girls, but they did pretty good. Much better on the way home because they were exhausted!! Once we got there, the girls were so happy to be out of the car and loved being able to run around and play. They quickly got acquainted with their newest cousin, Olivia, who just turned 2. The rest of the family came over for dinner and with 9 kids, ranging from 17 months old all the way up to a junior in high school, it was very chaotic and loud, but so much fun!! Camden, Claire and Carlyle loved playing with all their cousins, especially since there were so many their age.

Friday morning we got up and had a very lazy day. We spent the night at my cousin Stephanie's house. They have horses, cats and a dog. Camden and Claire were a little leary of the dog, but after a little while, realized she was ok. They loved the cats and were fascinated with the horses. Camden decided she wanted to ride a horse, and she did really well. Claire made it up on the horse before she got scared and wanted down.

Levi, Carlyle and Camden


Camden riding the horse



Carlyle made good friends with Rod and loved sitting in his lap. I think he liked it, too.


Emma Grace and Camden playing on the Wii


Claire's turn



Later that afternoon, two of my cousins and I headed out to find the Duggar's house. The Duggars live in Tonitown and my cousins live in Springdale. The two cities are very close. And, we were successful in our venture. It was a beautiful day so we were sure we'd see kids playing outside, but unfortunately, we didn't. However, if you look closely, you will see tons of bikes all lined up on the front porch.




The building where the film crew sets up to do interviews with the Duggars.


If you watch The Duggars on TV, then you know their oldest son, Josh, has a car dealership in Springdale, Arkansas. My cousin's husband, Rod, works at a car dealership, also. He has seen and even talked to Josh several times at the car auctions. Rod was kind enough to drive me by Josh's car lot. Here are a couple of pictures.



Friday evening we had dinner at my uncle's house with the whole family and Saturday morning everyone met up for my breakfast at my cousin Michelle's house. After the kids played for awhile, we loaded up and headed back to Texas. We had such a fun time and we can't wait to see everyone again, hopefully soon! Camden and Claire have already said they miss their cousins.

The two 4 yr olds having fun! Mallory and Claire


Jack, Camden, Levi, Carlyle, Kenlee, Olivia and Mallory (Claire refused to take a picture and Emma Grace was not there)


Carlyle playing outside. She loved the slide.


Trying for a cousin picture. Notice Claire's head is down. She again refused to look at the camera.


This is about the 15th picture taken, still with Claire's head down.


Finally, after coming inside Claire said she would smile. All the cousins: Jack, Emma Grace holding Olivia, Mallory, Claire, Camden, Kenlee and Levi holding Carlyle


Camden, Kenlee and Levi


Uncle Lonnie holding Mallory and Carlyle

Birthday Celebrations

We started off my birthday celebration on Thursday night. We went to El Charro's for dinner and then to Orange Leaf for some frozen yogurt. Camden and Claire were so excited to have "yogurt in the wall", as they call it. We had a fun night out as a family!





Photo courtesy of Camden


Photo courtesy of Claire


Friday night the celebrations continued. Some of my girlfriends from work and I all met at BJ's for a fun night and yummy dinner. Unfortunately, I didn't think to get any pictures. But, we did have a great time...fun times, fun friends and yummy food!

Saturday night, my parents, Jeremy, the girls and I went out to eat. I decided to go to Newk's, and surprisingly, everyone enjoyed it. Jeremy is pretty picky and I wasn't sure that he would like it, but he had a pizza and said it was really good! The girls and my mom did a little shoppping that morning for my party. Apprently, Camden and Claire thought we needed party hats, a banner and balloons. They went all out and were so excited to surprise me with all the decorations! We had a cookie cake and ice cream for dessert! Needless to say, I was stuffed when we headed home!

Me and my girls


Photo courtesy of Camden: all of us at Newk's


About to open presents


I got a Flip video camera...thanks Mom and Dad!!


Carlyle was having a good time!


Some of the guests at my party.


Mommy and Carlyle



Blowing out the candles, with a little help!


I think Carlyle enjoyed her cookie quite a bit!


And, for my final celebration, we had lunch at Marme' and Pops' house today. All of Jeremy's family was there and we all had a great time! Marme' cooked fried chicken, french fries, macaroni and cheese, salad and rolls. Yum!! And for dessert we had a Janie's cake! So so good! Thanks for cooking a great meal and for the fun party, Marme'!

Camden and Madeline


Blowing out the candles.


Gigi and Carlyle