Sea World San Antonio Spring Break 2011

So much fun packed in 4 hours. We started out with the whale show "Believe". Carsen didn't have any idea what to expect and Chloe was just a wiggle worm. But once the whales came out both kids never took their eyes off them. They were in complete awe. We also made to the dolphin show, sea lion feeding tank, Bay of Play water park, bird cage, dolphin tank and sharks. Oh not to mention meeting Elmo and Cookie Monster. We had the BEST day with the kids and T's parents. They were such troopers and unbelievable grandparents. Thank you for such an awesome day together.

Our first pic of the day!

One excited boy! This was before the show " Believe" .

Me and my precious girl waiting for the show to begin...

Hello Shamu!

Carsen after a tidal wave was delivered by 3 killer whales. The funny thing is that right after this picture he looked at me and Travis and said... " that was so much fun!"

Chloe and I ducked under a towel and Ulli ducked behind us. LOL. A random stranger grabbed my camera to get this pick. They thought it was hilarious.

Splash Park Fun!

Can we say Daddy's girl...

The giant bird cage. The kids totally loved it but I think Travis and I more afraid of getting crapped on. They would land anywhere.

Carsen loving the birds..

My little besties... I can't tell you how many people asked me if they were twins. LOL! Watch out Carsen, Chloe is catching up fast!

Did someone say ICE CREAM!!

Two peas in a pod....

Chloe's new obsession

DONE, DONE , DONE...

Wordless Wednesday...

Bless The Memories Within Your Heart....

730 days and counting.... I miss you!

Just take a long look at this picture. Can you see the love and sweetness in his face. This picture is popular with the "Wolf Pack". I think we all have it in our homes. This is who he was, laid back, kindhearted and one funny guy. He was always keeping us laughing. Even down to his final hours. I couldn't imagine the humility he was going through having his kids taking care of him but he always made some kind of witty joke out of it to turn the humility around on us. He definitely left a lasting impression with all of us and whomever he met. I'm honored to have been his daughter and friend.

After my dad passed away, I was looking through the things on his desk for the memorial/funeral. I found this poem tape up next to his laptop. I had never seen it there before. It was like he left it for me to find and it was his goodbye letter. He never said goodbye to me which frustrated me. He would always say he's going to beat it and smile. But now I realize after reading this poem a 100 times what he was really saying to me. Just read it and you might understand as well.

It's weird, when I read it I can actually hear his voice.

"To Those I Love And Those Who Love Me"

When I am gone, release me, let me go,

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears

Be thankful for our beautiful years.

I gave you my love and you can only guess,

How much you gave in happiness.

I thank you for the love each of you have shown

But now it's time I travel alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for a time that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far way, for life goes on,

And if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you cant see or touch me, I'll be near,

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,

All my love around you soft and clear,

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with at smile

and say "Welcome Home."

Absent from the body; present with the Lord.

by Fawn Donaldson

Please take a moment to say a prayer for my family who's hearts are feeling pretty heavy today! Thank you! XOXO!

They Make Me Laugh and So Much More!

As a parent, your children complete your day in so many different ways. There is laughter, aggravation, warmness, happiness, tears, frustration and more laughter. How is it possible to have so many emotions in one day? The funny thing is that I thought one child was tough. Boy was I wrong. Some people even told me I was crazy to have 2 kids so close together {like I could do something about it at that point} but that really wasn't my plan. I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though things don't work out according to your perfect plan, everything happens for a reason. Carsen and Chloe were meant to be siblings and close in age. They compliment each other in so many ways. Although they are complete opposite in looks and personality they are the same. They give my life a whole new meaning and I LOVE every minute of it!

Here's Carsen helping out with Chloe's highchair tray. He's my clean child. Loves to do anything with a vacuum, broom, rag or whatever. He just wants to help!

This is totally Chloe's personality. Always looking for something to get into. Here is T's undies! She got one of each! LOL! Sorry T! I'm sure they are clean ;-)

First time in "time out"

Millionth time in "time out" I may need a new strategy.

Brushing teeth together, a nightly routine.

They love sitting in the same chair. I think this is adorable. Sometimes it does end up in a wrestling match. Chloe can hold her own.

Having here first Dip Stick experience with cousin Shane. Needless to say she loved it for hours!

Dancing to Lady Gaga on the coffee table.

I wish you could see the smile behind this whistle.

Carsen naked wrestling with the panda!

Really this is my life?! Yes it is and would NEVER change it for anything in the world! Let's take a vote should we go for number 3?

Be My Valentine...

We had a fun Valentine's play date party today with our great friends. Thank you Stacie S. for opening your home. You did a fabulous job and everything was beautiful. It's so awesome to see all of our kids grow up together. Carsen and Chloe had a blast jumping in the bounce house, digging in the sand, "mowing the lawn", and eating all the sweet treats! Carsen especially had fun with his " latest" Valentine, Campbell. They were so cute together. I've haven't seen these two this friendly since their first meeting. LOL! They ate lunch together in the same chair and went for a little "car ride" upstairs. It was so cute! Meanwhile, Chloe was hanging out with the big boys doing her thing. She has no fear and that really scares me. It was a great day with my two little sweethearts!

My first little Valentine... Got to love this boy!

And then my second Valentine...

A sweet hug from big brother...

Having some fun with photo shop! Braydon was being a little tiger.

So Innocent...

Stacie and her little man Brody Bear

Carsen and Campbell having heart shaped PBJ's together.... being silly

On the "Car ride"..

This picture tells the story of my life and I'm sure Stacie's F's too. LOL!

PAGING DOCTOR DENNETT....

I don't feel like I talk or blog enough about Carsen. He is constantly keeping Travis and I in stitches. Some of his favorite sayings or phrases are.. " Not yet", "I can't" , What's up guys" and so many more. Carsen is ALWAYS concerned about Chloe. They act like twins most of the time. Neither one them like to be without each other. I love it when Chloe asks... "where's broder?". They melt my heart!!!

Ok so Carsen got a Dr's Kit from Uncle Vinny and Aunt Lindsay for Christmas. Carsen and Chloe both love it. Carsen is always checking her heartbeat, lung sounds, blood pressure and even takes the scope to look in her eyes, ears, nose and mouth. (Someone has been to the Doctor too much) Super impressive. And if you ask him what he's going to be when he grows up he says dogie doctor... Ha! Ha!

Mom this is a serious case...

Administering the shot! Yikes!

Giving some "extra attention" to the patient...

Getting some assistance from nurse Grandma Ulli

Explaining the procedure

Checking vitals

Now off the topic. As most you know Carsen has been potty trained since he was 26 months old. We only used pull ups at night which we have been rid of for quite some time now. Yes I'm bragging. Anyway I found this picture and it made me laugh out loud. One morning (when he was still in pull ups) I went into his room to get him and this it what I found. My first thought was laughter and run get camera (of course). Then my second thought was "oh no... is that the diaper he slept in, i.e, peed in?! " Yikes!!!! It wasn't.. he went and got it out of his drawer. He said his head was cold. This is just a glimpse his sense of humor. He did this for a few mornings because he got such a reaction from me. You got to LOVE this little guy! I DO!!!

Chloe's 15 Month Check Up

This girl has changed so much in the last 3 months. She doesn't even look like the same child. She is such a little girl now. This post is mainly about her 15th month check up and stats. I will post her milestones in a separate blog. There's just too many of them....LOL! Jk. I was just really amazed by the sibling love Carsen and Chloe have for each other. I must be doing something right. Take a look and see for yourself!

This was Chloe on Friday. 15 months to the day!

Waiting to go in to see the Dr... Such a typical girl in a waiting room.

iPhone entertainment waiting to see the Dr.

Here is what melts this mama's heart. She was startng to upset and Carsen grabbed her hand and told her to "just relax". So sweet!!! He never let go of her hand the whole time and kept telling her everything was going to be ok.

Kisses...

Even Dr. Dunlap was impressed.

She was getting her shots here. She grabbed his fingers so tight!

Chloe's Stats..

Weight 22lbs 45%

Height 32 inches 90%

Head ??? 55%