The life of a hobo

As I mentioned before, my mom came to town over the past few days to help us pack up. I should mention that we played more than packed during her visit. We ate and played at Gattitown, went shopping, swam, and unpacked many of the boxes I had previously packed so that Nana and the kids could find something they REALLY needed to play with during her visit. Despite all the playing (and unpacking of previously packed boxes), I did manage to get everything done because in the coming days, we'll be moving out of our apartment and living the life of hobos until we close on our new house in Madison. Thankfully, our family has agreed to take us in for the next two weeks so we won't really be homeless. Anyway, with all this moving going on, I won't have internet access and will not be part of the blogging world for a few weeks. When I return, however, I'm sure I'll have plenty to catch up on because life is never dull with our clan. Until then, please keep us in your prayers as we move out of our apartment, jump from house to house in the interim, move out of our house in Dothan and finally settle into our new home in Madison.

Playing at the park

Since we've lived in Jackson, one of the many things the kids and I enjoy doing is playing at the park that is near our apartment. Each morning I pack up the stroller with all of the essentials and off we go! I've had to explain to Caroline that we take turns when going to the park because before she can play on the playground, I take the kids for a jog on the trail. By the time I finish 2 miles, I am whipped! Despite going early in the morning, it is still so very hot. That coupled with pushing two kids in a stroller up some little hills can wear somebody out (not to mention the workout I get from just getting the kids to the park in the mornings)!

Anyway, after my jog, it is Caroline's turn to play until her little heart is content. Well, maybe not because I don't think she can ever get enough time at the park. Since my mom came for a visit to help us pack (that story is for another blog post), she took some pictures of us at the park. If you are wondering, I do not jog in this outfit...I took the day off!

Ice cream anyone?

Well, there is no doubt that Will takes after his Daddy when it comes to ice cream. He absolutely LOVES it! Since he is still a "baby" in my book, I won't allow him to have much, and this really disappoints him. But beggars can't be choosers and he'll take whatever he can get at this point.

No, Daddy...it's still my turn to take a bite!

Hey, where do you think you're going with that?

That was perhaps the best thing I've ever tasted!

When will we enjoy that tasty treat again?

Squeaky Clean

Since Caroline and Will can take baths together now, bath time has become one of my favorite times of the day. Maybe it is because I can keep both kiddos corralled into a small space for once during the day. Anyway, after bath time, the kids slip into their cute little robes and you know me, I can't resist taking a picture.

Take me out to the ballgame

This past weekend, Matt's parents (aka Mamaw Kat and Pappaw) came for a short visit. Matt and I seized the opportunity to run errands and enjoy a kidless lunch. Afterwards, we all loaded up to go to the Bass Pro Shop. I must mention that this is the 2nd weekend in a row we have shopped there. I'm not a personal fan of the store, but Matt and his Dad foam at the mouth when they get within 5 miles of the place. Caroline also seems to like going there because of the fish tank and wildlife they have. I don't think it has registered with her that the bears, deer, alligators and other animals at the store aren't alive and have actually been stuffed so that we can enjoy seeing them. Anyway, my favorite thing about going to the Bass Pro Shop is getting to aggravate Matt as he is shopping just as he has done me for years. My favorite line is: "Is this a want or a need?"

Well, after we left the store, we realized the Mississippi Braves game was just about to get underway. Since the stadium was located across the street, we thought we'd give it a try. Though we didn't stay for the entire game, we did make it through the 6th inning with both kids enjoying the game. My only disappointment about the game was that it wasn't planned into our schedule and therefore I didn't take my camera to get pictures. Matt said I would get over it.

Welcome to the South, Eden!

On Sunday, Caroline and I attended a Sip & See to welcome Eden Brooks Bodie to the South, as it was her first visit to God's country. Eden is the first born child of my college room mate, Ashley, and her husband, Graham. Caroline was so excited to go to a tea and couldn't wait to meet Baby Eden. (Caroline puts the word "baby" in front of all little kids names that are smaller than she is.) While at the shower, I was pleasantly surprised to see some old friends (Jill and Jennifer) from MC there as well.

Our family is so excited that the Bodies are moving to Baton Rouge in August. They're moving back just in time to enjoy the South's unbearably hot summer weather! Hopefully once they move, we'll be able to get together more often.

Made with Love

For Caroline's 2nd birthday, Mamaw Kat made her a cute little summer halter dress. To top things off, she even made Reese a matching outfit. I think both little girls look precious in their outfits, and we hope these are not the last outfits Mamaw Kat sews for Caroline and Reese!

Poor Little Fishy

MC Friends

Last night I had the rare opportunity to have dinner with my college roommate, Ashley Jones Bodie, and sweet mate, Mica Ballard Stevens. In addition, we had the pleasure of meeting Mica's newest addition, Belle. I say "rare opportunity" because since we graduated from Mississippi College in 2000, we have all gone our separate ways to pursue our career dreams and settle down to raise our families. When we sat down to the table, we took a moment to enjoy the fact that we were all finally in the same place for once! It is so funny how our conversations have changed over the years. In the past we discussed career aspirations, men (or shall I say boys at the time), and what outfit we should wear. Last night we talked about our husbands (for a few minutes) and then the conversation quickly shifted to our pride and joy...our children. Ever since we've been friends, I knew that we all would have great careers and one day settle down to raise a family. I did not, however, anticipate just how much our children would change our lives...for the better. It was great to catch up old friends and I hope that since we are all moving "Down South" that we will find the opportunity to get together more often.

Pulling Up

Yesterday, I went in to check on my babbling baby and found him standing up in his bed. While this is not the first time he's stood up while holding on to things, it was the first time he pulled up to stand by himself. He was supposed to be taking a nap, but since he discovered a new trick, he wasn't the least bit interested in napping. It is obvious from the picture that he is so proud of himself!

Happy Birthday Aunt KK!

Today is my little sister's 26th birthday, so we would like to wish her a very Happy Birthday. Kristin, aka Aunt KK, is one of the sweetest people I know, and I love her more than words can say. She has such a kind heart and is a wonderful aunt to my little ones. Though we don't get to see each other as often as we would like, and our phone conversations are often cut short by rowdy kiddos, she is still my best friend. I am so thankful God gave me such a wonderful sister and I pray that my children will develop the same close relationship my sister and I share. Happy Birthday, Little Sis! By the way, it took all I had within me not to put the "Lil' Reb" picture on my blog!

Geyser Falls

Yesterday, the kids and I made a quick trip to Philly to meet Pop at Geyser Falls (water park). This is the second time we've been this summer. The first time, Mecie, Hunter and Helen joined us in the fun. While to some it may seem that taking both of my little ones (especially Will) to the water park is a bit much, I strongly disagree. I load up my double jogging stroller (by far the best investment I've made since I've had two kids) with all the essentials, and we're ready for a full day of water fun. In fact, we are usually some of the first people in the water park and some of the last ones to leave. In total, we are usually there for 7 hours and when we leave, Caroline starts crying because she wants to stay longer.

Both Caroline and Will absolutely love the water park. Caroline's favorite things at the water park include the Lazy River, sliding down the little kids' slides, swimming and eating Dippin' Dots ice cream. Will enjoys sitting in the water, swimming, and the few bites of Dippin' Dots ice cream I allow him to have. If you're wondering why I don't have any pictures, it is because we were too busy having fun! A special thanks goes out to Pop for treating us to the water park. Pop, we're ready to go back anytime you are!