Battle for the Paci...

Karsyn... age: 2 days
Tess... age: 6 months

Let the battle for the pacifier begin...

Really, it was so funny... We laid Karsyn and Tess down together to see how tall Tess is next to Karsyn... the girls had something else in mind though - and I'm sure this will not be the only time that these two will have plans of their own :O) - Tess rolled over and saw what looked like a "toy" in Karsyn's mouth (because Tess uses her pacifier as a teething-chew toy) and seeing the weaker opponent, took the opportunity to snag the pacifier from her... Karsyn however pulled right back. It was so funny because we expected Tess to easily pluck the pacifier from Karsyn's mouth, but Karsyn sucked on the pacifier, trying to hold on, and gave Tess a little challenge. Finally, Tess overcame! I think Apryl felt a little sorry for Karsyn, so she gave Tess her own paci and the girls were content to just lay beside each other, each with their own "toy." I can't wait for these two to be dragging around their little dolls, playing house together... so much fun! (And before long it will not be "these two," but the "three little musketeers" when Una gets here.)

Our Sweet Little "Joy"

Seth is definately the proud big brother of our new little girl... Karsyn Joy! He just grins ear-to-ear whenever she is around. Mommy & Daddy can't seem to get in enough hugs and kisses either and we already know what a blessing she will be to our lives! Labor and delivery went better than I expected (started potocin at 8am and she was born a little after 1pm), and after about 15 minutes of pushing or less, a sweet little cry was heard... Karsyn weighed in at a whopping 7 lbs. 10 oz and was 20 inches long. (If I had carried her until my due date she would have been closer to 9 lbs... ouch! ...thank goodness for inducing!) It was like a night at the Oscars, with cameras flashing all over. So many family and friends were there for her arrival - thank you for all of your love and support! Before we left L&D, both sets of grandparents circled around us, layed hands on us, and Pappaw and Grandpa prayed a prayer of blessing over Karsyn and our family. It was such a special day. I don't think it could have been more wonderful!

Did someone say pirates?

Pumpkin Patch Party

Seth turned big number 5 this year!!!!! He wanted to go to a real pumpkin patch for his birthday & have a pumpkin party... We found just the right place! Friends and family joined us for the fun... We took lots of pictures of course! ... got our faces painted, went on a hay ride, wandered through a corn maze, and of course we bought pumpkins and gourds to take home! After lots of fun at the pumpkin patch we headed for the park... more fun and playing... Food! ... and gifts (and I am slowly learning that Seth thinks the best ones are wrapped - lol - a gift bag just isn't as much fun to a five-year-old). We were all a little worried about the weather, but overcast skies held back the rain until we finished. As we were loading the coolers back in the truck, the sprinkles began... Seth had bunches of fun and is already looking forward to number 6!

TX Size Corn Maze???

The kiddos all got their faces painted and loved showing off for the camera... notice Seth chose a cute little lady bug - he he he!

Our hay ride driver went on all the big hills he could find and drove as fast as his little tractor would pull us. I think he liked the way the kids would throw their hands in the air and scream!

Part of our bumpy hay ride included the chance to navigate through a corn maze... okay, so it wasn't Texas sized. There was a TX shaped and size corn maze that you could go through at this pumpkin patch, but seeing how we got a little lost in the mini-maze, we decided to call it a day and head for the park.

Decorating the Ultimate Cookie!

This was Seth's lovely creation... the more toppings the better for a 5-year-old! We'll be taking orders soon - lol!







The kids all decorated their own cookies... meaning "no moms allowed!" The more icing and sprinkles the better and the kids really did it. Watching the sprinkles topple out or in some cases pour out, we knew that a sugar high was soon to come. But you know, when you don't have to clean up the kitchen afterwards, it was really easy to sit back and enjoy their fun! It was even more fun to watch them try to eat their creations and get all the icing and decorations on themselves... some ear-to-ear!





After solving a brief candle lighting problem (mainly I forgot matches or a lighter), Seth was finally able to blow out his candles and open gifts. It was so funny to watch him get excited and jump around! The kids also played on the playground and rolled in the grass... gotta love the park for some easy entertainment. Thanks to all who came. We hope you had as much fun as Seth did!

Good Intentions

With good intentions I "started" this blog back in November, but due to no real reasons at all I never got around to actually putting it together. I guess I could blame it on newlywed bliss or duties of a busy mom and teacher, but I don't think it's that... mostly just me being forgetful to getting around to it - sorry. So, hopefully I will get around to this time! Drew, Seth and I are happily nestled in the capital of our great state of Texas. We love it here! We bought our first home and are slowly working on updates and all the other fun stuff that goes along with being a homeowner (the stuff we never really knew about before - lol). I'll try to put some pics up of family, house and fun soon.