Why We Use Straws

This is why we use straws to drink my smoothies!

I make really thick smoothies because that is how I like them, more like a Frosty.  Except my Frosty's have spinach, kale, blueberries, raspberries, flax, and pineapple juice.  Lately I have been throwing in an apple from the local orchards - oh yummy!  My friends taught me that the blueberries cancel out the bitterness from the Kale (and never use the stems, too bitter).  The kids like them as long as I use plenty of pineapple juice.

Birthdays!

In all the chaos of  family visiting, stomach flu, colds, and life we celebrated 2 birthdays.

Tennyson turned 2!  She is such a sweet girl with a large dollop of mischievousness.  We were lucky to have Grammy and Grandaddy visiting to help make the day extra special.  Only a few more birthdays and we will always have family around to help celebrate!

We enjoyed the usual toddler fare - fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and fruit.

After our Disney trip this summer Tennyson fell in love with Tinker Bell, so we found lots of Tinker Bell toys for her to have and a pair of PJ's.  Grammy and Grandaddy gave her some cute clothes that she desperately needed.  Her adopted aunt Lyndsey gave her a Tinker Bell and a Winnie the Pooh hair clips.

It was all followed by Raspberry Cheesecake, of course (Jason was picking!).

Tennyson keeps us on our toes.  She is the only one of 4 who ever has gotten into my jewelry box or junk drawer.  If she wants your attention she will get into things that are off limits until you start paying attention.  She is super smart and makes us laugh.  We love you Tennyson!

Turn Your Back for a Sec

This is what happens when ever a chair is left out.  She climbs up there fast and enjoys whatever was left behind.  She is a busy girl.  I think I have a picture of all 4 of them doing something similar.  

Bumps and Bruises

We have had a few bumps and bruises lately.

Grahm was playing catch with Jason and another kid.  On a loose ball the 2 boys raced and Grahms face connected with the other boys head.



Tennyson and I were squeezing out of the car in a tight spot and I tried to close the sliding door on the van.  Her little leg was bent and her foot was sticking out and I slammed it in the door.  She cried and cried (and I wanted to die).  After some meds and ice she wanted down to play, but that would only last about 30 seconds before she decided it hurt too much and wanted back up in my arms.  That continued for an hour or so.  Then she started playing and walking on it and hasn't stopped since.



Yes, BOTH SIDES!  So sad.

Self-Soothing

 Getting ready to sleep.



Tennyson has a cute way of self-soothing.  She likes to put a finger in her belly button.  She usually does it when she is tired, stressed, or upset.  I think it is cute, well... who doesn't love a toddler tummy hanging out.  My only concern is that one day she will be 5 at school with her shirt pulled up.  We have started putting a onesie on her during her waking hours to see if we can limit it to sleeping.

Hanging out in the living room.

 Waiting for breakfast.

Busy Body Bread

Tennyson is my busiest toddler.  If she can reach it she will have it and she will get it quick.

The blurry smile is evidence of how pleased she is with herself.

Photos for the girls

I wanted to have one year old pictures of Tennyson taken in a light pink dress that I was smocking for her.  Problem 1, it took longer than I thought to find the time to finish it.  Problem 2, life was crazy after it was done...  so the pictures are more like 14 month old pictures.  

Oh, and all you photographers - please give me pointers on what I need to improve on.  And Grandmas which ones do you want for your walls.

Charlotte turned 4 so these are her 4 year old pictures.  Well, I need to do retakes.  Even though it was cloudy, it was still too bright for her.  All of her pictures she was super squinty, except this one.

The balloons got away.

She's One!

My baby is One and walking.  Technically a baby, but so big already.  I miss the days when she would sit and snuggle.  She probably had the worst First Birthday ever.  She spent her day crying for Mom as I prepared and hosted 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9 year olds and taught them cool Science.  Then on the day we designated for her cake and dinner we decided last minute to run to the Aquarium and on our return home she ended up sick and blew out a diaper all over the car seat.  We kept her up too late trying to finish dinner and presents.  Next year will be better, I promise.

For her Birthday she received a Little People Ice Cream Truck (Which was very distracting because it wasn't wrapped.  She didn't want to unwrap anything.), bath toys, cupcake toys to add to the kitchen, and her Corolle Doll.  She has been trying to steal Charlotte's and it has been causing problems, so she was very excited to get hers. 

Can you tell by the one picture that she was tired and not feeling well?

 The kids thought the rainbow cake was super cool and it was kind of fun to make.  Maybe we will do it again.

Tennyson you are the busiest of all your siblings.  You are the most curious and determined.  You keep us on our toes.  We are so proud of you and love that you are apart of our family.  You still demand to be held by Mom most of the time and only give kisses when the mood strikes you.  If someone tries to steal a kiss you get angry (hope you feel that way at 16).  You love to play in the water (toilets are acceptable).  You like to get into your brother's Legos and you smile and run when you get caught.  Love you tons, Little Miss.

Funny Faces

As the living room continues to dry and we run here and there with summer activities, I thought some funny faces might make you laugh.

I have a 5K to go to.  I get to cheer on THREE runners at 7am tomorrow - goodnight and I will have pictures to share of the runners.

Tennyson

It has been awhile since I posted any pictures of Tennyson.  She is getting too big.  She finally started to crawl the right way (made me sad), she stands up all the time, has 4 teeth and counting.  She loves to laugh, is busier than Grahm!  Eats like a horse but weighs as much as a feather.  She is tall and tans (never burns).  She is not afraid of anything.  She prefers to eat her sand wet and salty, loves the water in all its varieties.

My Little Calf

Sad Faces

I think sad faces are so cute.

This one I took with one arm while I was holding her.  I think I got a decent lucky shot.

I have been telling Jason that I didn't take enough pictures of her when she was little.  I need to have one more baby so I can get it right.  He is not buying it.

Vintage

I guess this post is going to qualify me as "vintage".
This is me in a dress my Grandma Jones gave me.  I am around 1-2 months old and being held up by someones hand beneath a shag rug (thus the extra round face).  My mom saved this dress and it was used on dolls and such, but is now mine.  So...

Tennyson thought it would be fun to model a funny ruffly vintage dress.  She totally rocks it.  I hope it gets warm enough that we can wear it to church.

I need to get the picure of my Mom with the curl on top, I think Tennyson looks like her in that picture.

My Baby

Some Yummy Baby Pics