The Calverts

100 Days of School...

2012-01-27T14:24:00.000-06:00

Today Anna Lauren and her friends celebrated "100" days of school. And since our daycare director is thoughtful enough to take pictures, I have pictures of Anna Lauren and her friends that I'm sure will make for many laughs when she is a teenager. They were supposed to dress as if they were "100" today so there are some funny pictures to say the least!

And I cannot go without noticing the fun it looks like these kids are having at school. For sure assures me that all is good with daycare and Anna Lauren is getting to experience so many fun and exciting things each and everyday!

Brayden Derryberry and Samatha Young...

Garrett Gardner and Kenly Kelly...

Holli Grace Italiano and Anna Lauren Calvert...

Holli Grace Italiano...

Anna Lauren was determined to wear the high heels but other than that, she didn't like any of my ideas. I tried to get her to wear a shawl, but she opted for the scarf. And her bun...well, I tried...seems as if Nanna is the only one that can get a good bun in her hair.

Thomas Hewitt Oswalt and Shelbee Nipper...

Brayden Quick and Will Jones...love the one pants leg in his pants...classical for an old man!

Brayden Derryberry and Kenora Griffin...yes, she is wearing a wig. She has a twin sister, and they were dressed the best this morning...both in wigs with glasses on...not sure where her glasses are in the picture?

Enjoying the Calm...

2012-01-22T19:56:00.000-06:00

After a crazy busy November and December, I must admit we are just "enjoying the calm" for a few weeks. And that is the reason for not posting in a while...we have not been doing much. However, that is going to quickly come to an end...Anna Lauren will start soccer soon, Matt and I are running the New Orleans 1/2 marathon, and we are going on a cruise. So I think we will be back to our normal "crazy busy" come February and March. So for now we will continue to enjoy the calm before our pace of life picks back up to what we consider "normal"...

This morning the kids agreed to pictures before church...Anna Lauren wanted to show off her curls (she slept in rollers) and Cooper wanted to say he moved to a new room at school this week...other than sitting in a big boy chair for breakfast and lunch, he is on the same schedule and pretty much doing the same thing. Oh...and he has given up his pacifier except at night. I haven't done that to him yet. And no...he didn't wear the blue crocs to church...he put on church shoes. However, he found them this weekend and has not wanted to take them off...so in order to get him to cooperate to get dressed...I put the crocs back on his feet!

Anna Lauren showing off her curls...she has put pink sponge rollers in her hair numerous times but come bed time they hurt her head. FINALLY...she slept all night in them. Oh the memories...I think I slept in pink sponge rollers every Saturday night until probably sixth grade!

The little man is so busy these days...so hard to even get him to stop long enough for a smile.

Mississippi Children's Museum...

2012-01-09T20:33:00.002-06:00

Although Saturday was a beautiful day and we should have spent it working in our yard, we opted to use the family membership to the Mississippi Children's Museum we got for Christmas. The museum sure provided for a "fun" Saturday afternoon!

Cooper did a lot of this...it was a lot for him to take in...

Anna Lauren milking the cow...

Again, Cooper did a lot of this...however, he was very entertained...

He thought he was "something" in this hard hat...

By far the favorite of the day, the paint launcher...it shot paint balls onto a huge piece of paper...

Anna Lauren waiting her turn to do spin art...

Spin art...

Obviously they were having a little "friendly" conversation on the tractor...sometimes they are sweet and sometimes not...you just never know!

Let's Set Sail...

2012-01-06T22:00:00.001-06:00

I'll be honest, Matt and I really love a cruise...and...we REALLY have the fever to go on one soon! And to make the matter even worse, one of the class ships we prefer is sailing in and out of New Orleans for a brief period of time so it really, really gave us the fever!

You guessed it...Matt booked us a cruise today! In March, we will set sail with our precious little girl who will be celebrating her 5th birthday while we are hopefully in Grand Cayman. Anna Lauren LOVES to travel so we thought this would be a good birthday / last hoorah before "real" school in August. She was thrilled when we told her we were going and immediately got on the computer and started looking at pictures of the ship. I think 1st on her "to do" list is ice skating...

We are super excited and will begin counting down the days very soon!

A New Year...

2012-01-02T20:28:00.000-06:00

After being off work and school for two weeks, tomorrow we will begin a new year...2012! For the most part, we traveled the last two weeks of December visiting family and enjoying a few relaxing days at the beach. And now all the suitcases are unpacked, the laundry is done, the monthly grocery shopping is done, the January bills are paid, and the Christmas decorations are back in the attic. Whew...been a busy two days of "chores", but we are now ready for our normal routine and of course, ready to see what 2012 has in store for our family.

Looking forward to another good year of making memories we will always cherish!

2011 Highlights...

2012-01-01T16:10:00.001-06:00

Well, another year has come and gone and I must say the Calverts have no complaints. Another good year full of fun and lots of memories to always cherish. I wanted to end the year with a few "highlights"...

January:

At 3 months old, Cooper started "big boy" school at Ridgecrest Baptist Weekday

February:

Matt and Mandi ran the New Orleans Rock 'n Roll 1/2 marathon
Cooper was dedicated at Pinelake Church

March:

Anna Lauren turned 4...Sarah Beth James, Miss Mississippi, surprised her at her princess birthday party...Anna Lauren was thrilled to say the least
We spent a weekend in New Orleans playing and enjoyed the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Biven...Anna Lauren LOVED New Orleans!

April:

We celebrated Easter
We celebrated Matt's 33rd Birthday

May:

Anna Lauren was in her 1st pageant...she won a "princess" and "most photogenic"

June:

Anna Lauren took 2 weeks of swimming lessons
We all went to the Miss Mississippi parade and autograph party in Vicksburg

July:

Anna Lauren and Mandi went to the Miss Mississippi pageant
We bought MeMe's mini van

August:

We went to the Brookhaven Exchange Club Fair
Anna Lauren started 4 year old preschool at Ridgecrest Baptist Weekday
Anna Lauren got her ears pierced
Matt and Mandi celebrated their 8th anniversary

September:

We spent a week in Orange Beach at the Wharf for vacation
We celebrated Mandi's 32nd birthday while in Orange Beach
Cooper turned 1

October:

Anna Lauren went on her first school field trip to the pumpkin patch
Cooper got his first hair cut
Mandi ran in the Run for Life 1/2 marathon in Madison
Cooper moved from the nursery to a toddler room at Ridgecrest Baptist Weekday
Halloween ~ Anna Lauren was a bride and Cooper a Dalmatian

November:

Matt went to Washington, DC on a work trip
We celebrated Thanksgiving with Mandi's family in Brookhaven
We moved Nanna to The Inn in Brookhaven
We saw Santa at Miskelly's

December:

Anna Lauren had her 1st Pep Rally
Anna Lauren and Cooper were in the Christmas program at Ridgecrest Baptist Weekday...Anna Lauren was an angel and Cooper sang Jingle Bells
We celebrated Christmas with both families
Thanks to Santa, we went to Orange Beach with the Bounds family for several days

Whew...what a year...and I would do it over in second...such fun!

Santa Vacation ~ Day 1

2011-12-31T22:41:00.002-06:00

Sweet, sweet Santa left us a trip to the beach and even got a condo big enough for our family and the Bounds family. So...we left Matt's parents on Wednesday morning and met our friends at Moe's in Mobile. I mean you cannot go to the beach without having lunch at Moe's...or so Matt Calvert thinks! Anyway, we were all super excited to see each other, had a yummy lunch, got all the girls in one car and all the boys in the other car, and off we went to Orange Beach!

As soon as we got to the condo, the girls got their swimsuits on and quickly made their way to the indoor pool. And yes, even in December it was warm enough to be in swimsuits on the balcony. The weather was in the 60s and 70s...PERFECT!

When I took this picture, I knew it was going to be a super fun few days...I mean look at these precious little girls...they are such sweet friends and full of smiles!

Cooper was pretty excited about swimming too...he LOVES the water!

Matt's favorite part of the beach...the sunsets...ahh...the beach...we just love it!

Dancing with Ms. Christy...Wednesday night we enjoyed The Hangout for dinner...you know, one of those places you cannot enjoy any other time because there are too many people.

Anna Lauren just a dancing!

Rileigh and Emmy...such sweet, sweet sisters!

Rileigh, Anna Lauren, and Emmy...

The Bounds Family...Jeremy, Christy, Elliott, Rileigh, and Emmy...

Silly Bounds Family and Anna Lauren...

Our little family...

And we couldn't end the night without a "silly" picture...

Santa Vacation ~ Day 2

2011-12-31T22:22:00.002-06:00

Thursday we got up and spent the morning swimming in the indoor pool and then came in for some lunch. After lunch, the big girls headed to the beach while the little boys took a LONG nap...they were so tired. Matt and Jeremy went down with the girls while Christy and I just lounged on the balcony...fabulous to sit and do nothing...I NEVER do that!

View from the balcony...three sweet little girls just playing the afternoon away...

And the boys decided to be funny...they were so proud of themselves!

And after showers, we headed to the Shrimp Basket for dinner. One of the many highlights of the trip was the "girls" car and "boys" car...they love being together!

Santa Vacation ~ Day 3

2011-12-31T22:21:00.000-06:00

Friday was another day full of fun...we went to the outlet mall that morning and then had lunch at the Original Oyster House. Then it was back to the condo for "play until you drop". The kids played on the beach and swam for a long time. We had dinner in the condo and called it a "super fun" day had by all!

We woke up and had a note from Santa...it said, "ALC, having fun? Love, Santa". The kids thought that was great fun and even went down to write Santa back and saw sleigh tracks. They decided Santa must be on vacation after all his hard work.

Little Elliott showing of his smiles...

Their note back to Santa..."We R having a lot of fun! Rileigh, Anna Lauren, and Emmy"...

Cooper finally made his way to the beach...

Eating some sand...yes, everything goes to his mouth...

These 3 can for sure strike a pose...and as crazy as it may seem, on December 30th, it was warm enough to play on the beach in your swimsuit.

Cooper throwing a fit because Daddy buried him in sand so he wouldn't get in the water...he just wanted to play in the water...

And Mr. Jeremy is buried...

Boys...enough said!

Rileigh was so sweet playing with Cooper...

Cooper found Anna Lauren's sunglasses...

Takes after his sister...no fear! The higher the better!

Santa Vacation ~ Day 4

2011-12-31T22:15:00.000-06:00

And Saturday came, which meant time to pack up and head home...always the "sad" day! We did manage to get everything packed and then we made one last stop before going our separate ways...Lambert's for lunch. I think all would say it was a fun-filled trip and for sure a Christmas memory with friends that we will always cherish!

The girls helping Mr. Jeremy get the carts...

And this is what it looks like when 3 little girls are begging for a roll...

So proud...she caught one!

Quick Trip to New Orleans...

2011-12-31T22:06:00.001-06:00

We spent Sunday (Christmas Day) through Wednesday morning with Matt's parents in Gulfport. His sisters and their families were there as well so by Tuesday, we felt the need for an outing. Let's just say it was a little "loud" with 6 kids 4 and under so we knew an outing would do everyone some good. Therefore, some of us headed to New Orleans for a little fun.

Anna Lauren didn't really want to go to the Aquarium, but she wanted to do whatever James and Spencer did so she went along. She thought if she did that then they would ride the trolley and horse and buggy with her...well, it didn't work out quite like that, and she threw a major fit...but...we told her we would go some other time for her to do those things. She just loves being on the "street" in New Orleans and is a little like her mother...not a huge fan of aquarium/museum type places.

And for me, well, the beignets were worth the trip...and...I happen to love New Orleans myself. Just hope next time we go we have a little more time to play.

Anna Lauren and James...I think it is funny their eyes are looking in opposite directions...

James, Spencer, and Anna Lauren being silly while we waited on tickets to the Aquarium...

Sweet Cooper...he got the "kid of the day" award...he was the BEST little boy!

James...

Kate and James at Cafe Du Monde...

Spencer...

Anna Lauren and Aunt Kate with powdered sugar on their noses...so much fun and oh so yum!

Calvert Christmas...

2011-12-26T21:14:00.005-06:00

After church on Christmas day, we headed to Gulfport to have Christmas with Matt's family...with little ones and living in a different place than all your family, Christmas can for sure be hectic. However, we make the best of the whirl wind and have a good time!

Cooper playing outside on Pop Pop and MeMe's deck...

Oh his smiles...could just eat this little dude up!

James checking out the new Ipad game we got him...

Anna Lauren was so excited to have a few more presents to open...

Cooper showing off his new big boy sweater...ignore Matt's closed eyes...

Pop Pop got Cooper his first cap...

MeMe opening the present we all got her and Pop Pop...copper wind chime with all the grandkids handprints...I was pleased...it turned out really cool!

Having a tea party with the queen...yes, MeMe got out her queen dress...the little girls thought that was great fun!

Queen MeMe...

Princess Anna Lauren...

Princess Madeline...

Princess Mary Martin...

And we ended the day with a house full of TIRED kids and adults...what a fun but exhausting day for all...Merry Christmas!

Santa Stopped at Our House...

2011-12-26T20:41:00.001-06:00

Santa stopped at our house and made everyone really happy! It was a fun morning of Anna Lauren being super excited and Cooper...well...he could have really cared less for the most part.

All Anna Lauren asked for was soccer stuff and paint pens...she got the soccer stuff but obviously Santa didn't think she was old enough for paint pens. Thankfully she was so excited that she never mentioned the paint pens...I'm sure she will...but at least it wasn't Christmas morning.

She also got some new coloring books, markers, and paint brushes, which she desperately needed.

Santa left this note for all of us...a beach trip...AND...he even got a condo big enough for the Bounds family! Wow...we are all super excited to say the least!

New beach towels, sand buckets, and kites for the beach...

Santa left Cooper his first set of golf clubs...

Obviously Santa knew Cooper would want to play with Anna Lauren's soccer ball so he left him one too...LOVE how Santa thinks ahead...

All smiles as she takes her first look at what Santa left her...

Cooper immediately grabbed his ball...

Reading the note from Santa about the beach trip...looks like excitement to me!

Cooper quickly found yogurt bites in his stocking...one of his favorites. And yes, he ate a whole bag on Christmas day!

The soccer goal was a hit with both kids...

Showing off her new soccer socks, shin guards, and cleats...

Eating her Christmas breakfast (Fun Dip) and calling the Bounds family to tell them Santa got a condo big enough for them too! They had no idea why Santa left them beach stuff...

Opening presents from Matt, Anna Lauren, and Cooper...a new camera strap...

New slippers...my old ones are headed to the trash...they are horrible!

New ear warmers for running...and gloves are on the way...

Daddy is thrilled over his new socks...his were for sure in sad shape!

Matt got the study Bible he wanted...

Checking out Daddy's new Garfield calendar for work...

A fun Christmas morning had by all...I so love my precious family!

Christmas Eve...

2011-12-26T20:04:00.002-06:00

After three days of celebrating Christmas in Brookhaven with my family, we headed back home for Santa to visit "our" house. Although it was a whirl wind night of unpacking presents and suitcases, starting laundry, and re-packing suitcases for the next adventure, we managed to do some or our family Christmas Eve traditions.

The kids had a bath and got dressed in their Christmas pajamas they had gotten this year on December 1st...then it was time to open a couple presents. I always give the kids an ornament...Anna Lauren got flip-flops, one of her favorites!

Cooper got a fire truck ornament...he was impressed for a minute...

And then he was DONE...poor kid was so tired...he just wanted to go to bed...enough of Christmas you people!

Attempting to read the Christmas book they got from Daddy and Mommy...as you can tell, my children just LOVE books...ha ha!

I just wanted to read The Story of Christmas to my children...hmm...they were not interested...broke my heart. However, I quizzed Anna Lauren on the story and she knew all the answers so at least I went to bed knowing she knew Christmas was about Jesus and not just Santa!

Anna Lauren put out some reindeer food so we could be sure Santa's reindeer would find our house...

All done with hopes Santa and his reindeer will stop at our house...

Roberson Family Christmas...

2011-12-26T15:30:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve we had brunch at Brad and Paula's house for our "Roberson" Christmas. We had been in Brookhaven since Thursday so Anna Lauren was busting to open a present...and finally...it became present time!

Here she is...ready to start opening presents!

One excited little girl...she FINALLY got Candy Land!

Ashton with his new pellet gun...

The best gift for a teenager...money or a Visa gift card...

Cooper playing with his new dump truck book...

Art stuff...her favorite!

Jake showing off his new boots...

Anna Lauren and Bently with their matching outfits from Nanna...

Race belt and elastic laces...now...he has his own for race day!

Ashton got disgusting science and a new hat...he's happy!

Cooper and Nanna playing with his new puzzle...

Yay...a new pillow pet for her school bag!

The boys with their nutcrackers from Nanna...a Christmas tradition!

It would not be Christmas without chocolate covered cherries...I have given them to him since I was a little girl...the tradition continues...

Cooper was not having it...so much for a picture of Nanna's grandkids / the cousins...

Sometimes "silly" is the best option...

The "big" boys...Jake, Ashton, and Reid...

Reid/Roberson Christmas...

2011-12-26T14:47:00.000-06:00

On Friday night we had our annual Reid/Roberson Christmas at Aunt Pam and Uncle Terry's house. This is our second year to have Christmas at their new "country" house...Uncle Terry builds a bonfire for hot dogs and smores and then Bill provides fireworks. The kids LOVE it at their house and the adults just all enjoy an opportunity to get together and visit...unfortunately, we don't get to see each other as often as we would like.

We did "think about" trying to take a picture of all the kids but you know, it just isn't worth it anymore...there are too many of them that just want to be outside playing and not taking pictures. However, I did manage to get a few snap shots throughout the night.

Anna Lauren with her pixie wand (sparkler)...can we just say PRINCESS?

Cooper managed to find a Capri Sun...he thought he was something and LOVED it!

Carrie and Claire...

Emily, Mallory, and Anna...

Mallory...

Nanna with silly girls (Bently and Anna Lauren)...

Brad, Cooper, and Paula...

From Paris to McComb, MS...

2011-12-26T14:26:00.001-06:00

Matt's sister and her family came from Paris for two weeks to be with family for Christmas. And on Friday, they happened to be traveling by train from Memphis to Hammond (from one set of grandparents to the other set of grandparents). And since we were going to be in Brookhaven, we thought it would be fun to wave at them as they passed through. However, we ended up being in McComb rather than Brookhaven so we saw them there. We had a fun time waiting on the train, hugging Aunt Kate, and waving them on to their destination. James and Mary Martin fell asleep so only Aunt Kate got off to see us for just a "second" before the train was was off again.

Another Hair Cut...

2011-12-26T13:56:00.000-06:00

One of the nice things about Nanna's new apartment is that it is in downtown Brookhaven so everything we need is within walking distance. Therefore, the little man walked his way right over to the barber shop...he was for sure sporting a mullet. Sweet Ms. Jill who cuts Uncle Joey's and Ashton's hair was more than happy to cut his hair, and we walked away with a for sure "big boy" hair cut and of course the cutest little boy in town.

He was so happy that it was finally his turn to get in the chair!

Being such a good boy...

Mommy's camera case was a great way to keep him still...he will chew ANYTHING!

Christmas Cookies...

2011-12-26T13:40:00.000-06:00

Last year Anna Lauren spent the week before Christmas in Brookhaven with Nanna and the one thing she had not forgotten was making Christmas cookies at Aunt Paula's house with all her cousins. Unfortunately this Christmas Aunt Paula spent most of her Christmas at the hospital with her mom so they didn't get to have their "annual" Christmas cookie party. However, we still made cookies at Nanna's new apartment (will post about this another day), and she convinced Reid and Jake to come help her.

And after talking about making cookies for an entire week this is about all Anna Lauren did...once she made her "mess" she was done and on to something else. She did come back for a few minutes to put on some icing and sprinkles.

No worries...Santa still had some cookies because Daddy and Reid made them. Jake had no part of the cookie making either...he just sat around until we were done with the icing so he could eat it.

Not sure how many cookies Reid really made, but I do know he had plenty of dough (my kind of boy)!

And Cooper was happy looking out the window at the choo choo. I must post about Nanna's new place soon because it is super cool...we all LOVE it!

Ballet Recital...

2011-12-16T21:39:00.000-06:00

Last night we enjoyed Anna Lauren's ballet recital...and I'm not sure who enjoyed it more...us or her. She has LOVED ballet and gets so excited at recital time...again, I think she just LOVES a stage...not sure it matters what she is doing on that stage!

Anna Lauren was a little disappointed that Nanna and MeMe were not going to be at her recital. It was horrible...I talked to mom and she was crying because she couldn't come and then Anna Lauren cried on the way home from school because Nanna wasn't coming. BUT...Nanna to the rescue...she got Matt to stop and get her a happy...a good luck balloon and PEZ made it all better!

And I almost cried trying to get the bun in the hair...Nanna typically does that for Anna Lauren. However, a lot of bobby pins and hairspray and we made it to the recital with a "decent" bun.

And yes, Cooper went in his pajamas (cannot believe I did that, but I was too tired to care...busy, busy week got the best of me)...their recital wasn't until 7:30, which is Cooper's bed time so he was ready to come straight home and crawl into bed.

Anna Lauren being introduced...

I looked up while they were introducing all the girls and Anna Lauren is peaking around the curtain. Yes, she was supposed to be BEHIND the curtain!

Just another one of Holli Grace's many faces...I always get these "crazy" shots of her!

This picture makes me smile...this face is all I need to see to know she is having so much fun!

These girls...breaks my heart to think they'll be separated in August...what wonderful memories they have made these first five years together!

So proud of her flowers from Daddy. She has it figured out though...we got home before him yesterday and she said, I know where Daddy is...he is buying my flowers for tonight!

The girls...Anna Lauren, Holli Grace, Kenly, and Jordan...

Uh oh...Cooper seemed to like the stage too. Matt and I really have our hands full with these two kiddos!

Christmas at the Park...

2011-12-16T21:13:00.001-06:00

Since it was a "warm" December night and MeMe was at our house for the night, we decided to go to the park Wednesday night. We took a train ride through the park to see all the lights and got to see Santa one more time, which was a good thing because Anna Lauren has come up with one more thing she REALLY wants for Christmas.

Anna Lauren telling Santa she wants to add the game Candyland to her list...

Once again, Cooper was not so sure about Santa...and after looking at these pictures, I realized I should have put Christmas clothes on him. O'well...too late now!

Ridgecrest Weekday Christmas Program...

2011-12-16T20:56:00.000-06:00

Wednesday morning Anna Lauren and Cooper had their school Christmas program at Ridgecrest Weekday. Cooper along with all the other toddlers "sang" Jingle Bells and Anna Lauren and the other 4 year olds sang several songs and told the Christmas story. She was very excited about being an angel and the big deal was the microphone...she got to talk on REAL microphone!

It was a fun morning of being enjoying this special time of the year and being "proud" parents!

I couldn't resist taking a few pictures before we left for school...they were precious in their Christmas clothes all ready for their program. And Anna Lauren insisted they take pictures holding presents.

The program starts with the 4 year olds doing A to Z...each letter represents something for Christmas. Anna Lauren and Will were "X" for kisses...she was supposed to blow kisses...Will did...I think Anna Lauren got a little distracted when her foot hit the drum walking out onto the stage.

Cooper has made it to the stage...he actually looks like he is singing in this picture...

And this was his face throughout Jingle Bells...he was not sure what in the world was going on...this was NOT a "normal" school activity...

Cooper and Layne...again, they sat like this through the whole song...I'm sure wondering what are we doing?

All done...time to let another group have their turn...

And here is our pretty little angel...she really LOVES a stage these days! Her preschool choir from church sang at the nursing home last weekend and she really didn't sing...when I asked her why, she said...I only like to sing on stages...I don't like singing on the floor. Oh my!

Love this picture because they are all singing their little hearts out...and go ahead and laugh at Kenly the star...we all did! Poor Kenly was supposed to have a "beautiful" costume...needless to say, her mother is going to make one for the kid that has to be a star next year. However, Kenly wasn't bothered by the costume!

Microphone time...Anna Lauren has said her part...can you tell...she is so proud of herself!

One more picture of singing...this was the first year that she actually enjoyed her program. In years past, she always put her fingers in her mouth and just kind of stood there...not the case this year. Amazing how much they mature in 1 year!

After the program, we went to get Anna Lauren from her room and as we walk through the cafeteria we see this naked little boy enjoying him some lunch. Ms. Bizzy said, "I thought you would prefer naked rather than him ruining his good clothes". Sweet boy...he didn't care...he just wanted some lunch!

Christmas Traditions...

2011-12-06T20:43:00.001-06:00

Since our chidren are still young and each year seems to be a little different, we are still trying to figure out our "traditions" that we will have each year with our children. In the past, we have always given the kids a pair of Christmas pajamas, a Christmas book, and an ornament on Christmas Eve. However, I got the idea from someone else to give the Christmas pajamas on December 1st so they could enjoy them all month...so...this year, the kids first present came when they got out of the bath December 1st.

Presents ready and waiting on "clean" kiddos...

Sitting beside Anna Lauren's tree, which she decorated herself, and Cooper's Nutcracker...a little something for the girl and a little something for the boy...

I LOVE matching pajamas...Cooper has the boy version and Anna Lauren the girl version of Santa Claus pajamas...

What sweet kids to spend Christmas with...the chaos of Christmas makes it not one of my favorite times of the year, but then I look at these two and am reminded it is all worth the stress!

The sweet little man, who by the way, is walking at 14 months...for some reason, I failed to do the "walking post"...he played around and thought about walking from 12 to 14 months, but now we can say, he is for sure walking! And if you cannot tell, he also has his first of many black eyes...all boy for sure!

1st Pep Rally...

2011-12-04T22:14:00.001-06:00

I think it would be fair to say we all wonder what our children will end up liking/doing throughout their school years. If I had to say what I "think" Anna Lauren will do...I would say that last week we went to our first of many of her pep rallies!

Anna Lauren just enjoyed an 8 week cheer camp, which ended with a pep rally last Tuesday night. Thursdays were BIG days at our house because it meant ballet and cheer! She loves ballet each week and really enjoyed cheer as well. We will continue to give her the opportunity to experience different things and one day she will know what she "really" loves and wants to invest her time doing...

Anna Lauren and Kenly waiting on the pep rally to start...

In her spot ready to go...all smiles for sure!

Coming down from a jump...I was too slow to get an "action" shot...

Another jump/kick (maybe)...I for sure was not a cheerleader so I don't know all the names...

Time for stunts...think they've got some "learning" to do before they can really stunt!

Waiting her turn while others were stunting...

One of Holli Grace's many faces...

Last but not least...the "dance"...

We've Seen Santa...

2011-11-27T21:54:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, we met the Williams and the Wrights at Miskellys for our annual trip to see Santa. For the first year, the kids were amazing...none of them cried and all enjoyed their time with Santa!

I looked up and Anna Lauren had climbed in Santa's lap and was all smiles...needless to say, I got my camera fast!

Santa thought a "silly" face would be fun...little does he know, Anna Lauren likes making silly faces too!

She was sure to tell him exactly what she wants...soccer stuff, paint pens (I'm thinking she is not old enough for this one), and new coloring books...

Cooper never cried, but he was not so sure about Santa. However, Anna Lauren never quit smiling...

Cooper had this face the entire time...

And enough is enough...he was DONE with Santa!

All smiles watching the big kids ride the carousel...don't feel sorry for him, he got to ride once, but the big kids got to ride two times.

LOVE this picture of Anna Lauren...just wish she could ALWAYS act as sweet as she looks!

Adam and Anna Lauren being silly...

Jack...

Ann Hardie...

Cooper and Ellie...not sure where his smiles were yesterday...I sure hope he has not lost them!

As we were leaving Ann Hardie decided she did want to talk to Santa...Anna Lauren agreed to walk up to Santa with her.

She didn't get in his lap, but she at least got close to him...mission accomplished...great job kids! Now Santa knows what everyone wants...if we can just be good for a month! Adam, Jack, and Ellie all sat with Santa too, but I was holding Ellie for Katie to take pictures so I didn't get their picture with Santa.

Disney on Ice...

2011-11-19T22:17:00.001-06:00

Matt and I took Anna Lauren to Disney on Ice Thursday night. Last year I took her to Princesses on Ice, which she LOVED so she was so excited the day had finally arrived for Disney on Ice. And...we even borrowed a Cinderalla dress from Holli Grace because she remembered last year all the girls were dressed up for the show. However, she was very disappointed (her exact words) in the show because there were only two princesses...Tinkerbell and Ariel...she wanted to see all of them like last year. She did sit in her seat and watch the whole thing so I don't think it was torture by any means! And now we know, we can save our money if it is not Princesses on Ice...silly girl!

Another Field Trip...

2011-11-19T21:57:00.001-06:00

Thursday was a another big day for Anna Lauren...it was field trip day! They got to go to the Natural Science Museum, have a picnic, and play at the park. Matt and I were both able to go with her for her day of field trip fun!

Waiting in line to get on the bus...this is still her favorite part of field trips...

Sitting with her class...

Pretending to be an ant with Brayden and Hardy...

Shelbee...

Holli Grace...

Regina and I got a big kick out of this...we looked and both girls were sitting on the bench throwing them a little fit...they wanted to climb on the frog by themselves...not with everyone else...

All smiles now...all their other friends got off the frog!

This field trip was a "big" deal because they got to pack their lunch and have a picnic...not sure what was more fun...riding the bus or packing their lunch / having a picnic?

Washington, DC...

2011-11-19T21:34:00.001-06:00

Matt and Ramona (co-worker) spent the first part of last week in Washington, DC for a work conference. He said he is going to do a "post" but just in case he never does (I'll believe it when I see it), I wanted us to be able to remember that he did spend some time in DC this year!

One of the "perks" of his job is that he does get to travel some and typically to very fun places...too bad someone has to stay at home with the sweet kiddos!

Mallory's 3rd Birthday...

2011-11-19T20:22:00.008-06:00

Last weekend, we celebrated Mallory's 3rd birthday...she had a princess party and Belle even made an appearance. Belle painted finger nails and faces...it was a fun time for the little girls!

Anna Lauren and Belle (Anna, who still has a very special place in Anna Lauren's heart even if she is not a cheerleader this year...for some reason, she sticks to Anna like glue...it is so sweet and Anna is so patient with her).

Anna painting Anna Lauren's face with Mallory in her lap...they all LOVE Anna!

Mallory had the cutest princess cake...

Time for "Happy Birthday" and cake...

Cooper and Claire...

Anna Lauren helped Mallory open all of her presents...she really "helped" her rather than opening them for her...she is becoming such a big girl these days!

Present time...princess dress for the little birthday princess...

Mallory and Anna Lauren...

Cooper finally made his way into the jump house...big kids and all...he LOVED it!

Fall Photo Shoot...

2011-11-06T19:46:00.006-06:00

A couple weeks ago, we had family pictures made by JC Bounds Photography. The kids were AMAZING...not one melt down and endless smiles. However, this made my job very difficult...I wanted to order every one of them...yes, all 50 that turned out GREAT! Unfortunatly there is a "budget" so I narrowed it down to the ones below...

Halloween...

2011-10-31T21:30:00.005-05:00

Tonight we celebrated Halloween the "traditional" way...we trick or treated in the subdivision and then came home to pass out candy. There were lots of families out trick or treating so it was a big night full of fun for the little ones!

The bride costume was a bit confining and had to be held up to walk so Anna Lauren decided to be a "princess" cheerleader tonight. Not sure where the crown idea came from, but since it was Halloween, I let her do what she wanted.

Cooper went as Spot the Dalmatian once again...

Anna Lauren was such a big girl this year...she went up to all the doors and was not shy at all...

All smiles as she waited on someone to answer the door...

And now we are just a cheerleader rather than a "princess" cheerleader...I knew the crown wouldn't last long...

Cooper just taking it all in...he wasn't really sure what to think...

Love these sweet smiles...she was having so much fun!

She decided she should take Cooper's pumpkin too...such a sweet big sister (most of the time)!

By this point, she wanted to go to the houses all by herself...she wanted us to stay at the street...such a BIG girl for sure!

After we trick or treated for a while, Anna Lauren wanted to come back home and pass out candy...I think she enjoyed this more than trick or treating.

Cooper passed out candy with us for a little while then thankfully Daddy took him inside and put him to bed...he was one tired little boy!

Probably one of my favorite pictures of the night...she was so sweet...she said we could give away all the candy she got trick or treating. We managed to save her some (well, alot), but she did give a lot of the candy she got away...she typically shares, which makes me so proud!

Trunk or Treat...

2011-10-29T21:39:00.005-05:00

Tonight we went to Trunk or Treat at FBC, Brookhaven...Anna Lauren enjoyed playing all the games and of course, getting candy. Cooper, you know, was just "along for the ride" as usual. However, he was by far the cutest puppy there!

After tonight, we just have one more Halloween activity...trick or treating Monday night. Whew...thank goodness because Daddy and Mommy are tired...we have had one busy October!

Uncle Brad rescued Cooper from his stroller...Uncle Brad typically "rescues" Cooper. But look at his sweet face...it is hard not to love him...especially since he smiles ALL the time!

Our beautiful bride and "smiling" puppy...

Anna Lauren fishing...

So proud...she caught a fish!

Yes, she convinced us she could jump in her bride dress...at this point, she was wanting to change clothes because jumping seemed like much more fun than being a bride.

Bently's 3rd Birthday...

2011-10-29T21:25:00.003-05:00

This morning we went to Bently's Halloween Hello Kitty 3rd birthday party...

The girls painting pumpkins...

Their tongues crack me up...they were obviously very focused...

Princess Dora, Bently...

A hay ride with blankets instead of hay...the kids LOVED it!

Bently and Anna Lauren...

"Happy Birthday" is being sung...love that "sweet" smile!

Silly cousins...

Anna Lauren not cooperating...she just wanted to do silly faces!

Nanna's Birthday...

2011-10-29T21:16:00.002-05:00

Friday night we celebrated Nanna's birthday...the adults enjoyed soup on a "finally" cool night while the kids enjoyed roasting hot dogs and marshmallows on the fire pit. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures...sometimes it is hard to take pictures and keep up with the children. And Cooper is into EVERYTHING so you have to watch him at all times and especially when we are at a house that has teenagers rather than little people. Meaning...there is no baby proofing at Brad and Paula's house!

Nanna, we had so much fun celebrating your birthday with you!

I mean really...did I think I would get a picture of Nanna with ALL her grandkids? However, I cannot say I didn't at least try!

Trick or Treating at Millsaps...

2011-10-26T21:34:00.002-05:00

Tonight the kids got to Trick or Treat at Millsaps...

We Trick or Treated through one of the dorms...it was such a fun time for the kids, and I was so proud of those sweet students who went to such effort to make it a fun night for everyone and especially the kids. We came home with pumpkins full of candy and are looking forward to our other Halloween activities over the next few days...

Anna Lauren (the bride) and Holli Grace (the queen)....

I had to post this picture even though Anna Lauren is not looking...I have such a hard time getting Holli Grace to smile at me so I was tickled to have a "smiling" picture of her!

Cooper...I mean "Spot" the Dalmation...

Cooper thought Trick or Treating was great fun and he wasn't even bothered by his costume!

Making their way through the halls of the dorm...

The students had decorated the halls...such fun for us and them!

Our "Toddler"...

2011-10-25T20:58:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a big day for the little man...he went from the nursery to a toddler room at daycare. The biggest difference between the two rooms is one nap a day and that nap is on a nap mat rather than in a crib.

So far, the nap mat doesn't seem to be a problem...but...he is exhausted when I pick him up. Yesterday we couldn't find his pacifier so he cried until we were almost home and then fell asleep. Today we had the pacifier so he was asleep before we got out of the daycare parking lot. However, once he gets home, he is just ill because he is so tired. Now...we realize this will get better (just as it did with Anna Lauren) and all will be fine, but we for sure are having an "adjustment" week.

On a separate note, he has decided to be ugly to his friends. I got a call from the daycare at 10 AM today...he had already bitten 4 of his friends. They asked if they could give him some Tylenol with thoughts that maybe it is his teeth hurting and causing him to bite...yes, he does have another tooth breaking through so we can hope that is the case. Or...let's just hope it is a phase. I remember this being the time Anna Lauren and her friends did all the biting. Oh...the "not so fun" part of being parents...so embarrasing when they call you over issues such as these.

And of course, we couldn't have our first "toddler" day without taking some pictures before heading to daycare...

Mississippi College Homecoming...

2011-10-25T20:51:00.002-05:00

Saturday we went to Mississippi College for Homcoming...I obviously didn't take many pictures, but I do have two favorites from the day.

Anna Lauren went for 2 reasons...(1) find Anna and (2) watch the cheerleaders. And we managed to do both...sweet Anna was so kind to pay her some attention even though she was with her "college" friends and Anna Lauren doesn't quite fit in considering she is only 4. Of course, Anna Lauren is sad Anna is not cheering this year, but she still had a great time watching the other cheerleaders.

And here is the little man just hanging out trying to look happy even though it was right in the middle of his nap time...he was a trooper for sure!

Finally...the Park is Open!

2011-10-17T22:22:00.004-05:00

After being closed for months and months for renovations, our park finally re-opened this weekend. And since we didn't get to go this weekend, we were all anxious to go after school/work today. And let me just say...it was worth the wait...the "new" park is AWESOME!

Daddy/Daughter Date Night...

2011-10-17T22:09:00.002-05:00

Saturday night Chick-fil-A hosted Daddy/Daughter Date night and Matt made reservations for him and Anna Lauren. To say Anna Lauren was excited would be an understatement...she got all dressed up and was thrilled when the time finally came for them to go on their date.

I think it ended up being a special night for them...I was just thankful she has a Daddy willing to take time to take her on a date. You know, I missed out on those "little" things by not having a Daddy so I love getting to watch her experience those "special" Daddy/Daughter moments.

All ready for their date...

Their "special" table...

Anna Lauren and her rose...of course, Chick-fil-A did it all RIGHT as usual!

Run for Life 1/2 Marathon...

2011-10-17T21:41:00.004-05:00

Saturday I ran the Run for Life 1/2 Marathon in Madison with Kelley Matthews, a friend from work. I was pleased with my time but it was for sure not one of my best races...I pretty much crashed around mile 11 so the last 2 miles were mentally challenging. Or maybe I should say the whole race was mentally challenging as we ran mile after mile on a "parkway" of nothing. I prefer a loop and for sure not an out and back. However, when it was all said and done, you cannot walk away from a 1/2 marathon and not say it was just a "little" fun!

One of my three favorite cheerleaders waiting for the race to start...my children are such troopers...they were are all smiles at 5:30 AM on race day!

Patrick, the Biggest Loser, joined us for the race!

Off we go for 13. 1 miles...I'm in the green visor and pink shirt...

Finally almost to the turn around at mile 8...

My friend, Kelley, is in the Run for Life shirt...

Let's just say I was happy to see my cheerleaders!

We've made it through the turn around and are now headed towards the finish line...5 miles of nothing but flat/straight parkway...the most mentally challenging part of the race.

Anna Lauren entertaining herself while waiting on Mommy at the finish line...

I've spotted my cheerleaders...almost to the finish line!

13.1 miles DONE!

I could not do it without Matt's support and encouragement...he is the BEST!

Cooper's 1st Hair Cut...

2011-10-12T20:50:00.003-05:00

Last Friday, the little man got his very 1st hair cut. I was a little nervous going into the hair cut because Anna Lauren's 1st hair cut was probably one of our worst experiences with her...however, Cooper was his typical little self and was an angel to say the least.

After his hair cut, he proceeded to walk. He was walking all over the salon...but...that was enough...he hasn't walked any more since last Friday. He decided crawling is just fine for now!

All ready for his 1st big boy hair cut...Matt was holding him and kept saying, cut a little more, cut a little more. No doubt...Cooper will for sure ALWAYS look like a "military" boy as long as Matt has anything to do with the hair cut. MeMe has assured me that is a battle not worth fighting with Matt...he loves him some short hair!

All smiles as Ms. Melanie cut...

Anna Lauren loved her short hair this summer so she wanted her hair cut too...

Once again, short hair! She LOVES it!

1st Field Trip...

2011-10-09T21:48:00.004-05:00

Anna Lauren had been anxiously waiting for the day to finally come and last Thursday was the day...their 1st field trip! Being in the 4 year old class is a HUGE deal because not only do you get to go on field trips...BUT...you get to ride on the bus! Yes, the excitement was all about the bus...she really didn't care about the pumpkin patch...just the bus.

Matt and I took the day off work, and we went with her class to the pumpkin patch...it was a fun morning but Anna Lauren will tell you the "bus" was by far the most fun!

And here is the "bus"...

Walking to the bus...look at those faces...I'm telling you they were so excited!

Climbing onto the bus...

Looks like she likes it to me...what do you think?

When we arrived at the pumpkin patch, her teacher let them stick their heads out the window so parents could take pictures...she assured me it was a fun ride!

Anna Lauren (horse) and all her "animal" friends...

Shelbee and Anna Lauren...

Class picture...they were all screaming "pumpkins"...

On the wagon headed to see the animals and get our pumpkins...

Regina and Holli Grace...

Picking out her pumpkin (the first one she saw)...she was so not interested...

Here it is...can I go play now?

Swinging...this would probably be next in line behind riding the bus as her favorite part of the field trip...

Back on the bus to go back to school....again, such excitement!

A Better View...

2011-10-09T21:29:00.002-05:00

A "big" milestone for the little man...1 and 20 pounds, which means, he got to turn his car seat around! From this picture, I would say he was a bit excited about his "new" view from the car...

Oh wait...I'm not sure what is going on...this is not normally how I ride to school...

Looking at Anna Lauren...she provides "free" entertainment for Cooper every time we are in the car...sometimes enjoyable and sometimes not...obviously it was not so entertaining this morning.

Cooper's 1st Birthday Party...

2011-10-02T21:55:00.007-05:00

Last night we had a house full of family to celebrate Cooper's 1st birthday. It was a fun night of eating barbecue, cupcakes, and ice cream and watching the little man dig into his smash cake and show no interest what-so-ever in his presents.

Thank you to all of our family for celebrating Cooper's 1st birthday with us...he had so much fun and was once again confident it was his special day!

Cooper's 1st Birthday...

2011-09-28T21:41:00.007-05:00

Cooper's "birthday" shirt...this is what Anna Lauren picked out to give him for his birthday...

Treat bags for Cooper's "school" birthday party...

Cooper's party hat and cupcakes for his school party...

Daddy, Mommy, and Anna Lauren waking up the "birthday boy"...lots of birthday excitement in the room and a crib full of balloons!

Opening his presents from Anna Lauren...he was most interested in the paper!

Anna Lauren showing off the two "birthday" shirts she picked out to give him for his birthday...

Birthday breakfast at the Donut Palace...

Anna Lauren had to blow out his candle...he hasn't figured that one out yet...

Yes, that would be a whole donut hole in his mouth...he LOVED them!

The sweet girl that worked at Donut Palace was all into our party...she helped make the morning great fun and even offered to take a family picture.

Party time at school...he had already had his "real" snack so he was messy before we even started with his cupcakes.

He was confident that he was the "special" boy today!

Singing happy birthday and getting his 2nd candle of the day...

He dove right in...not hesitant for even a second...

Uh oh...maybe this isn't fun anymore!

Can we say MESSY?

Cooper with all his buddies...he either really likes the bye bye buggy...or...he again, is confident he is the "special" boy!

So happy...he really enjoyed himself at his party!

Cooper and all his teachers...these ladies are fabulous...they LOVE these kids and take such good care of them each day. We are so blessed!

Anna Lauren showing off Cooper's present from Daddy and Mommy...yes, practical, I know...I just cannot help it and especially when he doesn't really need anything.

And after birthday dinner on the patio at Newk's, bath time (loves it) and to bed...it was a big day full of fun for the little man!

And now we have one sweet little man who is "officially" 1, and a tired Daddy, Mommy, and Sister...we celebrated hard and enjoyed every minute with the little man!

12 Months...

2011-09-27T21:41:00.004-05:00

Wow...the little man will be 12 months old tomorrow...where did the year go? Yes, it went fast for sure but we have many wonderful memories of our little man from his first year, and we look forward to many more years of watching him grow!

As you can see in the pictures, he continues to smile...God blessed him with a beautiful smile that he is not afraid to show off all the time. Cannot say I've ever seen a kid who just "smiles" all the time...so fun and for sure makes my heart smile!

He is pretty much all table food, mostly whole milk, but a couple bottles throughout the day. We anticipate eliminating bottles all together within the next week or so. He has 2 bottom teeth and three teeth breaking through up top...enough teeth to destroy his baby bed...we hope to have covered the popular chewing places to somewhat keep the bed looking decent. When he is tired, he likes his paci and for sure likes his lovey, which we try to keep in his bed. He is not walking yet, but we know it is coming soon. He pushes anything he can all around the house and will stand for a few seconds by himself. Supposedly he is all over the place at daycare...last week he climbed into a swing with another baby...that poor baby!

We are looking forward to celebrating "1" with him...tomorrow he will have a party with his friends at school and then Saturday we are having a family supper to celebrate his birthday. Looking forward to celebrating with the sweet little man!

Watch Me Grow...

2011-09-27T21:25:00.005-05:00

Hard to believe but tonight is my last "watch me grow" post...our little man will be 12 months tomorrow. I did "watch me grow" with Anna Lauren for 12 months and have done the same for Cooper. However, I will continue to post pictures, and you will still be able to watch the precious little man grow!

1 Month...

2 Months...

3 Months...

4 Months...

5 Months...

6 Months...

7 Months...

8 Months...

9 Months...

10 Months...

11 Months...

12 Months...

Orange Beach Vacation ~ Day 1

2011-09-18T21:32:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Pop Pop and MeMe for letting us use their condo at The Wharf in Orange Beach...we just returned from a fabulous week long vacation!

We left last Thursday after work and got home Friday night...8 nights and 7 days of fun, perfect weather, and little angels who had a blast! And not to mention just the enjoyment of quality family time with no routine, interruptions, etc.

There are many pictures because my faithful readers know I print my blog each year so this is my photo album, baby book, scrapbook, all in one source of capturing our memories.

After Cooper's morning nap we headed to the pool at The Wharf...here is Cooper's first reaction to the water...at this point, we assumed he would have a good week!

The whole family spent much time on these slides...smiles galore!

Cooper thinks he is "something" sliding down in his float...LOVE his smiles!

Anna Lauren and MeMe...

Pop Pop and MeMe got me a birthday cake so after dinner Friday, we celebrated my birthday a couple days early (my 32nd birthday was Sunday)...

MeMe thought she had candles at the condo...o'well...the matches worked just fine!

Cooper and MeMe...

And the waiting came to an end...FINALLY...she got to get on the ferris wheel...her favorite night time activity at The Wharf...

MeMe, Anna Lauren, and Matt on the ferris wheel...and this was the first of many rides!

Orange Beach Vacation ~ Day 2 ~ Alabama Coastal Triathlon

2011-09-18T21:23:00.010-05:00

We started the 2nd day of our vacation bright and early at the Alabama Coastal Triathlon...Matt and our friend, John Cross, both raced. It was the PERFECT morning for a triathlon and both boys did great...and all their cheerleaders had a fun morning cheering for them!

Daddy and his favorite little cheerleader...sweet girl loves all of our races...

Matt must have been telling John something funny while they were setting up their transition area...

Cheerleaders...Anna Lauren, Caroline, Andrew, Thomas, and Catherine...thanks to Pop Pop and MeMe, Cooper got to stay at the condo and sleep late / take his morning nap.

Matt and John...

Matt coming out of the water...300 yard swim...per Matt, gulf was calm...

Thomas, Caroline, and Anna Lauren just being kids and having fun...

Matt coming in on his bike after a 10 mile ride...

Isn't he cool with his dismount? Looks cool but makes me nervous for sure...one day he'll fall like the rest of them who try to "hot dog" as he calls it...I refer to it as showing out!

John going out for the 2 mile run...

And Matt going out for the 2 mile run...they stayed right together until the run...John is just a little faster but I can assure you Matt has much more fun!

John headed to the finish line...

And here come Matt...John hasn't learned he is suppose to "pose" when he sees me with the camera!

And Matt finishes...good race, good race!

Little kiddos so proud of their daddies...

And it doesn't get much better than this...perfect weather, a good race, and looking forward to a week of fun at the beach!

Orange Beach Vacation ~ Day 2 Continued

2011-09-18T21:20:00.005-05:00

After all the kids had their naps, the Cross Family joined us at The Wharf to swim for a while and then we headed to LuLu's for dinner. The Odom Family also met us for dinner. For some reason, I didn't get any pictures at dinner, but we had so much fun...the kids sat a table together and BEHAVED, and the adults got to sit at a table and have "adult" conversation...fun afternoon / night for everyone!

Thomas and Anna Lauren...all I can say is these two are something else...I think we should "worry" for sure because their is definitly a little "twinkle" in their eyes when they are together. And yes, they are way to young for this...now...if she wants to like Thomas, fine...at least we know his parents...but...please let's wait at least 10 more years for all of this!

Sweet Andrew...he and Cooper are going to be big buddies rather they know it yet or not...

Sweet Caroline...love her face in this picture!

Orange Beach Vacation ~ Day 3

2011-09-18T20:50:00.011-05:00

Vacation Day 3 was my birthday, and I had a fun-filled fabulous day at the beach celebrating my birthday! We had yum cinnamon rolls for breakfast, Shrimp Basket for lunch, a nap, played with the Cross Family and Odom Family at their condo, and ended the day with Tacky Jacks for dinner. Fun, fun birthday!

Anna Lauren and Mommy after blowing out the candles in our birthday cinnamon rolls...

Playing at the park while Cooper took his morning nap...

Birthday lunch at the Shrimp Basket...

We at least attempted to take a "family" picture...

Cooper and Andrew playing on the beach...Cooper had to be confined because he LOVED the sand and would eat handful after handful...yuck!

All Anna Lauren wanted to do was slide because they had a very fun slide at their condo...

Hayes thought the slide was great fun too!

Andrew perfectly happy just floating with is Daddy...Cooper not so much...he had no part of floating in anything.

Cooper loving the slide too!

The slide did not impress Andrew...

Love these three beach bums!

The kid table worked two nights in a row...and I ALMOST got all of them to smile...Hayes preferred the silly face!

And the adults...we were so excited...two nights in a row we ate at an "adult" table...other than Andrew and Cooper but they still pretty much just chill in their high chairs.

The silly faces...this was much more fun than taking a "normal" picture!

So mad...just deleted the Odom family...sorry Odoms but too hard to get back on here and in order...love ya'll though! And here is the Cross family...I should post all their attempts...talk about funny!

An attempt to take a picture of all the kids...

Caroline, Cooper, Anna Lauren, Thomas, Andrew, Caroline, Hayes...

My little family...guess we could have been closer...looks like boys versus girls...

Orange Beach Vacation ~ Day 4

2011-09-18T20:31:00.008-05:00

On Day 4, we swam that morning, took a nap, and waited on Nanna to arrive. After Nanna got there, we had dinner and then headed out the ride go-karts and the "fair rides" as Anna Lauren called them.

And we "killed" the gecko...so sad as we loved riding it down the slide!

She wasn't real sure what to think...she liked it until they came down the hill and the go-kart back fired every time...she did not like the "loud" noise.

Obviously the swings were fun!

And guess what...she was big enough to drive her own go-kart...fun for her but not sure it was so fun for the little boy trying to go faster than her and her in his way as she drove, stopped and looked at something, drove a little more, stopped to pose for a picture, etc.

Yep, looking at something and not even paying attention to where she was driving. However, she did really good driving...I was impressed for sure because I thought it was going to be a disaster.

A different go-kart with Daddy...she thought it was much more fun!

Orange Beach Vacation ~ Day 5

2011-09-18T20:24:00.005-05:00

On Day 5 we swam that morning, had lunch and rested, then headed to Lambert's for dinner and a little outlet mall shopping. Anna Lauren has decided she doesn't like Lambert's anymore because they play tricks on you and she doesn't like their tricks. However, she was the one who requested we go there so it was after we ate there she made the decision she didn't like it anymore. Silly girl!

Must of needed a break from taking pictures because I didn't take many this day...

Several mornings we would walk to the pool with Cooper in his stroller...he would fall asleep and take a long enough morning nap to make it to lunch time / afternoon nap. He was a trooper all week for sure!

Concentrating as she makes her way across the lilly pads...

You know you are on vacation when this is on the railing of your balcony...

Orange Beach Vacation ~ Day 6

2011-09-18T20:22:00.006-05:00

On day 6, we swam that morning and then the girls had lunch and headed to the outlet mall while the boys took a nap. Thanks to the money I took and to Nanna, the kids have a good start on clothes for the Fall / Winter. We pretty much shopped till we dropped and called it a day...

Probably my favorite picture of them from the week...

Orange Beach Vacation ~ Day 7

2011-09-18T20:04:00.011-05:00

Our last day and what a fun day it was...Anna Lauren made a morning and afternoon trip to the pool, we all napped, and ended our day by a perfect evening on the beach...as Matt said, if you were on the beach that night, you couldn't not be thankful for what God had blessed you with...such fabulous weather and so peaceful even if the kids didn't want to take the pictures their mother wanted them to take.

This was by far one of our best vacations, and we didn't want to come home...usually you are ready...but we were so content and happy just being there with each other.

Thanks again to Pop Pop and MeMe for letting us use their condo and staying with us for a few days. Thanks to the Cross and Odom family for playing with us for a few days...the kids had a blast with your kids, and we enjoyed the adult time. And thanks to Nanna for spending a few days with us and buying the kids some new clothes for Fall / Winter. You all contributed to our fun-filled vacation week for sure!

Have not picked my favorite of Anna Lauren...BUT...this is for sure my new FAVORITE picture of Cooper!

All I can say is we tried...good luck to Christy Bounds in a few weeks because she has her work cut out to get a family picture of this crew!

This little boy LOVED the sand...here he is just shoveling it in as fast as he could...

8 Years Ago...

2011-08-30T21:08:00.002-05:00

Today Matt and I celebrated our 8th anniversary...wow...what a wonderful 8 years it has been!

We enjoyed a "lunch date" because as Matt said we are already paying for a babysitter at lunch time...we cannot afford a babysitter all day and then again at night.

After work we headed to Sam's and enjoyed a hot dog for dinner and got Cooper some diapers and formula. On the way home, we just busted out laughing...8 years ago, who would have ever thought we would be driving a mini van, eating a hot dog, and buying diapers and formula on our anniversary? And because we can laugh about this is all the more reason I love this special man in my life. We for sure always have a good time no matter what is going on in our lives!

Looking forward to many more years together!

Watch Me Grow...

2011-08-27T21:36:00.004-05:00

1 Month...

2 Months...

3 Months...

4 Months...

5 Months...

6 Months...

7 Months...

8 Months...

9 Months...

10 Months...

11 Months...

2011-08-27T21:30:00.003-05:00

Our little man will be 11 months old tomorrow! He still continues to smile all the time, sleep good, eat all table food at school (breakfast, lunch, snack), drink a good bit of whole milk but still a few bottles, one top tooth finally broke through but no signs of any others so still just 3 teeth, happy just pulling up on everything and crawling...no signs of walking yet, riding in a big boy car seat, and prefers to hold onto something...we are thinking he is going to find an attachment, but we are not sure what yet.

Getting a smile is not a problem but getting him to sit in his chair is for sure a problem so the older he gets the fewer pictures we get of him each month. And Anna Lauren and I are in "planning" mode for his 1st birthday so we took a few pictures of him in his new "party" hat that we bought him today.

Daddy can for sure get some big smiles out of the little man...he lights up when Daddy walks into the room and especially when he plays with him...of course, Daddy is the "fun" parent!

Organizational Skills...

2011-08-27T21:29:00.001-05:00

This morning I was feeding Cooper breakfast and Anna Lauren was playing with the pack of balloons she got as a treat from Dollar Tree yesterday. I noticed she was organizing them by color and I thought to myself...she is so my child. Then a few minutes later she asked me if she could use some bags, and I of course said yes because I knew exactly what she was going to do next. Now...if you know me very well, you will also say...yep, she is Mandi's child! Of course Matt came in from his bike ride / run and rolled his eyes...he then said he and Cooper don't stand a chance! However, my organizational skills have been very helpful to me throughout my life, and I can only hope Anna Lauren picks up on some of them!

Ashton's 9th Birthday...

2011-08-21T17:27:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated Ashton's 9th birthday...he had a swimming party at his house...it was a fun afternoon of family time for all of us! The cousins always have a great time when they are together for any reason.

Anna Lauren and Aunt Paulie (Paula)...

Singing Happy Birthday to the birthday boy...

Making a wish and blowing out his candles...

Daddy and Cooper...

Just one of Cooper's many smiles...

Present time...

One BIG 9 year old!

2, 3, 4...

2011-08-15T21:47:00.004-05:00

1st Day of "2" Year Old Preschool...

1st Day of "3" Year Old Preschool...

1st Day of "4" Year Old Preschool...

1st Day...

2011-08-15T21:33:00.004-05:00

Since I had the stomach virus last Monday and then Cooper got a staff infection and was home the rest of the week, we pretended today was the "1st" day of new rooms at school.

Our big "4" year old ready for Pre-K with Ms. Theresa...

Pre-K for Anna Lauren and Nursery IV for Cooper...

These happy kids make going to work so much easier...they are full of smiles most mornings and have so much fun playing and learning with their friends!

Just a Blur...

2011-08-13T22:24:00.002-05:00

All I can say is the past two weeks have been a complete blur, and we are "starting over" come Monday. This is what has taken place:

Tuesday ~ Cooper throws up in the middle of the night

Wednesday ~ Cooper seems fine and goes to school. Daycare calls at 8:30 to report he is throwing up so Matt goes to get him. He doesn't throw up again...

Thursday ~ Cooper to school. Daycare calls at 4:00 to report Cooper is throwing up so I go get him. Never throws up again

Thursday ~ MeMe, Kate, James, and Mary Martin arrive

Thursday night ~ Anna Lauren throws up around 2:30 AM

Friday morning ~ Anna Lauren throws up several more times...acts as if she feels fine. She throws up and keeps on going

Saturday ~ Take Kate and kids to meet her in-laws, James throws up when they get to Memphis, everyone at our house feeling fine

Sunday night ~ Mandi throws up

Monday ~ Mandi home sick, Anna Lauren and Cooper 1st day with new teacher. Mom in bed sick...no pictures to document the day. We will attempt to take these 1st day pictures one week late...like I said, we are starting over this Monday.

Monday night ~ Cooper to after hours clinic...serious staff infection...no school for at least 3 days. We call Nanna begging her to come help so we can work some...and thankfully she comes for the week.

Tuesday ~ 3:00 PM Anna Lauren throws up at school...I go get her...she is FINE but no school for 24 hours

Wednesday ~ Anna Lauren and Cooper home with Nanna

Thursday ~ Anna Lauren back to school and Cooper to doctor. Staff so much better!

Friday ~ Nanna calls me at 1 PM...she is now sick...I leave work to take care of Cooper who ended up being out of school all week.

Saturday ~ Nanna feeling good enough to go home. Hopefully everyone is better

Now...like I said, a blur! I am such a "control" freak and these two weeks have thrown me for a loop. All I can say is thank goodness for Nanna who came to our rescue...one of the hardest things is juggling sick children / work. And not to mention, you just don't want your children sick...we are very fortunate to have healthy children but from time to time, everyone gets something, and we got it all at the same time and for way too long!

And we will "start over" Monday!

Earrings Finally...

2011-08-13T21:10:00.004-05:00

For some things, we follow the rule...when you are old enough to "ask" then Daddy and Mommy will consider. Right before Anna Lauren's 4th birthday, she decided she wanted earrings, and we discussed and told her she could have them when she turned "4". Well, she turned "4" and still wanted earrings...BUT...she was scared to have her ears pierced. We went to Claire's once and talked about going to Claire's many many more times, but she never got brave enough to follow all the way through.

All I can say is something happened at school Thursday...when I picked her up she asked if she could go get earrings. I told her if she still wanted to go after supper that I would take her and sure enough she wanted to go. Nanna was at our house helping with Cooper so Anna Lauren, Nanna, and I headed to Claire's. I was still thinking she would chicken out, but I was so wrong...she had made up her mind and she did it!

All smiles as I was filling out the paperwork to have her ears pierced...I was a nervous wreck...the paperwork was so intimidating! Surely it was not that "serious" when we were little!

Ok...in Mommy's lap ready to have her ears pierced...and yes, I could have thrown up right about then, but I would have never let her known I was nervous. Thank goodness I only have 1 girl...love her, but they are high maintenance for sure!

Marking her ears...and oh my gracious...this girl was so SLOW! I just kept thinking if she did not hurry up that Anna Lauren was going to change her mind. And then she said to Anna Lauren, are you nervous? How about you, mom? Really...someone tell her she just needs to do it when she has a "brave" child sitting there! No need for chit chat!

Here goes the 1st one...she did not budge and was all smiles when she looked in the mirror and saw her new earring!

And the 2nd one...it hurt for some reason...

Oh wait...that really did hurt! Poor baby!

But it didn't hurt for long and then she was all smiles and so proud of her new "diamond" earrings! And whew...went so much better than mom ever expected...I was prepared for them to get the 1st one in and me to have to hold her down to get the 2nd one.

Princess Cooper...

2011-08-13T21:08:00.002-05:00

So...this is what happens when you have a big sister...

No worries, Cooper! One day you'll be big enough to stand up for yourself and not let Anna Lauren do this to you. However, we all thought you made a "pretty" princess!

Fun Times with Cousins...

2011-08-13T21:04:00.004-05:00

For some reason, I have failed to post about this...BUT...back in April, Matt's sister and her family moved from Atlanta to Paris. We were sad to see them go but couldn't help but be thrilled for them and the experience this would be for their family.

Jim was going to be traveling for 2 weeks so at the last minute he talked Kate into flying to the States with the kids for two weeks so she could spend some time with all their family. She made many stops in her two weeks and really wanted the kids to get to spend some time with all their cousins...so...we got to have them at our house for 2 fun-filled nights. We all had so much fun and hated to see them go. After looking at my pictures, we were obviously having too much fun for me to take pictures because I have very few to document their time here, but I did manage to get one or two.

Friday we went to the Children's Museum...it was our first time there...we were impressed for sure and everyone had a good time! Here Matt and Anna Lauren are riding bikes...

I cannot help but LOVE her sweet smiles...she is full of them...doesn't really matter what she is doing!

And then there is this smile...can we say priceless?

Mommy cannot get enough...I just keep taking pictures, and he just keeps smiling!

Anna Lauren's favorite spot at the museum...the dance studio!

James, Mary Martin, Anna Lauren, and Cooper...

You know...you have to at least attempt to take pictures of the kids...however, they never cooperate do they?

Another Good Year of School...

2011-08-13T21:01:00.003-05:00

Another year of daycare has come and gone...Anna Lauren just finished her year of "3" year old preschool and Cooper his first 7 months of "nursery". I cannot even begin to put into words the year Anna Lauren has had with Ms. Joyce...oh the things she learned and the little girl she became this past year. We were beyond blessed for her to spend a year with Ms. Joyce! And Cooper has done great at "big boy school"...you know, there is not a lot to say at his age...eat, sleep, play. But...Ms. San was fabulous, and we left him every day knowing he was well taken care of by his teachers. And so now we have said our "goodbyes" and are off to "Pre-K" and "Nursery IV" for just a few months then to "Toddlers".

Cooper with Ms. San...

Another one with Ms. San...had to have a smile so we could remember that he loved him some Ms. San!

Precious Miss Leigh-Anne (afternoon teacher)...yes, he just has a diaper on...he had messed up all his clothes that day. A story for another day...

Anna Lauren and Ms. Joyce...and yes, it was pajama day...she doesn't normally go to school in pajamas...

And her 4 year old teacher, Ms. Theresa...she had to stop by and get her "folder" for BIG GIRL school...and yes, she thinks she is something since she is in Pre-K!