The Bough Bunch

Santa and Colton's School Program

2011-12-16T20:19:00.001-06:00

Our Santa picture.

We also saw Santa at the Y.

Looking dapper before his school Christmas program.

Colton and his teacher, Mrs. Jeanie.

Welcome to the family, JoJo!

2011-12-16T20:10:00.003-06:00

I decided to get the boys an Elf on the Shelf this year. After I read the story to Colton, he decided to name him JoJo. We love JoJo in our house and it's a big thing in the mornings to go see where JoJo ended up.

Colton thought JoJo needed something to eat before his long trip to the North Pole.

JoJo went for a run in his new tennis shoes. He listened to mommy's IPod and got so thirsty he had to drink a whole bottle of water.

My mom and I went to the Mall of America on Thanksgiving night at Midnight. It was so much fun. We stayed until about 5:30am. We were so exhausted when we got home!!!!

Trying to get the boys' picture for the Christmas card.

Minnesota Wild Game

2011-12-16T20:06:00.001-06:00

Casey got a chance to get tickets through work to go and watch the Minnesota Wild. They are leading the NHL right now. We had great seats. Since they play at XCEL Energy Center and that is the company who Casey works for, we got to sit in one of the suites. It was mine and Casey's first hockey game and it was actually pretty neat to watch, especially from the suite!!! I guess we should start liking hockey, since Minnesota is called the State of Hockey.

Pre-Game warmup.

Mike Fisher is #12. You might know him as Carrie Underwood's husband.

They turn the lights out while they do player introductions.

First Snow of the Season

2011-12-16T19:59:00.001-06:00

Halloween 2001

2011-11-02T23:42:00.002-05:00

Thank goodness it was nice weather again for Halloween. Colton went as Lightning McQueen (big shocker) and Chase was Aubie, Auburn University's mascot. Unfortunately, no one up here knew who he was, but he still looked cute. Colton, of course, loved every minute of it and Chase still needs a year to get in the swing of things. We will never get through all the candy!!

My 2 pumpkins.

Lightning McQueen

McQueen and Minnie.

Aubie the Tiger

He wouldn't put the candy in the bag. He wanted to eat it right there.

Watching big brother go first.

This was as far as he would go at this house.

Waiting for trick-or-treaters to come to the door.

We always have to do what big brother is doing.

Beautiful Fall Day

2011-11-02T23:22:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday was a beautiful Fall day and will more than likely be one of the last ones before the Old Man Winter blows in. We are trying to enjoy doing things outside for as long as we can. We went to a park overlooking the Mississippi that had walking trails and a huge playground.

Colton showing Chase the right path.

Although it's a little blurry, we think we might have a Sasquatch sighting on our hands.

The boys with their walking sticks.

Looking for a squirrel.

Riding on the tire swing.

These beautiful trees will be covered in snow in probably a month. So sad.

Fun at the Apple Orchard

2011-10-17T11:24:00.001-05:00

Casey's parents came up this past weekend for Chase's birthday. It was a beautiful day on Saturday, so Nana and I took the boys to find some pumpkins at the apple orchard. This place had so much for the kids to do. We were all beat by the time we left and we got some good pumpkins!

This chair was so hard to get up into!! Nana and I were struggling.

Chase scouting out the perfect pumpkin.

Colton found his!

Such a strong boy!

Waiting for the tractor to pick us up.

Chase's 2nd Birthday

2011-10-17T10:51:00.002-05:00

We had a great time celebrating Chase's 2nd birthday. Since Colton is obsessed with Cars, Chase is gaga over Mater. My parents got to come up and brought my brother and sister-in-law with them. Happy birthday, Chasey-bug. You have brought so much joy to us in the past 2 years. We love you so much.

HIs birthday surprise at Rainforest Cafe at Mall of America.

Uncle Chris and Colton riding the roller coaster.

Mr. Serious

When he's happy, he's happy!!!

Playing night-night with Papa.

Chase's First Day of Preschool

2011-09-19T15:04:00.007-05:00

Chase started his first day of preschool last Friday. He is only going one day a week to the same school that Colton goes to. He was excited to wear his backpack and walk in to school like a big boy. I was hoping he would do okay when Colton and I left and he went right in, found a toy, and never looked back. That is exactly what Colton did his first year. I'm glad they can be away from me, but still made me a little sad that both my babies are growing up so fast.

Me and my little bug.

Walking to school.

Trying to open the door.

Hanging up his Hip Hop Elmo backpack.

Saying bye with his teacher, Mrs. Lori.

Went right in to play and didn't look back.

1st Soccer Game

2011-09-19T15:04:00.005-05:00

Colton had his first soccer game last Thursday night. To say Casey and I aren't soccer people is an understatement, but we thought it would be good for Colton to run off some energy and he loves to kick the ball. There weren't many positions being played that night and Colton came off the field twice with injuries (we have a small drama bone). I guess all that matters is that he had fun.

Being cheap and taking my own team picture.

Cheap individual picture.

Colton's first day of Pre-K

2011-09-19T14:54:00.002-05:00

Colton's 1st Day of his 4 year old preschool started last Tuesday. He looks so big, now. He was so excited to go and meet all his new friends.

On his way to his 3rd year of preschool.

Hanging up his backpack.

Putting in his name tag.

Waiting on his circle.

Hugging Chase bye.

One last look before we leave.

Labor Day trip to Kansas

2011-09-19T14:47:00.002-05:00

Over Labor Day, we went to Kansas to visit Casey's parents and see our niece, Blair. Her and Chase are about 6 months apart, so it's fun to watch them interact. We also got to see our brother and sister-in-law and it's always fun to get to leave the kiddos with Nana and Papaw while we go out.

The kiddos eating at the kiddie table.

Chase and Blair waiting for the blessing.

Chase helping Papaw roast marshmallows.

Looks like 3 old people sitting here.

These 2 are trouble together.

Colton caught a fish with a little help from Papaw.

And Chase caught some goldfish.

They are all being silly.

Fun with Neighbors - We're on a boat!

2011-09-19T14:29:00.006-05:00

The weekend before Labor Day, we went out with our neighbors on their boat on the St. Croix River. It was really nice and not too hot. After Chase warmed up, he loved it, and of course Colton loved it from the start. They got to fish and Colton got to go tubin' with his friend Brody. We had a great time.

Not sure yet about riding in the boat.

Checking out the big boys on the tube, but still hanging tight to Daddy.

Colton floating in the River.

Playin' in the tube.

I think a fish jumped.

Tired after his day on the river.

Colton getting to ride on the tube.

Auburn Visit

2011-08-09T19:45:00.000-05:00

We were so excited we got to go down to Auburn and visit with some old Auburn buddies. We met up with my friend, Jenny, and her two boys, and our other friend, Ashley. Jenny lived 2 doors down from me in the apartments I lived in and Ashley was in all my classes and took care of me when I was down there. I miss these 2 girls. So glad we got together at Ashley's house and got to spend some time with all the kiddos.

Colton in front of the National Championship Trophy.

Me and the boys and Jenny and her boys.

In front of Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Sitting in front of Aubie's House underneath the stadium where he keeps all his props for the football games.

All the kiddos having fun at Ashley and Kyle's house.

The Auburn crew: Ashley, Francie, Foster, Me, Colton, Chase, Jenny, Kyle, and Bryce.

Sitting in front of Toomer's Corner. So sad to see the big oak trees.

Colton got to meet Aubie and play with him.

2011-08-09T19:33:00.000-05:00

While we were home we got the chance to meet up my best friend and her family. We don't get to see the Kleeman's enough, and it's always a trip when we all get together. The boys had a great time playing in the rock garden beside the restaurant and we had a good supper at O'Charleys. We miss you guys.

We also got to meet up with our other friends in Atlanta, the Dickman's. We went to the Braves game and had great seats and a great night to watch baseball.

Colton and Parker.

Trying to get a group shot, but as usual one of mine is not cooperating.

Much better. The Kleemans and the Boughs.

View from our seats at the Braves game.

Lucy and I.

Summer Fun

2011-08-09T19:18:00.000-05:00

We had a great time when our niece, Blair came to visit us. She is 6 months younger than Chase, so it was pretty funny watching them interact. We loved having Nana, Papaw, Uncle Brett, Aunt Ash, and Blair here. Thanks for coming to see us guys.

Chase sharing his drink with Blair.

They will kill us for this later.

Blair trying to be sweet and give Chase a hug.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-06T10:50:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a good 4th. We hung out all day and went swimming and then Colton and I went to the Hastings Country Club to watch fireworks. This was his first time seeing fireworks and he loved it. He told me his favorite ones were the finale.

Just chillin'.

Jumping off the diving board to Casey.

Casey flipping Colton in the air.

This firework went off behind us from someone's house. I love his face.

Too busy watching to be bothered to turn around.

Colton's 1st Tball game.

2011-07-06T10:39:00.000-05:00

Colton had his first tball game a couple of weeks ago. He was so excited. We were so proud of him. He loved to hit and run the bases.

So excited to go to the game.

Nana and Chase waiting for the game to start. It was a little chilly.

Lining up to bat.

Ready for the ball.

Happy 4th Birthday, Colton.

2011-06-27T20:33:00.001-05:00

Colton's actual birthday fell on Father's Day this year. We were fortunate enough to have my dad and Casey's dad here to celebrate both events. Casey's parents bought Colton a all you can ride wristband for Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America for one of his presents. He loves this place, but never gets to stay more than a couple of hours, because someone in the family usually gets tired, grumpy, or both (usually Casey or Chase). So, this time we took 2 cars and the boys went back home to watch golf while me, Nana, and Gram stayed with Colton to ride as much as he wanted. He still didn't want to leave when we left at 6 pm!! We also ate at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company at MOA.

Riding the baby rollercoaster as Colton calls it. If you look behind him, you can see Chase and me. Chase was not a big fan.

Colton and Nana on the bumper cars.

Happy Father's Day to our favorite daddies.

Standing in Forrest Gump's shoes.

Eating at Bubba Gump's Shrimp Company.

The waiters sang to him and brought him his own ice cream. He was so surprised.

Colton and Kai Lan.

The girl told Colton to do his best birthday dance with the Backyardigans.

Riding the swings by himself. He was finally tall enough that I didn't have to ride with him.

Riding the big rollercoaster.

I love my little guy!!!

Sharing his ice cream with Chase.

Present from Miss Brandy, Mr. Brad, and Parker. He loved all of it. Thanks guys. We love you.

Colton's 4th Birthday Party

2011-06-27T20:13:00.000-05:00

We had Colton's 4th birthday party at the YMCA this year. We were going to have it at the house and do a pool, but I don't trust Minnesota weather, yet. It was a good thing, because it rained all day and was about 50 degrees. The kids also got to swim because they had an indoor pool, but the birthday boy d party idn't have much fun doing swimming. Colton cut his toe pretty bad on a caution stool in the pool and his festivities for the day were over. At least he will always have something to remember his 4th birthday - a nice scar.

The food table

Secret Agent Lightning McQueen birthday cake.

Lightyear Tire Doughnuts

Traffic Lights

Tow-Maters

Chase was the Pit Crew.

Chase bug

Make your own motor oil.

Colton's First Tball Adventure

2011-06-08T21:47:00.000-05:00

Tonight was Colton's first tball practice. He is playing with at the YMCA this summer and will probably do the youth association next year. He was so excited to go. He was more excited afterwards when we told him we were going to stop for ice cream as a treat. He did pretty good for his first time. He really wants to hit, but that will be next practice. Hopefully he will love it just as much as Casey and I do.

Getting ready to go to our first TBall practice ever.

Making Chase bug laugh.

Little snack before going.

So excited we had to run.

Running bases before practice starts.

Running home.

Catching grounders.

I want to be like my big brother!!

2011-05-31T15:59:00.000-05:00

Chase has been watching everything Colton has been doing. Now that it is starting to make sense to him, he wants to do the exact same things big brother is doing - jumping off furniture, trying to get gumballs, trying to ride Colton's tricycle, etc. You name it, Chasebug tries his hardest to do it and most of the time succeeds. I hope that big brother turns out to be a good role model since we have little eyes watching 24/7!!!!!

Chase "riding" Colton's bike and wearing his helmet.

Caught with his hand in Colton's gumball machine. He always sees him going over with a coin to get a gumball out of here.

2011-05-05T13:49:00.000-05:00

There is a waterfall right down from our house called the Vermillion Waterfall. Saturday was such a nice day, we decided to walk down and see it and get some fresh air. The boys loved throwing rocks into it and it is very pretty right in the city.

Chase sitting in front of the falls.

Casey and Chase looking at the falls.

Vermillion Falls.

My big boy.

Mr. Independent

Going home.

Silliness

2011-05-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

We've been a little silly around here lately. Must be the weather starting to turn warm. We don't know how to behave!!

Monkey see, Monkey do.

Silly bug.

Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

2011-05-05T10:39:00.000-05:00

Casey took Colton to his first Major League baseball game the other night. The Twins were playing the Tampa Rays, and the home team lost. Thank goodness it was a nice night. Colton was so excited to go with his daddy.

Temperature at Twins Game = 50 degrees
Hot dog, pizza, peanuts, ice cream = $20
Experiencing your 1st Major League Game with your daddy = priceless

Colton getting ready to go to his first major league game with Casey.

I think it might have gotten a little chilly before they left.

Easter 2011

2011-04-27T12:45:00.001-05:00

We had a wonderful Easter. It was actually warm up here in the frozen tundra, so the boys got to wear something cute and Springy for Easter. It was so nice to go to church with our parents and the boys. I wished we lived closer to everyone so we could do that more often. We hope everyone had a wonderful day.

Pre-Easter Fun

2011-04-27T12:24:00.000-05:00

Both sets of our parents got to come and visit for Easter weekend. It was very busy and the boys definately got spoiled!! Last night was so quite at the supper table, because it was just the 4 of us again. The weekend was filled with egg hunts, a rained out Twins game, and lots of playing. We are so lucky we have great parents who always want to be around Colton and Chase. We love all of you.

Nana reading to the boys.

Papa playing with Chase.

On the Metro to the Twins Game.

Cold and rainy.

Unfortunately, the game got postponed!! :(

Papaw and Colton at his school's Easter egg hunt.

Chase getting in on the action.

Chase is 18 months old!

2011-04-04T12:55:00.000-05:00

Our little Chase bug is 18 months old today. I can't believe it has gone by this fast. It seems like yesterday, he joined our family. He is definately developing his own personality!!! He is very independent, and loves to do everything that Colton is doing, like standing on the arm of the couch and jumping off!!! He is going to give me a heart attack. I love his dimples and the way he gallops around the house chasing after Colton. I love when he picks up one of his dinosaurs and "roars" at Colton. He loves, loves, loves to be read to and several books have the cover off of them because they have been toted around and read so much. He is not a big snuggler right now during the day, but he loves to snuggle with Casey at night. So not fair!!! He loves Barney, Fresh Beat Band, the Wiggles, and The Wonder Pets. He loves to jump and we predict he might be a state champion in the long jump!! He loves to dance and it is really a sight to see him and Colton dancing with huge smiles on their face in the middle of the room. He is just starting to sleep and love on stuffed animals. He loves his dog and duck (aka Clifford and Max the duck), graciously lent to him by his brother. And speaking of dogs, any dog or duck he sees on tv or in a book, he spots immediately with a forceful point of his finger and a lively "Dog" or "Duck." He gets a kick out of saying his animal sounds and thinks it funny when he runs and kicks the ball, especially if it bounces off Colton. We love our little Chaseybug, as Colton calls him.

Mouth full of crackers!!

Up to something.

Getting ready to jump.

Giving Lucky a hug.

Beef's Inaugural Tee Shot - Atlanta

2011-03-28T19:51:00.001-05:00

Casey went on a golf trip this past weekend with his buddies to Atlanta. Here is his friend, Beef, teeing off on 1st hole. Hard to see but it was a 50 yard ground ball to the right, lost ball. Kept his streak alive of 6 consecutive years of missing the fairway on the inaugural tee shot. There's always next year!

Hapy St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-17T11:14:00.000-05:00

Colton looks like a leprechaun in this picture!

Ready for Spring

2011-03-13T11:14:00.000-05:00

We are so over the snow up here and ready for some warmer weather. Even the native Minnesotans are fed up with all the snow on the ground. I think it's supposed to be in the 40's and 50's here this week, so hopefully some of the snow will start to melt.

Colton finished his last ice skating lesson this past Saturday. We were so proud of him. The last couple of classes he has been able to skate without his walker. He was such a trooper. Last week he fell and busted his nose and he cried for about 2 seconds while his nose bled and then went right back out to finish his lesson and then he wanted to go to his practice time after class. We will probably sign him up again in the Fall so he will be ready for next Winter, but for now we are waiting anxiously for T-Ball to start in June. Yes, I said June. For all my Southern friends, I know ball has already started down there, but up here they have to wait for all the snow to melt and then there's flooding from all the melted snow, and then it has to get warm enough. So, T-Ball doesn't start until June. Hopefully, he loves it or Casey and I might give him away!! Just kidding we'll still love him!!

My cool dude.

Chase is ready for Spring.

Skating by himself.

Sharing some Chex Mix.

My baby is getting so big.

Love this kid and his dimples.

Warmer Weather

2011-02-20T16:13:00.000-06:00

Last week we had some warmer weather (one day it even made it to the 50's!!!), so we decided to get out and take advantage of it since today it is in the 20's and we are expecting 18 inches of snow. Colton loved riding his bike and Chase liked playing in snow since the wind wasn't knocking him down.

Chase giving brother a little push.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T14:41:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Chase 2011

Colton 2008

This wasn't from today, but I thought it was cute.

Ice Skating Lessons

2011-01-17T16:38:00.000-06:00

We signed Colton up for ice skating lessons for 9 weeks. His first lesson was on Saturday. We figured we needed a winter hobby so he wouldn't get stir crazy. Casey thought he was going to have to out with him, but luckily for Case, they had enough instructors that he didn't have to go. You should have seen some of those little guys and girls. They were hopping and twirling like they had had skates on their entire life. They were all walking around in their skates like they had tennis shoes on. Sweet boy was pretty shaky, but it was his first lesson, and I know I wouldn't have done any better. There are rinks all around the town, so Casey has been taking him out for some extra practice.

Colton getting ready to go out onto the ice for the 1st time.

Getting a little help. Casey was glad he didn't have to go out with him. There were 3 year olds out there that would have skated circles around him.

Woops!!! Those beach legs aren't use to the ice, yet.

They gave him a walker to help him. By the end of practice time, he skated from one side of the rink to Casey. We were very proud of him.

We took him to a rink in town and Casey practiced with him.

They are both upright, so that was a good sign.

"Whoa, hang on to me, Daddy!"

War Eagle and a little dancing.

2011-01-11T19:26:00.000-06:00

My second alma mater, Auburn University, played in the National Championship game Monday night. It was so good to be able to watch the Tigers play and WIN!!!!! It was definately a nail-biter, but worked out for us in the end. WAR EAGLE!!!

Rooting on the Auburn Tigers in the National Championship Game!!!!

Goofin' around on the steps. It's 10 degrees below and my children still don't like to wear clothes!!!

Chase chillin' in Colton's recliner.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-04T21:32:00.000-06:00

We got to spend Christmas in Chattanooga this year with my family. Boy, it was a long 15 hour drive from Minnesota to TN, but it was worth it!!! We got to spend time with family and I got to see some old friends that I used to teach with at Tyner. We are so blessed to have such wonderful family on both sides. Christmas was so much fun this year because Colton actually "got" what was going on! He asked Santa for 2 things this year that he would not be quiet about: A Thomas the Train Misty Island Rescue Set and a Thomas Flashlight that follows when you shine the light on the ground. Thanks to "Santa" Gram and Papa and "Santa" Nana and Papaw, both those wishes were fulfilled and as you will see in the videos that follow, he was more than super excited!!!!

Chase at home in MN before we left to go to TN.

Christmas Eve after church at my parent's house.

Chase didn't understand that the cookies were for Santa and not him!

Santa came!!!

Chase eating his favorite Christmas snack - sausage balls!!!! Yummy!

Colton got Thomas pj's. His favorite!!!

A great gift for Casey for when he snowblows!!!

Papa reading Chase his new book.

Christmas brotherly love! I'm sure one of them ended up screaming soon after.

We got to eat at Cracker Barrel. There is only one in MN and it is 40 minutes away. Can you imagine!!! I think I drank about 4 glasses of sweet tea and ate way too many cornbread muffins.

I also got to meet up with 2 of my old friends from when I taught at Tyner, Amy and Kyone. We were known around school as the reverse oreo because we were always together during breaks or inservices. To get the true meaning, Kyone should be in the middle. Hee hee hee!!

Santa even came to our house back in MN!! Colton was so excited!!!

Chase not happy that 2010 was almost over. Maybe it was the onsie! Happy 2011 everyone!!

2010-12-22T17:45:00.000-06:00

We wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here is our picture with Santa and pictures from Colton's Christmas program at school. He sang the very loudest and gave Casey and I thumbs up after every song. We might have another lead in a high school musical just like Daddy!!!!

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!

Colton getting ready to go to his Christmas program at preschool.

Chasey bug waiting to go hear brother sing.

Colton walking in with his class.

So excited to sing!!!! He was the loudest!!

Colt's gingerbread house he made at school.

Snowy, busy December

2010-12-12T19:47:00.001-06:00

We finally moved into our new house on December 1st. It was a long 3 months on the top floor of our apartment and I'm sure the people that lived below us are glad that we are gone!!!! Of course on the day the moving truck came, it snowed. It has already been a busy December with all the weather. I talked my mom into flying out to help while I unpacked boxes. Thank goodness she agreed!!! She is a God-send. I think the first day we were in the house, I unpacked one box, because I was constantly watching Chase. We still have a lot of boxes, but not as many as if she wasn't able to come out and help. Thank you so much, Gram!!!!

Movers moving our things in.

Chase watching Casey shovel his first snow.

Casey shoveling snow. He was out there for 2 hours.

We are buried in boxes and papers.

While I unpacked, Colton and my mom decorated the tree. That's why there are red buckets, wrapping paper string, and the ornaments are only at a certain level. We have so many more ornaments, but I just didn't get them out. Thank goodness my mom came to help!!!

Colton and I decided to head out and brave the blizzard to play.

He was not the least bit happy after I tossed him into the snow. He was ready to go in right then.

A view of our street under 16 inches of snow.

I am behind a snow bank in our front yard.

Sitting on our deck.

Our house in the snow.

Our neighbor and his dog snowplowing.

Oh how I wish I could see it right about now.

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful

2010-11-19T12:42:00.000-06:00

Well, we finally experienced our first snowfall in Minnesota. We got 7 inches in one day. As of today, most of the snow has still not melted and it has been a week. We may not see the grass until May because another storm is supposed to come in on Sunday night. The high on Thanksgiving is supposed to be 12, I think. Oh my!!! I'm glad we are moving into our house soon so we can hunker down. Colton loved playing in the snow, but Chase was not a huge fan. They both looked like the stay-puff marshmellow men and the kid from "A Christmas Story." Every time Chase walked he fell down, poor little guy!! And, it's sad to think this is only the beginning of the winter. Pray for this Southern girl and my 2 water babies.

We finally got everything on.

1st faceplant of many.

Colton trying to do a snow angel.

The snow was blowing sideways.

Chase was really over it at this point.

Why are Casey and Colton both trying to throw snowballs at me?

13 Months

2010-11-07T19:46:00.000-06:00

Chase is 13 months old. He is getting to be more of a pistol everyday. He loves bugging Colton and also loves to love on him. He likes to play peek-a-boo and points to everything. He is saying a couple more words, now, and has finally even said mama. He loves to throw the ball to Casey and loves, loves, loves to climb on everything!!!! He is such a tease and will stop, turn around, and giggle and smile when you catch him up to something. He is getting super fast and you have to watch him like a hawk. Mommy and Daddy love you little guy.

Brushing and Basketball

2010-11-04T22:08:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, was another day of firsts in the Bough household. Colton went to the dentist for the first time. He actually did really well and loved that he got to wear sunglasses. He sat pretty still and then towards the end, like we probably all are like at the dentist, he was totally over it. You can see from the pictures towards the end, his hands gripping the seat.

Also, we started basketball at the Y. He was so excited to wear his jersey and his new basketball shoes that he and Casey went and got. He was so good at passing and decent at dribbling, but we need to practice some more. In December, he gets to play an actual game. That should be interesting. Stay tuned.

So excited he got to wear sunglasses.

Can you see his hand gripping the seat? She only had 3 more teeth to check.

Letting Dr. Rick count his teeth, but not loving it.

All done and with a bag of goodies.

Tough basketball player. Don't you love how big the jersey is?

Got his game face on.

Finally a smile from my little guy.

Listening to Coach Brent and Coach Mike.

Coach Brent showing him how to dribble.

Chase's 1st Haircut

2010-11-01T22:51:00.000-05:00

I took Chase today to get his first haircut. I don't know why it's so hard to go and do this. It's just hair, but I guess it makes me sad that he's growing up so fast. He did so well. He didn't shed one tear and sat and played with the combs she gave him. The hairdresser whipped out the gel and put his hair in a mohawk so fast, I didn't know what she was doing. I wasn't a real fan of that, but oh well. He looks so grown up now.

Happy Halloweenie!!

2010-10-31T22:57:00.001-05:00

We had a great Halloween night. Colton dressed up like a clown and Chase was a turtle, which was Colton's his first Halloween. One of my friends that grew up in the same neighborhood I did in TN lives up here with her husband and two boys. They invited us over for hot dogs, chili, and trick-or-treating in their neighborhood, since we are still in the apartment. Thank you so much, Melissa, Mike, Elliott, and Emory for including us in your festivities. It was so good to hear another Southern voice.

Watch out for the snapping turtle!

Ready to go.

Turtle needed a lift.

Chase picking out some candy. He picked Twizzlers. Good boy - he knows mommy doesn't like chocolate.

Chase's Birthday - Part 2

2010-10-19T08:30:00.000-05:00

Casey's parents came in for the weekend to celebrate Chase's birthday and to see Colt. So, we put his shirt and hat back on and had his birthday - round 2. He still hated the hat and still loved the cake. Thanks Nana and Papaw for coming to visit.

Fall Hike

2010-10-18T13:05:00.000-05:00

Saturday was a beautiful day, so we went to a town South of where Casey works and climbed Barn Bluff. It was really pretty at the top and you could see the Fall trees. I was really proud of Colton. He walked all the way up and down the bluff by himself. Chase even walked a little ways, but needed a little help from Papaw and Daddy. You can also see from the pictures that no one told me we were planning on hiking up a hill, so I had on flip-flops. Thanks, guys!!!

Colton with his walking stick.

Colton and I at the top of the bluff.

Chase getting a lift from Papaw.

Chase's 1st Birthday

2010-10-09T11:20:00.000-05:00

Chase's 1st birthday was on Monday. I can't believe how the year has flown, but yet, it feels like we have been a family of four for forever. We can't imagine our life without him. I love watching him watch Colton. He loves his big brother so much. We love you Chasey bug.
My mom and dad flew in for his birthday. The first time on an airplane for my mom!!! We were hoping we weren't going to be in the apartment, still, for his party, but we hadn't found a house, yet. Oh well, it made it cozy. We can't wait for Casey's parents to come this weekend so we can celebrate again and eat more cake!!!

Happy boy even though he had an ear infection.

My mom had to hold the string in the back of his hat, so we could take some pictures. He hates anything on his head.

Of course, big brother had to help him with his cake.

Family picture attempts.

Cute cake he thought he was supposed to eat from Uncle Chris and Aunt Dee Dee.

"I love birthdays!!!!!!"

Colton's First Field Trip

2010-10-09T10:53:00.000-05:00

Colton's preschool class went to the Apple Orchard last week for his first field trip. It was a beautiful day and I think he enjoyed it. He really liked the apple cider and the pumpkin they got.

Looking at Blackjack, the goat.

Listening to the story about the star in the middle of the apples.

Out in the orchard.

Feeding the goats.

Hannah, the calf. She was only 4 weeks old.

Drinking his apple cider.

Loves of my Life

2010-10-01T14:32:00.000-05:00

For some reason, God chose me to be the mother of these 2 precious, sweet, handsome boys. I still haven't figured out, and probably won't know until I meet Him, what I did to deserve them. They are the light in my life and bring me joy in some way every day. Chase's big smile lights up the room and melts your heart in a second, and what can I say about my Colton? He has been my little buddy for the last 3 years. The things he says crack me up and I can't imagine life without either one of them. Thank you, God, for choosing me to be their mother.

Angels of Hope

2010-09-27T21:00:00.000-05:00

A wonderful photographer and his wife, Kenny and Elizabeth Barnes, back in Wilmington started a wonderful charity in honor of their daughter, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. The charity is called Women of Hope. They are just two of the nicest people in the world with the strongest faith the the Lord. I definately miss these 2 special people. Before we left, we had the opportunity to have Chase photographed for a chance to be included in their very first Angles of Hope calendar with the proceeds going to the Women of Hope Charity. We just found out that Chase was chosen to be in the calendar!!! The angel that gets the most number of votes will be the on the cover of the calendar. For $1.00 per vote, you can go to the link below and vote for our little doodlebug. What a wonderful way to give back and help.

http://kennybarnes.com/angels-calendar/angels-voting-page.html

First Day of Preschool - Year 2

2010-09-13T22:29:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day of Colton's 2nd year of Preschool. His teacher's name is Ms. Molly and this is her very first year teaching. Casey and I are a little bit nervous about that, but hopefully it will be ok. I think we were just so spoiled last year by the 2 wonderful teachers Colt had that we have high expectations. One good thing is that there is only 6 kids in his class, so he will get some much needed attention. He told me when I picked him up today that he didn't do anything, but quickly changed that and said he did play on the playground and eat a snack. I asked him if he learned a Bible story and he said yes that it was about Jesus. That was a good generic answer.

Cheezin' before we left for school this morning.

Little Brother had to get in the picture.

Chase wondering why brother is leaving him.

Walking in like a big boy.

Finding his name card.

Doesn't have a clue that Chase and I have left.

Had to get him a treat for his first day. McDonald's is the only place up here that has sweet tea!!!! Can you imagine?!?!

Zoo

2010-09-13T22:06:00.000-05:00

Saturday was such a nice day that we decided to go to the free zoo in St. Paul. It had enough good animals to keep Casey and I entertained and it was a great value since Colt isn't totally into it, just yet. They also had an amusement park there, so Colton got to ride some rides before we left. We will most definately go back to the Como Zoo.

This was a cool exhibit. They have two polar bears with a stocked fish pond to mimic their natural habitat.

Sleeping- so cute!!

I love the lions!

Chase is 11 Months Old!!!

2010-09-04T18:05:00.002-05:00

Our little guy is 11 months old today. I can't believe it has already been 11 months. We have been so busy and have had so many changes in his lifetime, already. What a happy little guy he still is. He is starting to get a teasing personality and loves to play peek-a-boo. We love you little doodlebug!!!!

College Football 2010 is here!!!

2010-09-04T17:25:00.004-05:00

Yay for college football time!!! This kicks off the start of my most favorite time of the year up until Christmas is over. I hope we find a house, soon, so I can get all my Fall decorations out and get down to some serious football watching on Saturdays. I had to take these pics before we left NC and the movers packed our flag.

Chase was not being cooperative and Colt thought that was funny!!

My first tiger.

My baby tiger cub.