Carson's First Car

Disclaimer: Brian wrote this post about our trip to the go-carts in Tennessee :).

Two men on a mission...That mission? To be the best darn go cart racers in the world!

Who's driving this thing? The girl too busy waving at the camera or the kid who can't even reach the pedals!

Carson's 1st car...He did a great job averting the many "crashes" that occured during his race. Just imagine 6 five year olds all getting behind the wheel for the first time. Can you say chaos?

These were taken before our first car ride. Carson was really excited and not at all intimidated by the loud carts. It must be all the Mario Cart on the Wii that prepared him for this moment.

Father's Day in Tennessee

We spent 4 days in Tennessee over Father's Day Weekend and had a great time! Carson and Brooke were perfect angels in the car despite our 7 total stops during the trip :)! It was rainy and stormy most of the weekend so we didn't have much boat time, but really enjoyed ourselves. On Monday, we went into Sevierville to see Papaw Joe, Mamaw and Aunt Jeannie. Mamaw and Aunt Jeannie made the best fried chicken I have ever had! The food was amazing - corn on the cob, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes (I think I ate half of them on my own!!), rolls, watermelon, cantaloupe and some yummy cake for dessert. We stuffed ourselves! Brooke loved meeting more of her family and visiting two new states -Kentucky and Tennessee.

Carson and Brooke are so blessed to have such a good Daddy :).

Three generations of Schluep guys!
Grandma and her grandkids on the swing.

Grandma and Miss Brooke.

Brooke's Half-Birthday!

On Thursday, June 18, Brooke turned 6 months old! It is hard to believe she is already celebrating her half-birthday, but we cannot imagine life without her! She is getting really close to sitting up by herself and is starting to get the hang of rolling. In the top photo, you can barely see Brooke's two little teeth! We don't see Dr. Smith for a few more weeks, so we'll have to wait to see how much she has grown!

Like last month, this photo shoot ended with Brooke eating the paper....

Father's Day Picnic

On Sunday we met Papa, Nana, and Aunt Teese (who Carson now calls Therese) at Kickapoo State Park near Danville to celebrate Father's Day a little early. It's almost exactly halfway between here and Elkhart so a perfect meeting spot. The weather was beautiful and we spent the day grilling out, fishing, hiking, and Carson LOVED the playground!


Carson enjoying the playground at the park.

All the hiking wore Brooke out!

A great picture of the little man!

Carson had fun fishing with Daddy and Papa!

Brooke and Aunt Teese enjoying the day

Catching up on the last month....

Once again, I'm playing catch-up! Lots and lots of things have happened in the past month - see below for lots of pictures and updates! The most recent ones near the top, working backward...

I must confess that I'm 0-2....Brooke's first word, just like her big brother, was dada :). Apparently, being pregnant, labor and delivery just weren't enough to edge me out over him!

Brian and I went to dinner (Weber Grill - yummy!) and saw Wicked last night at the Murat Theatre. It was my 30th birthday gift and the evening was perfect. Thankfully, Aunt Katy stayed with Carson and Brooke, even though Brooke was sick. It took almost 6 months to get sick, but Brooke has survived her first sick days. Poor baby girl was so congested she lost her voice, had a horrible cough and an ear infection in her right ear. Except for preventative Tylenol for shots, this was her first experience with medicine. She's feeling much better and the evening went off without a hitch! This self-portrait isn't so great of me, but a good memory! Right before we walked out the door, Carson asked us to take lots of pictures. We couldn't use our camera during Wicked and I'll spare you the pictures in the restaurant :).

You know it's raining too much when....a turtle shows up on your front porch.
Brian and Carson went to the Air Show last weekend with some good friends. Here are some cute pictures of Carson and his "good buddy" Jack checking out the planes.

Aunt Teese came to stay with us last weekend! Katy, Therese and Brian went to see ColdPlay Friday night and Therese stayed until Sunday - what a wonderful weekend!

One of my favorite things in the world - taking pictures of my two favorite little-people. In their jammies. This was my fave of the most recent photo shoot. Most of the others had Brooke trying to bite Carson's hands!

Speaking of biting - Brooke's first two teeth came in last weekend without much fanfare! The first arrived Friday and the second, Saturday morning. She was really enjoying her teething ring! Brooke also started saying - gagaga - at times, very loudly!

Brooke fast asleep after her first trip to the Zoo! She acted like she was in a parade - smiling, cooing and babbling to everyone nearby.

Brooke in her snugli enjoying the ride (actually squealing with delight).

Mommy and Carson watching the ducks and lemurs "fighting" over the lake.

Carson and a walrus. Not a real one :).

Brooke experiencing her exersaucer for the first time.

I love this photo. Carson was playing with Brooke, showing her all the new toys. It also captures the light coming in the living room in the morning - something I'll always treasure about this home.

Brooke fast asleep after her first fire in the fire pit. We made s'mores with our neighbors! Carson loves building fires with Daddy and is looking forward to another camp-out in the back yard like last summer!

At 5 months, Brooke had her first taste of real food - she loved it! So far, she has tried bananas, applesauce, carrots, sweet potatoes and green beans. We think she actually prefers food over her formula!

First bite....

And the second...

Carson's soccer season ended - he really enjoyed it and is already asking to play basketball this fall.

Enjoying some post-season treats: Matthew, Kassie, Evan and Carson.

Coach Chris and Carson with his trophy.

Brooke turned 5 months old on 5-18! After the pictures, she started eating the sign....after snapping a few pics, I took away the paper and dug it out of her mouth. I don't think she ate much :). Carson thought this was hysterical!

At some point, Carson and Brooke will argue. Or not get along. Or both. When they do, I'm going to pull out this photo and show them how much they really do love the other one.

Another photo shoot of my babies - after church and all dressed up, this time.

Kissing her....so precious.

One guess who Brooke is smiling at....

Another "blackmail" shot to prove how much they adore one another. :)

Thanks for your patience with me ;). Much love to you all (well, anyone actually still checking in on me!)....B, C, C and B