Family Photos

We finally got around to having some family photos taken recently. I discovered a family friend was starting her own business. If you are in the St. Louis area, I highly recommend Danyll Epps.

We lucked out with a gorgeous summer day (always risky with our hot and humid summer weather) and a beautiful setting. I stressed over what we'd all wear and almost went matchy-matchy until Danyll said to wear something that looked like it went together but stay away from matchy-matchy. Matchy-matchy was out and I put together new outfits....quickly.

This is one of my favs of Carson. Let's be honest, it's hard to get a good picture of a pre-teen boy. They are just awkward at tines. But, she took him off on his own and he really had a good time with it.

And there are about a bazillion good ones of Elise (so many it was hard to order). But I just love this one. She lost her top front tooth the very next day. I'm so glad we captured this little girl look. She looks older missing her top front teeth now.

Danyll had some fun and creative picture ideas. There are so many that capture the fun times of the day. Thanks, Danyll, for some great pictures!

My newest pastime

Welcome to my newest pastime...


This is where you'll find me in the evenings during the weekends. Just hanging out enjoying a nice fire. (And surprisingly, the weather has cooperated with some nice cool evenings...in July!)


Since we have a big ol' WOOD deck, I've been very leary of having a fire pit, but we managed to turn a back corner of our yard into party central by putting in a fire pit (using old landscaping bricks and a bag of play sand that we had around so it was a FREE fire pit!)


The dogs weren't so sure about the fire the first night, but they've warmed up (tee hee) to the idea!

Especially if it means someone mindlessly scratching behind their ears.


Or the possibility of food.

Lots of s'mores have been devoured since we put in the fire pit. My son likes his marshmallows really toasty brown.
And I had to include a picture of my sister's new dog, Cami. She's ALMOST as cute as my dogs (shhhh....just don't tell my dogs.)

Cami was pretty comfy by the fire. (Or maybe Cliff was making sure I didn't hide her away so they'd forget to take her home!)

The fire pit is a great place to curl up and make girlie plans with Aunt Kristin.

I just love hanging out by the fire with my family.

Of course, I'm not sure my brother-in-law was enjoying the family quite as much! :)

The year in review

I'm shamelessly stealing this idea from my friend Sandra's blog. Here is a look back through the past year. Time goes so quickly when you are a parent. Some of these things seem like they happened just yesterday.

January 2008:

Carson's pinewood derby car does exceptionally well!

Elise and her Piggy. (I should note that Piggy has been a steady companion to Elise. Piggy was given to Elise by her godparents right as she arrived home. She latched onto Piggy after being home for about 6 weeks and he/she was by her side daily. Just during this past year did Piggy start fading into the background.)

I just love this picture of Elise. She sits like this all the time.

Carson's school concert. I remember buying this outfit a few weeks earlier only to discover it didn't fit on the night of the concert. This year has been a year of GROWTH spurts for my boy.

February 2008:

Elise in her Chinese New Year outfit. She's so proud of her Chinese heritage.

Carson helping me prepare treats for our Chinese New Year party.

Sleepy bedheads...I love capturing the moments they get along...it proves that it does happen more often than it seems! :)

March 2008:

Elise with her Aunt Kristin (note that Piggy is still present!)

We had several snow days in March. We lost count of how many games of Dora Checkers we played on those snow days!

Carson and Mollie on yet another snow day.

Elise's annual haircut! :)

Happy Easter!

April 2008:

The weather turned nicer and we headed back outdoors.

Carson is in his element outdoors in nature. Always has had a strong love of nature.

Fairy cheerleader?!?

Words escape me....

We said a very painful and sudden goodbye to our sweet dog. You are still greatly missed, Sneakers!

May 2008:

Elise turns 6!

We open the pool.

The kids practically move into the pool!

We practically live outdoors!

Carson finds a snake (this picture still disturbs me in so many ways!)

Trixie finds her way into our home and hearts.

June 2008:

All about Maine, baby...

Me, Grandma Carson and Perry. I cherish each time I get together with my grandmother. There have been so many times that I was sure it would be the last time and she keeps surprising us with her health. I no longer worry about it being the last time, but fully enjoy the times I get with her.

Elise didn't have any strong memories of her great-grandmother before this visit, but she sure does now! Both kids enjoyed their time in Maine and visiting with Grandma Carson and our other Maine relatives.

Carson at a beautiful spot on my Aunt and Uncle's peaceful and gorgeous farm in Maine.

Elise in the sand at Acadia in Maine.

July 2008:

More pool time.

We get together with another family from our travel group. Both girls were at the same orphanage in China.

Carson got to be a Vet for a day!

August 2008:

Elise meets her 1st grade teacher, who is proving to be WONDERFUL!!!

Carson in the days before school starts.

The tractor (mower) was a bit hit this summer. Elise could help Dad drive.

While we let Carson drive it himself (with supervision!)

September 2008:

September was all about soccer.

Elise decided at the last minute to play again...mainly because her old team had PINK shirts this year.

Carson really improved on his soccer skills. Spent a lot of time as goalie and really impressed folks with his throwing abilities (Dad still says no football!)

October 2008:

Halloween - Elise as Sleeping Beauty.

Halloween - Carson as ??? freaky scary man ???

Elise loses her first tooth.

Carson kept losing teeth even after I thought all his baby teeth were gone!

Elise gets her ears pierced!

November 2008:

Proof that they do get along...at times!

Thanksgiving playing with cousin Isaiah.

Carson holding baby Peter at Thanksgiving. Peter was born in November while Carson entered double digits, turning 10!

December 2008:

Date with Dad.

Elise helps in all the baking fun.

Carson is a true blue Bears fan.

Enjoying Christmas presents.