Our First Family Vacation

Our first family vacation was amazing. I can't explain how neat it was to see the kids experience the beach for the first time. The 9 hour drive actually went well going down. We left about 4AM and the kids slept until we made it past Austin. They were so excited when we went over the bridge leading to the island. We spent each day playing on the beach, swimming and flying kites. The kids would come back and take long restful naps.

Ahma and Poppy were great travel buddies. They watched Harper while we played on the beach. After all the kids were down Scott and I sat on the patio with them telling stories. It was a great trip all the way around. One of the greatest things about the trip was the amount of time we had to together. It is the small things that can really be special. To know we had all day without anywhere to be was great. I loved every little moment we shared together. Wyatt kept singing "The Ants go Marching 1 by 1" during the trip. I know for years to come when I hear that song I will have fond memories of South Padre Island 2010.

The State Fair

Megan and Dru took Brooke and Wyatt to the State Fair of Texas. They had a blast. I was there to supervise but Megan and Dru really took the lead. They pushed strollers, ran after the kids and road the rides with them. I have not laughed that hard in a long time. I think we laughed most of the day. The best time was watching the kids faces when they road the rides. They would start out a bit apprehensive then they'd start giggling and laughing. It was absolutely priceless!

Wyatt's 2nd Birthday

Our little baby boy is now 2. I can't believe it has been 2 years. We celebrated W's birthday at "Pump it Up". It was the perfect venue for him. He had a chance to run and jump around with all of his friends from school. His cousins and neighbors also came for the big day. He sported a personalized Buz Lightyear shirt that daddy bought him. He has been wearing it about 3 times a week now and loves it.

Mamaw made an amazing Buz Lightyear cake!

He is growing like a weed. He is above average for height and his Ahma cut out the feet of two pair of his footy pajamas so they would still fit him. Papa and E got him an alligator see-saw to ride with Brooke and he loves it! Good times!

Brooke's First Dentist Apppointment

Brooke was adorable this morning. She was a very brave little girl. I almost cried I was so proud of her. She did everything the dentist asked her to do. She also took her a bag of candy we had in house since she can only eat candy for very special occasions now that her teeth are shiny and clean.

'Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow"

We baptized Harper at Church of the Incarnation on Sunday. Uncle Rob and Aunt Kim were her godparents. It was a beautiful service. I of course cried when the priest put the holy water over her little head. Brooke was a great big sister and went up front to be by her side. Wyatt also shared the last part of the service with us. She had on the beautiful dress my mom made. I wore it back about 20...ok 30 something years ago and Brooke wore it 3 years ago. I also cried during the offering song "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow". I couldn't say it any better! Thanks to Mamaw, Jay, Papa, Ahma and Poppy for being there too. I know E was there in Spirit and we wish her a very speedy recovery!

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Another Great Memorial Day

We had another great Memorial Day party with the neighbors. Brooke and Wyatt were old enough to really enjoy it this year. They swam in the baby pool and played with all of the kids. We had a great turnout. Elizabeth came and helped us with the kiddos. Harper made an appearance too. It was hot so we had to keep her inside most of the day. I even made a cherry pie and red, white and blue cupcakes! In a few years we can actually explain to the kids what today is all about. Brooke still thinks it was a birthday party. Sue and Trisha were great to host everyone in their front yard. We just had to walk across the street and enjoy the fun.

Before the Memorial Day party we visited the new Africa exhibit at the zoo. It was very impressive. Brooke's favorite animal is the giraffe right now and she actually got to feed one. It was exciting and great to see her experience it. Wyatt even pet the giraffe!

Brooke's First Recital

They say they grow up fast and it is true. My goodness our baby girl is growing up! We had the dress rehearsal Saturday and the full recital Sunday. Brooke did very well and loved every minute of it. Aunt KiKi got her yellow flowers and it made her day. Brooke has a video she watches where the "ballerina always gets flowers" so she had some expectations of getting some. Scott and I didn't bring any so her aunt really came through. After her performance she came out and was greeted by everyone telling her how great she did. She actually got teary eyed and Scott asked what was wrong. I explained she was "sad/happy" which is our explanation of crying because you are so happy. I think she felt such a sense of pride that she got choked up. Scott said "yea, I think it is a girl thing". :)

She enjoyed spending each Saturday practicing with her best friend Laney. Laney did an awesome job in the recital too and we got some great pics. I got "sad/happy" knowing she is going to be such great friends with one of my best friend's daughter. Her mommy and I have shared some great memories and now they are doing the same!

Wyatt attended the dress rehearsal but thanks to Elizabeth and Papa he got a pass on Sunday. I think he had enough of the dance thing. He had already been to soccer Saturday so he was pretty tired. He is loving soccer and I hear last Saturday he stopped playing for a minute to flirt with some 6 year old girls. The coach said Wyatt was quite the flirt. We are going to have to keep our eyes on that boy. :)

Scott's Birthday

We celebrated Scott Kennedy, Phoebe and Scott's birthday with the neighbors. It was a great time. We were definitely outnumbered by kids and that will be the case for quite some time. Brooke and I made a Texas cake and decorated the backyard. Wyatt loved the bubble machine and was exhausted by the end of the night. After we put the kids down and cleaned up, Scott and I sat outside under the lights and relaxed. It was nice quality time and honestly unbelievable that we could get all 3 babies down without a fuss. :) One of those "life is good" moments!

2nd Annual Derby Party

We had the 2nd Annual Derby Party/Ahma's birthday this year. It was just the immediate family but it was a blast. Next year it will be at the racetrack for Ahma's 65th birthday. Going forward we may have to incorporate Harper's birthday too. :)

We made Brooke her very own Mary Poppin's hat and she loved it. She also won the best hat contest. Brooke's horse even won the race. The moment was priceless. She was very proud. Wyatt enjoyed all of the excitement too!

Hooray Harper is Here!

After waiting a very long 39 weeks baby Harper arrived!

Monday, April 19th we showed no signs that the baby would be here soon. I was walking, eating spicy food, walking, drinking raspberry tea, walking and doing everything I could to make to get the baby to come but nothing was working. Papa called that evening to see if we thought we could expect anything that night. They had been on high alert with the due date getting closer and closer. We decided to watch The Sound of Music with the kids and call it a night. Scott actually said, "I really need my sleep tonight so don't wake me up with contractions". Sure enough at 12:30 AM I started to feel some pain. By 1:00 AM I woke up Scott and by 1:30 AM I knew it was time. Papa and Elizabeth arrived right away so we could make it to the hospital. Scott did his best to get us there as fast as he could since I was in pain. We checked in the hospital where I told them my name followed by "I've done this twice before and I'm ready for my epidural NOW", followed by some major expressions of pain. Ahma and Poppy arrived in time to help through a few contractions then see the sweet relief I felt

Harper arrived shortly after our arrival at 5:53 AM. She looked very healthy and let out a nice big cry giving us all the reassurance we needed. It doesn't matter how many times you go through child birth there are still concerns about the baby's health. Once she was here we could breath a great big sigh of relief! 7.12 lb ounces and 19 inches.

I got the most choked up when I realized it was a girl and that Brooke and Harper would get to enjoy the experience having a sister. The bond between sisters is priceless. This also puts Wyatt right in the middle like uncle Rob who he already looks just like. Scott will be able to spend 1:1 guy time with Wyatt while they get out numbered by the girls.

We're so thankful Harper is here and that she is surrounded by such a great family. While this is grand baby number 10 for Mamaw she showed just as much love and excitement as I'm sure she had with number 1.

Easter 2010

Easter was wonderful this year. The kids got to enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt at school, one with the neighbors and a special day with family. I know they were tired when it was over but they had a blast. Brooke made sure to let us know that she did not care for the Easter bunny and that he could just leave the eggs. He didn't need to stick around :).

Of all of the celebrations the most important one was to have both kids blessed at the Easter Church service. It was not easy but with the help of Elizabeth and goldfish treats we made it. I could not have asked God for any more blessings. I was just so thankful for our happy and healthy friends and family. There was a very big blessing just around the corner though and I couldn't wait for "it" to arrive.:)

Mommy's Helper

Brooke has been a great helper at school and home. They call her little Ms. Tuesday at school right now after the teacher. They say she has been taking the lead with all of their daily activities. This is a picture one Saturday morning. We wore our matching vintage aprons and made breakfast. Daddy was very nice as he ate his crunchy scrambled eggs with egg shells :). Breaking the eggs is the best part!

A New Year!

We kicked off the new year by celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary. We had friends over for the Cowboy playoff game and surprised Scott with a visit from Hobo the monkey. Nothing says I love you more than a performing monkey :). The kids enjoyed watching him perform. He rode a scooter and played basketball for them.

Brooke & Wyatt had a nice Valentine's Day this year. Brooke was old enough to really enjoy making goodies for her friends. They had a small party at school and exchanged cards. The M&M's were her favorite!

After all of the sticky candy a bath was in order. Brooke & Wyatt loved getting in the big tub with a bunch of bubbles!

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We Survived the Remodel!

We survived the remodel. After starting the project in October 2008 we are finally done! We are so thankful to be moved in and have plenty of room for the kids. It is nice to have small amenities like a bath tub. The kids can now sleep well through the night without waking each other up. We have more room to entertain and plan to take advantage of that.

Brooke really likes her "new big house" although when Wyatt makes messes she says "he's timing out in this big house" which means she thinks he should go in "time out". What is even cuter is that Wyatt loves time out. We'll sit him in the corner and look at him and he just grins and feels very special. :)

Veteran's Day

Brooke and Mommy went to the Veteran's Day parade today. We had a great time! Brooke told several of the Veteran's "thank you" as they came by in the parade. She sported her red,white & blue outfit made by Ahma.

Ross Perot was the gues of honor but her favorite participant in the parade was Ronald McDonald (thanks Kiki)!

After the parade we went to see Bebi & Chester (Poppy's Aunt & Uncle) in Duncanville. Chester looked outstanding considering he is in his 80's and just had double bi-pass surgery. He said they actually cleared him to drive today. Chester fought in WW II so it was nice to see him today. I explained to Brooke that he was just like the soldiers we had seen in the parade. Brooke told Chester "thank you" (for serving) and gave him an American flag. It was a priceless moment.

Halloween 2009

We had a great Halloween with the kids. They started Friday afternoon with trick or treating at the school. Brooke was dressed as Snow White with Wyatt by her side as the Happy dwarf. Papa and Elizabeth were there help with the kids and see them in action. Brooke's friend Cooper was a football player and Harrison was a pirate.

Saturday they went trick or treating with their cousin Dru. He was dressed as a big chicken which Brooke and Wyatt thought was very funny. They did a great job and Brooke remembered to tell the neighbors "thank you" for her treats. They looked so grown up going up to the neighbors house all on their own.

Other updates: We are on week 14 of phase 2 of the remodel and things are really coming along. We hope to move in by the first of December. I am exactly 4 months pregnant today so that should give us plenty of time to get in and get our routines back in place before the Chandlers grow to a family of 5! Thank goodness we will now have enough bedrooms and baths to hold us all!

Birthday Fun and Back House Adventures

There is so much to catch up on since our last post! We celebrated Wyatt's first birthday at Ahma and Poppy's with a Surfer Boy theme. We lucked out with one of the last pretty days of the season. The sun shined on all of us as we celebrated the big day.

In preparation for the party Wyatt got his first hair cut. Papa and Scott took him to D the official barber of the Chandlers. They used the clippers and everything. Wyatt was a big boy and enjoyed the event.

We continue to make the best of our adventure in the garage apartment as we wait for the remodel to be done. The kids are still taking baths in a little blue bucket and we are using a mini fridge that they've learned to access on their own. They've got in to just about everything they can in our 700 sq foot home.

They also discovered Scott's boots. The house is really coming together now. We'll post pictures soon showing the progress. We have walls, floors, tile, cabinets and doors. We even have a pantry. Each day we enjoy coming home to see what they've done. The trim and tile guys are true craftsman. They are taking their time and doing each little piece right. We hope to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas in the house.