Carson's 5th Birthday!

Carson turned 5 on May 4 - I cannot believe how grown up he is! We celebrated several times - he took red and blue Spiderman cupcakes to school, we had a small party at our house with some close friends, and then celebrated with Papa (who Carson is lucky enough to share a birthday with!), Nana, Aunt Teese and Aunt Katy.

Yummy brownies from Sam's!

The Birthday Boys!

Carson's new Spiderman bike!
Daddy putting the new bike together.

This is Brooke's "look" while we are outside playing. She LOVES being outside - as soon as the air touches her face, she smiles, and when she is outside, she kicks her feet the entire time!

Carson in his cool California outfit - with flip flops. In the background is the sign he made for Daddy's mini-marathon.

Carson showing off his blue hands from his birthday cake.

Making a wish...

Carson's Spiderman cake. This is the first year I haven't made Carson's birthday cake. I had a sinus infection and decided not to risk infecting all our guests. Brian and I got off work early, ran to Sam's and Carson couldn't have been happier!

Carson's birthday party is always the same day as the Derby. Our very good friend Miss Dana made a Derby pie, complete with racing flags and horses!

Aunt Katy spent the entire day with us - keeping the kids during Brian's race, and helping with party set-up and clean-up. Thank you soooo much, Aunt Katy!

Carson's Pre-school Graduation!

Carson had a graduation ceremony from his preschool last night, Thursday, May 28. It was so cute! Aunt Katy went with us - and saved the day by having her camera (my batteries failed me a few minutes into the night!). Special thanks to Katy for uploading all the pics for us!

The "tube" made an appearance again - filled with books, candy, and mini superheroes! Thanks, Papa and Nana!

Miss Megan, Miss Stefanie, Carson and Ms. Tammy. We LOVE his teachers!

Carson with his really good buddy Will R.

Aunt Katy with the Graduate!

The Schluep family.

When we try to get a good family photo, there are usually SEVERAL "outtakes." This is a cute one becuase Brooke is grabbing Carson's face :).

Look at that smile!

Carson and Will R.

Mommy and Brooke.

Carson getting his diploma.

Those boys are trouble!

They are singing "We Are the Champions" and playing rock band guitars - with sunglasses on. Seriously. Hilarious!

Carson brought us a picture of him in his cap and a flower as a thank you.

Walking into graduation.

Carson and his classmates singing We Are the Champions - it was so funny!

Brian Runs the Mini

On Saturday, May 2, Brian ran his first mini-marathon. He finished the 13.2 miles in 1:48:15 - his goal was under 1:50! My friend Becky and I took her daughter Caroline (Aunt Katy stayed home with Brooke and Carson) to brave the crowds to cheer on Brian and Brent. It was awesome! I was so proud of Brian. I was close to the finish and we actually saw one another - here's a great pic of him smiling and waving (very impressive considering this is mile 13.1!).

Brian and I after the race. Brent, Caroline and Brian.

Brooke's Baptism

Brooke was baptized at our church several weeks ago. She wore the baptismal gown and hat that Carson wore. Nana made a quilt for all her grandbabies and each child has their name and baptism date, so we added Brooke to our Catholic family! We were so blessed to have our family join us for the big day! Grandma and Grandpa Schluep conspired with Uncle D for the biggest surprise of the weekend - Uncle D visiting from California! Granny and Grandpa Bottrell came, as did Papa and Nana, Aunt Teese, Aunt Katy and Brooke's Godparents - Alexis (and her husband Darrin!), and Uncle Fugate. Carson loved having all of his family here. It was a perfect weekend!

Just like at our house, the air in the church went out that weekend! Poor Brooke was so hot - after her baptism, we took her gown off and once we got her down to just her onesie, she was all smiles again!

Mommy and her little girl.

Carson getting big smiles from Brooke.

A family photo.

Carson with Grandpa and Grandma.

Godmother Lexi (and baby boy!!) with her Goddaughter.

Uncle Fugate and Carson comparing ties.

Our kiddos and their Uncles.

Brooke's parents and Godparents.

This is a great photo, except I'm looking at Brooke!

The Schluep Family -

My side of the family -

During Brooke's Baptism

Brooke joined our church with two other little ones.

Brooke is 4 months old!

Brooke turned 4 months old last Saturday! She has found her voice and is rarely quiet :). We call her gabby girl which seems to be appropriate! Brooke is very close to rolling over and has great hand-eye coordination! She can get anything in her mouth - including hair - and often does! At Brooke's four month appointment, she weighed 11 lbs, 6 oz and was 25 1/2 inches long! She is long and lean, like her big brother, only in the 10th percentile for her weight and 97th for her height. In 2 months, she grew 2 1/2 inches while only gaining 19 oz. We'll have to wait until 5 months to start on baby food - our wonderful doctor wants to see if we can "fatten her up" in the next month. I can't believe she's already 4 months old - but cannot imagine life without our little sweetheart. She - and her big brother - are such blessings to us.