Carter is six months!

Carter has reached his half way mark to a year! I can't believe he is already six months. He's not sitting up alone yet. If we try, he just tips over or folds in half then spits up then proceeds to play with the spit up. He can roll to his stomach, but can't go from his stomach to back so that really makes him mad after a while. He loves to spit and blow bubbles all the time (even right in the middle of the prayer at church :)). We are enjoying watching his little personality come out and can't wait to see him progress even more.

He looks totally cool in his shades!

Here he is sucking on his toes. Don't you love the pink blanket we put him on. Poor guy.

This is Carter's favorite place to play

Staying cool

It has been very hot and humid out here so we have been swimming a lot this summer. Our family joined the YMCA to get back into shape (Aaron and I) and to swim this summer. The kids also took swimming lessons and have really started improving. We're trying to pass the water wing stage.
Aaron was less than thrilled that I added his picture in a swimming suit on the this blog, but I think he looks hot!

6th annual strawberry picking day

We had our annual strawberry picking day a few weeks ago. We started doing this when Samantha was only one and we have loved doing it ever since. I think we got about 19 pounds of strawberry's this year. We make a ton of jam and freeze some for smoothies. At only $1.25/lb it wasn't too bad. It was pretty muddy this year so the kids ended up getting caked in mud.

Program, awards, and firsts

The kids are getting out of school next week so we had Ryan's preschool program and Samantha's awards assembly. I'm sure it will take some time getting used to being out of school and home all day every day (more for me), but we'll find some fun things to do this summer. Plus, we'll be visiting family in Utah and we are all very excited about that!

Ryan is the one holding his arm out. They were singing a song about flying and being in God's army.
Ryan and his teachers. He refuses to smile with his teeth. So every time he gets his picture taken this is what we get :)

Samantha received four awards at her assembly today. She got two for reading, one for citizenship and the kindergarten art student of the year award. She is such a talented girl.

Carter enjoyed his first experience with rice cereal. Samantha and Ryan loved feeding him. Needless to say, not much cereal actually made it down.

Our first blog entry!

For our first entry, I thought I would just send some recent pictures of the family.
Because we live so far from so many of you, we were hoping this would give you a glimpse into what's going on out here in Tennessee. Enjoy!

Carter loves snuggling with his dad!

Samantha a Ryan hamming it up for the camera!

Carter is almost 5 months. He's growing so fast.

Thanks to my wonderful husband who stayed home with the kids, my mom and I were able to spend a few days in New York. We had a great time shopping and sightseeing. Don't we look very touristy in our sweatshirts! :)