Weekly pics

These pics show a little of Eliana's personality. Yes, she is licking a fence in one and carrying a stick in her mouth in another. She is a spunky little thing!

46 weeks old

Yes, she is licking the fence ;-)
Look at that cute face

45 weeks old

She will carry things in her mouth while she crawls

It is hilarious
My happy girl

Our trip to San Antonio

On July 16th our new niece, Adaline Scarlett O'hara, joined the family. We took a trip to San Antonio this past week to meet Adaline and to celebrate Abigael's 2nd birthday! We had such a good time with Jamie and Shane and the girls and Ethan and Abigael had a blast together! Adaline is adorable. She is tiny...I can not believe it was not that long ago that Eliana was that little! Abigael loves her little sister and has adjusted so well to having a baby in the house.

Adaline so cute sleeping Ethan and Abigael
Ethan and Abigael coloring
(Ethan was obsessed with coloring while we were there)
Adaline and her uncle Josh

Adaline looking sweet

Mommy and her girl at the Riverwalk

Mommy and Ethan and Eliana at the Riverwalk

Daddy and the kids at the Riverwalk

Ethan's big boy hair cut

I FINALLY took Ethan to get his first real big boy haircut this past Tuesday (August 11th). Ethan did get a "haircut" from his Papaw, who did not consult me ;-), back in April, however that did not count. I took Ethan to a place here in Dallas called Snip-Its that is designed for kids. He did fine throughout most of the cut, due to having a lollipop in one hand and a truck in the other. I did keep some of his hair and got a little certificate, which Josh thinks is hilarious. Ethan even got to get a prize at the end. He looks so handsome and so much older with his short hair. He loves it and was all smiles after it was over!

Before

Checking it out Watching television I have had enough!!

Getting his prize
After

Look how handsome and happy

I'm back

Our 40 day fast from Internet and television was good. We talked, played games, spent undistracted time with Ethan and Eliana, read books, spent time with neighbors, spent time with the Lord, and got more involved in church. I realized during these forty days that I spend way too much time on useless distractions and that shutting off the noise of life is a necessity at times. I also learned having a conversation (even on the phone) is so much more intimate than sending an email. I missed being able to know the day to day happenings of my friends and family, but enjoyed my own little family so much more. I hope these past forty days have helped me gain a fresh perspective on what is truly important in life, mainly my relationship with the Lord and my relationships with close family and friends.

A lot happened during the past 40 days! Eliana stood by herself and took her first steps, Ethan used the potty for the first time , Ethan got his first big boy hair cut, our new niece (Adaline Scarlett O'hara) was born, Eliana moved into Ethan's room, and Eliana got two more new teeth. I will be sure to blog about it all!

Taking a break

Josh and I are taking a break from the internet for the next 40 days. We want to use the time we would normally spend on the internet to draw closer to God and to discern His will for our lives. Please pray for us during this time. We have some decisions and hope we have a clearer answer at the end of these 40 days. I will make sure to post all cute pictures of my cute kids whenever these 40 days are up!

Our trip to the zoo

Today we took Ethan and Eliana to the Dallas Zoo. It was the first time at the zoo for both of them! It was dollar day at the zoo (yep, Admission was only $1), so it was quite a deal. Ethan loved all the animals, in particular the penguins and gorillas (I think because he could get right up close to them!) I got lots of pictures of Ethan pointing at the animals saying "this". That is what he says when he gets excited or likes something. I am not sure he knew what to think about it all. At one point he was playing peek a boo with the animals..it was very cute! Eliana has not been feeling too well so she was not as excited about our zoo trip, but did enjoy some of the animals. She slept for a lot of the trip. It definitely was HOT today for us and the animals! The majority of the animals stayed in the shade and were not moving around too much. I don't blame them! We still had a great time and I look forward to going again!

Ethan with the African Bongo (?)

Ethan and Eliana's ride
Ethan and the gorilla
(it got right up the window and looked at Ethan!)

Ethan watching the penguins

Ethan playing in a water fountain

My she is growing up!

Two more weeks have passed and my little girl is becoming less babyish each day. She wants and tries to get everything her big brother has and often succeeds ;-)! She likes to grab Ethan by his shirt and pull him down..it is quite funny! Josh and I laugh and say we can picture Eliana punching some kid on the playground someday for being mean to her brother! She is cruising along the furniture but does not want to take those first steps. I do think she will be walking by the time she is one, which is only two short months away!

44 weeks old

(she was not happy, but is still beautiful!)

43 weeks old