Covington Family

A day in the yard

2010-03-28T15:22:00.001-05:00

This was Kaleigh's first time on the horse swing. Tyler was very proud that he was helping teach Kaleigh how to swing.

She went down the slide, I don't think she liked it all that much.

Such a cutie !!

Tyler has mastered swinging all by himself.

Tyler giving Kaleigh some love <3

You notice that she's puckering up for kisses

More love . . .

Taking a walk

Daisy is such a good sweet dog.

GO PIRATES !!

2010-03-27T15:56:00.000-05:00

March 27th

Our FIRST soccer game !!

Our little cheerleader was hot and the sun was annoying her so I found her a shady spot.

Explaining the rules and conduct expectations....

Within oooo about 5 minutes Drew got mad about something and ran off the field. Now... granted these games are taking place during these kids naptimes so I am sure he isn't going to be the first kid to have a meltdown. Even when he's crying, he's still a cutie.

Both teams scored one goal. .

After the game us along with the Weems' went to McD's for icecream and when Tyler spotted a green team member, he wasn't too happy. He called him the enemy !!!

SOCCER

2010-03-25T14:18:00.000-05:00

Tyler, along with his cousins Drew, Zoe, Lilly, Ashley, and his friend Kalli are all on the same soccer team. We are playing witht the YMCA on Millerville.

Here are Tyler and Ashley learning to shuffle the ball while running.

Our teams' Cheerleader

Meeting all of our teammates

Such a supportive coach !!!! Come on Kalli, give me FIVE !!! She just looked at him like he was NUTS !!

Now it's time for to vote on our team mascot..... We chose the PIRATES !!

Kalli paying attention like a good girl.

My sweetie with her little piggy tails

On your mark..... Get Set.... Now GO !!!

And Tyler falls... lol

And he recovers . . . .

Our first practice was an overall success.... I was pleased with Tyler and all his teammates.

More celebrations from Tyler's Birthday

2010-03-09T09:54:00.000-06:00

March 7th

Philip & I brought Tyler to a LSU game

Blake Dean was up to bat

We had great seats. Right behind home plate but a few clicks towards 3rd base. PERFECT SEATS and we appreciated the extra space around us so Tyler could stretch some.

One happy boy - a day shy of his 4th birthday

MARCH 8th

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TYLER !!

Sonia went and picked up this really cute Dinosaur cake from Carters.

It was real yummy too.

CHEESE !!

His favorite part

MARCH 9th

I got 4 more tickets to the LSU ball games. We invited Kaiden & Aunt Robin.

Our fantastic seats AGAIN !!

Best Podnuhs

Our favorite !!

2010-03-06T16:39:00.000-06:00

Kaleigh was getting mad cuz big brother was on her side of the car..... it was about to get UGLY !

My baby blues

SWEET GIRLS !!

& ROTTEN BOYS !!!

Tyler's 4th Birthday Party

2010-03-06T15:30:00.001-06:00

He was one happy boy !! He was ready for his party !!

Tyler had just had his first glimpse of his cake...

Y U M M Y !!!

Dustin & his momma, Sandra

I think she liked the convertible a little too much.

My pal Kalli

Now this is a duo you don't want to tangle with.... trouble meets trouble... nah, j/j

jimmy just loves this girl to pieces.

Lil miss cutie patootie

Kal

Best Podnahs Tyler & Avery

Tyler & Kaiden

you notice how Philip is carrying Kalli upside down...

the kid... kaiden

Valentines Day

2010-02-14T15:16:00.000-06:00

Valentines Morning I made heart shaped pancakes for the kids.
We had an extra special Valentines Gift this year... Ashley spent the night so JJ & Suzanne could be in a Mardi Gras Parade out in Metairie.

Kaleigh loved her cakes.

Both Tyler & Ashley woke up a little cranky so it was difficult to get a smile out of either one of them.. They did like their pancakes though.

Not sure what Kaleigh thought she was doing, it's not like this airplane was a clarinet or anything... I just don't know.

Classic grin from my girl

I don't know why I did this.... Every year I either make us cupcakes or a cake just to tell my baby that I love him.

~ ANOTHER SNOW DAY ~

2010-02-12T11:02:00.000-06:00

We knew it was suppose to start snowing soon so we just sat inside patiently waiting.

Then Kaleigh fell asleep...
Then it started snowing.

Me and the boy playing in the snow... IT WAS FREEZING !!!

Poor THOMAS !! Left out in the snow.

I love our back yard, even covered in snow.

Daisy LOVES the snow, as you can tell by her stance. She ran around like a white fox that couldn't be found. We'd be walking and she shoot out of nowhere.

Making snowballs, some being for daddy since he was a work, AGAIN !!

Who you think he's aiming for . . . .

GROUP SHOT !!

Once Kaleigh woke up we took a few pictures of her in the snow and then we came inside so she could check out daddy's snow

This snow isn't so tasty ....

Singing, dancing, and a clapping to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

I still hadn't put up all of our Christmas boxes and I noticed Kaleigh was being very quiet....

She found my ribbon ....

BUSTED !!

MIKE THE TIGER

2010-01-18T10:10:00.000-06:00

We finally had a day of nice weather so we brought the kids out to LSU to visit with Mike.

Tyler could have stayed and watched Mike all day

Kaleigh's first glance at Mike... You think she was amazed or what...

Notice that Batman had to come with us

Isn't he beautiful !! He's really big, he'd come swim by us & you'd realize how massive he really is.

Tyler wouldn't participate in the group shot.

Such a stud muffin

I love this shot !

One tired little girl ... but she's still one happy little girl

Tyler riding on Mike

Me & Mike

Wii Time !!

2010-01-09T09:25:00.000-06:00

Joe & Philip battling it out

Kalli attempting to weave in and out of all the toys in the playroom

Someone was happy to have her friends over

Philip spanked Joe in ping pong.. They were pretty even overall.

I know this pic looks as if Joe was about to pick his nose but HE WASNT. FUNNY !!!

DAY TWO OF WII PLAY

I forced a smile from Philip.

Kaiden & Kalli bike riding

Tyler & Kaiden

New Years Eve

2010-01-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

We snatched Ryan up and headed out to Val & Gregs house for her annual New Years Eve Bash
And let me tell you, Philip REALLY made it a real BASH this year !! BIG TIME !

My favorite guys, Ryan, Phe, & Tyler

Miranda & Olivia

Avery & her friend - I'm sorry I can't remember your name sweetheart !!

Jay & Kaleigh

Me after a shot of Patron !!

Me & Ryan

Kaleigh & Philip

Me & my honeys... That Kaleigh, she can't stand stuff in her hair.

Me & my girl !

and my boy - I was attacking him, hopefully that is explains our crazy faces

The girls playing a fierce game of Fooz BALL

Kay found the kitchen so she was a happy camper.

Robin and her crew came by once she got done with work

Now at this point Philip was really having a good time and he got Robin on the dance floor to bust a move to a song that was one of her favorites in college.

Me & my bestie

Philip tormented Michelle ALL NIGHT !! but all in good fun. I'm not sure what they were doing at this point.

Gotta love Greg, Michelle's hubby, singing in the background. GO GREG GO GREG !!!

Words can not express how much fun Philip had this year, he was a tad CRAZY !!!

Christmas Day with the family

2009-12-25T12:50:00.000-06:00

Ryan being camera shy as usual.

PawPaw Benny & Mamaw Laura

Madison & Aunt Sandra

TWIN Baby Dolls !!! Why would Grandma give her TWINS !! Kaleigh loves them though

Ashley opening one of her presents

She will have a real pony one day I think.

Ty's new SCOOTER !! He loves speeding down our driveway.

Two peas in a pod. I hope these two have the relationship I had with my cuz Michael.

Ryan's braces were tightened the week of Christmas... He was really hurtin ! My poor bae !

Christmas Morning

2009-12-25T12:30:00.000-06:00

I think Santa showed up at our house this year !!!

And he ate his cookies and drank almost all his milk... gotta get that calcium Santa

PLAYDOH !!! Holy Mackrel !! What was Santa thinking !

Someone definitely woke up on the right side of her bed. She is one beautiful girl !!

Playing with all her gifts

BATMAN !!!

This boy has my heart !!

Well, okay... this boy stole my heart a LONG time ago !!

such a precious gift from God... AMEN !!

Me and my mini me.... In so many ways, she is my carbon copy. Lord HELP US !!

Still loves him some Thomas & Friends

Time for wrestling with daddy.

Lets check out what's in this stocking.....

All Kay was worried about was getting to her candy

Still peaking.....

Why are they making eat these snacks when I have all this good stuff in my stocking??

This has got to be one of my favorite pictures from Christmas 2009

All their STUFF !!

This year we pinched pennies and I shopped for things on SALE and took advantage of coupons. This may look like we went overboard but I think at tops we spend $300 on both kids all together, and that includes the $65 bike Santa got Tyler. I was really proud of myself this year.

I am so thankful to be able to provide for our children and I thank God everyday for all of our blessings.

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

2009-12-18T10:25:00.000-06:00

Tyler's Daycare Friends had a little Christmas Party. They all exchanged gifts and made crafts to bring home. I'll have to find my picture of Tyler's tree--it was really cute.

Far back-Parker
At the table-Tyler, Sylvia, Brady, & Caroline

Back row: Tyler, Sylvia, Caroline
Front: Kaleigh & Brady

Brady is a super sweet little boy but unfortunately he didn't come back after the Christmas Break. He was on a waiting list somewhere else and he finally had a spot for him. We miss him. Tyler really enjoyed having a friend to play Batman and stuff with. :(

Kaleigh at Sonia's that afternoon.

Sibling LOVE

They really are best friends.

Me & my baby

Another attempt

My huney !!

Two of my favorite ladies

1st Snow of the Season

2009-12-04T23:30:00.000-06:00

All day the news had been giving reports of the high chance of snow so Tyler was pumped and had no intention of going to bed until he saw and played in the snow. It finally started snowing around 11 pm so we bundled up and went out.
I guess it's obvious that he was pretty excited.

A nice snowball -- which he threw at me and hit me in the neck.
HILARIOUS !!!

An action shot... Think this one came close to me too.

The snow didn't last very long and it didn't stick much either so we were in bed asleep by 11:30

Snow made for one happy boy though. :)

Kaleigh Turns ONE !!

2009-11-29T16:17:00.001-06:00

It's hard to believe that Kaleigh is already turning ONE !! It seems like just yesterday I found out that we were pregnant.
On Nov. 29th, our house, at 2:00 pm, we had our close family and friends over to celebrate Kaleigh's birthday.

I have to give a shout out to Laura, Philip's cousin. She has taken up sewing and she made this dress especially for Kaleigh's 1st Birthday. She did a great job !! I was really suprised when we got the dress, Laura put her name of the bloomers. THANKS LAURA !!

Tyler and his great grandparents on my dads side, Nanny & PawPaw

Me with two of my very best friends, Valerie & Kelly.

You girls mean so much to me. LOVE YA !!

Philip & my brother JJ.

My Kalli Monkey... I love this kid to pieces !!

Kaleigh & Great Aunt CC

Sandra being sweet and pushing Ashley.

Ethan, Avery, and Olivia <3>
Kaleigh's new ride

Tyler was so excited about his baby sister's birthday. He did great !! He never once was jealous of her and all the attention. I have been so blessed by these awesome kids.

JJ & my grandmother. She truly has my heart and I love and respect her more than anyone knows.

KK and my mom Lori

We attempted to get the entire gang together BUT Tyler was NOT in the mood... So, here ya go.

Left to right: Half of Tyler, Kaiden making a crazy face, Kalli, Livi, KK, Avery, Ashley, & Ethan.

Avery showing off her two front teeth... Wait, I guess I should say, showing off her 'lack of' front teeth... :P

Kaleigh's FIRST Birthday

2009-11-25T16:46:00.000-06:00

Kaleigh's Birthday was Wednesday, Nov. 25th, the day before Thanksgiving. We asked our immediate family to come over and share come birthday cake with our little girl.
Dad, Lori, Ryan, Sonia, Jimmy, JJ, Suzanne, & Ashley joined us.

This is Kaleigh's mini Birthday Cake that I made and decorated myself. I was so impressed with my elementary skills.

Ashley, Ryan, & Tyler having a good ole time. Ryan pretended he wasn't but he was.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU !!

Yummy Cake

Kaleigh wasn't sure about all the mess & Ashley got a laugh out of it.

Our family

Isn't she sweet..

YUM YUM !!

Bubbi helping KK with her gifts.

Pretty paper

She was so excited when she opened all her gifts. Aunts & Uncles, and grandparents are the BEST !!

YEY !!

Philip picked up on an early Christmas present for Tyler and we decided to give it to him early.

What was left of her cake.... She really enjoyed it.

Excited about her new ride

SHE LOVED IT !! Sorry Suzanne for the crazy picture of you... :)

THE CORN MAZE

2009-11-07T15:40:00.000-06:00

The Archers' invited Tyler & I to join them at the corn maze in Independence, LA. We had never been to this one.
Val brought this head light for Tyler... HE LOVED IT !!

Avery & Tyler - these two are such good buddies

In LOCK DOWN !!

Tyler worked up quite a sweat with these water pumps. I explained to him how I have these at work so he was very interested.. He loves my work.

Another outlaw... What's wrong with these Archer kids??

Putting his head light to good use

After the maze we took a break and the kids enjoyed a puppet show. Tyler & Avery REALLY got into the puppets. They didn't want to do anything else for some time.

OKAY !! So this may seem like a random picture to most...

BUT anyone who knows my cousin by marriage Dustin will understand.

Dustin is such a funny guy and he does things that will just crack you up.

Ethan reminds me of Dustin so much. We get to this maze and Ethan bust out this 'survival pack' JUST IN CASE we need it in an emergency. This was hilarious all in itself...

So, we take our break and he opens his 'survival pack' and he starts pulling out cans of Diet Coke, Capris Sun, Lunchables, FUDGE ROUNDS(Dustin), and I want to say a Fruit Roll-Up. He kindly shared with his MOM and only his mom... He ate his snack and said that he felt that he could go on now...... I was laughing and laughing and Ethan couldn't figure out WHY I was laughing so much... BTW, the maze took a whopping 30 minutes to get through....
OH, he also had an emergency flashlight and glow sticks...

Tyler & I at the corn gun... LOTS OF FUN !!

Now Ethan's turn

And Avery's...

After the corn shooter we went through a Haunted Maze out in THE WOODS !!! Avery, Ethan, and the other kids were scared to death and wouldn't go through it BUT TYLER was determined to see those FAKE scarey people. So, he went through it with me and he laughed at all the fake stuff. We got out and on our way to the front a man came out trying to scare Avery & Ethan with a chain saw. Well, the guy that had my boy laughing... brought my boy to tears.. It scared the living POOP out of him and he was mad at him. Once I calmed him down and told him that he wasn't coming after him, he was okay, but watching him run in fear and fall down was pretty awful... He's going to be traumatized forever I'm sure..

After all the events we stayed past closing and the owner gave the kids unlimited cow train rides... Seems like fun but after a while, you just want to go home, especially when you know you have quite the drive home...

Tyler says he's never had so much fun but next time that guy that came after him with the chain saw was gonna get beat up by his daddy.....

North Park

2009-11-06T15:36:00.000-06:00

Ashley spent the night so we went to the park for some playtime.

Tyler being silly :P

Ashley & Kaleigh swinging

I think the swings were putting her to sleep.

HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR !!!

2009-10-31T14:41:00.001-05:00

OCTOBER 21st

We went to the Lutheran Church in BR to get our pumpkins this year. They had big & beautiful pumpkins and we had a hard time choosing.

Soooo.. tyler was pretending that these pumpkins were his booty cheeks... I know.... BOYS !!

Starting the carving process

Me & My Boy

and my girl

I really don't like this icky stuff momma

Kaleigh's Pumpkin

Our finished product.

Top Left: Tyler's Top Right: Philip's

Bottom Left: Kaleigh's Bottom Right: Katie's

AREN'T THEY PRETTY ???

Halloween was spent with our friends/family at Kelly & Jays

Avery & Ethan

Avery & Tyler getting started

My Witch Princess

My princess

Kaleigh & her BOYFRIEND, Mr. Greg

Tyler was scouting for suckers... He'd get one, toss the old one, & start anew.

My sweet cousin n law Greg gave Kaleigh a sucker and she sucked on that thing all night. STICKY STICKY !!!

Avery & Ethan

Michelle, Jeanette, Val, and me

Olivia, Ty, & Avery

BJ brought his trailer so the kids could go house to house without walking. It proved to be a pain in the butt so we ditched them and the trailer.

Orange Beach

2009-10-29T15:12:00.001-05:00

10-29-2009

Each year we go to a friend of Sonia & Jimmy's beach condo for the weekend.
It's right on the beach and has a great view. This year the weather was kinda yucky but that didn't matter much to Tyler. He was ready to go.

The beach makes for a good Monster Truck Rally show.

Making a body print...

My cutie !

Tyler & Jimmy were in construction mode most of the time when we were NOT on the beach.

My little bebe'

Wishin she could be on the patio

This is my favorite photo of her on the trip.

WRESTLE TIME !!

BLUE BAYOU/DIXIE LANDING 2009

2009-09-19T13:22:00.001-05:00

We were fortunate to have good weather this year for Exxon's Annual Company Picnic.
With Dustin & Stuart now working for Exxon, we were able to invite the Archer Family.

Tyler attacking Phe with his sword balloon.

Ethan

Mr. Hot Stuff

Avery & Ethan about to tackle to Pirate Area

Avery is so photogenic..

See.... such a beauty.

It took awhile but Avery convinced Tyler to come & play with him in the pirate ship. Once he was up, he had a blast.

Then it was time to come down.

See Avery Happy...

See Tyler NERVOUS !! More like scared but he was determined to be brave in front of Avery.

Yet again... Being scared...

He didn't want to go down the slides so he sat at the bottom and would barely slide down them.

FREAKING OUT because a little water splashed in his face.

Avery loved the slides

Tyler did go down the big slides with either me or Philip. He was very brave, as long as he was clinging to us for dear life. lol !

At the end of the day. We were all pooped.

Another Angel in Heaven

2009-09-06T14:18:00.001-05:00

My Aunt Deanne finally lost her battle with cancer. However, she has now joined our awesome God and many loved ones that have left before us. She's now cancer and pain free & catching up with my cousin Michael, my great aunt Nanny, and my BePaw.
On Thursday, Sept. 3rd, my cousin called me and said that I really needed to come out to 'the road', and that Deanne wasn't doing very good. Of course, I jumped in the car with Philip and off we went. Now in my gut I was confused b/c I had just talked to her and she was, or said, she was doing fine. The kids had been sick so I had stayed away for a couple of weeks b/c of her weak immune system. When we got there she was doing mediocre. She looked weak so we brought the kids in to say 'hello' one last time. She knew who they were and Tyler was so brave. We had explained to him that she wasn't feeling good and that she was about to make her way to see Jesus. So, in child fashion, he told her he loved her and that we pray for her every night and that Jesus was going to make her bobo's go away. My heart was about to explode and Deanne just looked at him and said that his prayers have been heard & that Jesus always keeps his promises.
Anyways.. Sonia came by and got the kids and Philip & I stayed with her and the majority of our family. By Friday she was in really bad condition and Hospice had come in and basically just gave us drugs to keep her pain free and sedated. Thursday and Friday night it was just me, Steven, CC, and Angel taking care of her. Jennifer & Bubba were there but it was very hard for them to see her in the condition she was in so we didn't ask much from them. They were grieving. By Saturday early am hours we were thinking that every last breath was her last breath. We would wait and wait and finally come to grips with reality, and then she'd take another breath. This went on all Saturday. That last night the Dias cousins all stayed and throughout the night others would come and go. She finally took her last breath early Sunday morning. It was the saddest thing I have EVER been through, yet at the same time I was so relieved for her. She was finally pain free. I really feel she died on Saturday but her body was being stubborn and wouldn't let go, but her spirit was already with Jesus. I didn't leave that house until that Sunday afternoon. We all slept maybe 4-7 hours the entire time so we were physically, spiritually, and emotionally exhausted. Yet, when I got home I couldn't sleep so we went shopping for something to wear to the funeral. Philip was honored to be a Pall Bearer. Her wake/funeral was that Monday, Sept. 8th. It was surreal.
I still grieve for her and talk to her every night while I say my prayers. Tyler still prays for her and if he does something ugly he says that he thinks Jesus & Aunt Deanne may be a little disappointed with him. It's really sweet, bitter sweet.
I love her and miss her dearly. She is one of my mothers as I call my aunts, in place of my real mother.

KALEIGH'S FIRST PICNIC

2009-08-23T13:11:00.000-05:00

Tyler wanted Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for brunch and as I was making them I was glancing out the window. It was so nice of a morning that I decided we were going to have us a picnic, a grilled cheese picnic. The kids were super excited about getting out of the house.

Gotta love when you ask them to smile... they give you those lame smiles.

Now that's a real smile.. :)

Chowing down

Kay LOVED being outside with us and the dogs.

She ate probably 2 wedges of grilled cheese but I didn't get a picture because I was nervous about her choking. She did great though !

MORE PAINTING

2009-08-21T09:57:00.000-05:00

We went to Corks & Canvas in BR this time. It wasn't as fun as our local DS Brushfire but we did enjoy ourselves.

Stacie(Jeanette's friend) & I

Suzanne

Kel

Jeanette & I

My masterpiece !

Nette's

Stacie's

Kel's

Suzanne's

Mrs. Cindy's

Lacie - a coworkers sister - she wasn't with us but her and her boyfriend came

HOT AIR BALLOON CHAMPIONSHIPS

2009-08-08T09:35:00.000-05:00

In keeping tradition, we went to the annual Hot Air Balloon Show

My BFF Robin & Crew joined us this year.

Me & my Sweet Pea

Aunt Robin watching the fireworks with Kaiden & Tyler

Kalli & Uncle Phe

Can you tell that it was HOT out there?

Phe & Joe

Miss Thang and her water bottle

Still watching fireworks, now Kalli has joined them

My inner ARTIST ....

2009-08-07T19:00:00.000-05:00

Me and the girls out for a night of wine & painting.

Gotta love Kelly & her sexy pose

So before we actually started painting our Fleur de lis we had to crackel our background to give it texture... Crackeling is hard !!! It took me two times to get some decent crackel...
Kelly's CRACKLE !!

Dana starting her masterpiece.

ME !!

Kelly & Jeanette

CHEESE !!

My finished art... Do you see my crackel ??

Kelly's art

Nette's art

BACK TO SCHOOL FOR THE KIDDO'S

2009-08-07T09:07:00.000-05:00

Summer break is coming to an end....
AUGUST 5th
Sonia & Sandra decided to invite the kids to Chuck E Cheese for a last fun day before school started again.

Kaleigh was a happy camper. She'll eat just about anything BUT she LOVES pizza..

Tyler and his monster trucks..

Lilly

Kay & Nunu

Ethan, Kay, & Nunu

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - AUGUST 7TH

WELL, CASI'S HOUSE BUT WE CALL IT SCHOOL

Getting ready to go. Doesn't Kaleigh look thrilled?

BUT Tyler was happy !!

Kaleigh chillin in her bumbo at Casi's.

The gang..

Parker, Caroline, Ty, & Sylvia

When I picked them up they were both VERY happy to see but I know they had a great day back with their friends. Of course, I checked on them many many times throughout the day.

CRUISIN TO MEXICO

2009-07-11T08:05:00.000-05:00

We took a cruise to Progresso & Cozumel with some friends from work and from the past. The first morning I woke up at the crack of dawn, as usual, so I went down to the deck and drank some delicious coffee and enjoyed the sunrise. I then read a good bit and then just laid out enjoying the beautiful weather. Sometime around NOON everyone else started straggling out.

I'd look up and find Philip looking out at the water, probably dreaming of fishin....

Co-Worker Chris Ray and his wife Amber

Our first night dining on the ship.

Chris & Amber

Anna & Chris - I graduated with Anna back in my Walk Town Days.

Me & Phe

Our day at Progresso. We went for a tour of the city, went to the Mayan Ruins, and then enjoyed a really yummy lunch on a secluded private beach.

A graveyard - I have such fascination with them.

THE RUINS

This is their place of worship. It was absolutely stunning !!

The actual temple

This tree/root system was really neat so I had to take a picture.

FLOWERS !! My favorite !

YIKES !!

A natural formed lagoon.

DAY AT COZUMEL

We joined the rest of our party on an ATV adventure that brought us to a beautiful private beach where we went snorkeling.

Chris & Anna

MY HOT HUBBY

Chris & Amber - she wasn't too crazy about the off road experience

Isn't this beach gorgeous !!

OUR LAST NIGHT ON THE SHIP

July 6, 2009

2009-07-06T08:54:00.002-05:00

Just a day at the house and we were having some play time in the bed.

Such sweet kisses . . . .

HUGS !!

4th of July

2009-07-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

The Day started out with pancakes at CC & Bobby's House
They were some good pancakes !!

My grandmother

Me and Phe

CC & Deanne(aunts) tormenting Bobby(uncle)

Katelynne Marie - second cousin, a sweetheart !!

Katelynne & Bubba(uncle)

Deanne & Kaleigh

Amanda(2nd cousin) & Dana(Amanda's mom & my 1st cuz)

Ashley, my beautiful niece

Suzanne and Kaleigh

Deanne & Meghan[(2nd cousin), (Scott-1st cuz & Angel's daughter)] -- woo, wasn't sure how to make that gramatically correct

JJ & Kay

Kay with her great-grandmother, Mama - We have started calling her Great-Mama to the kids b/c Tyler isn't so sure of why she should be called Mama when I'm his mama...

My love

Kay and Jennifer(Katelynne's mom, my 1st cuz and Deanne's daughter) - just trying to connect the dots....

Phe and Kaleigh at the pool

Me and the baby

Waiting to dry off so we could change

Dana & CC showing off their swimsuits... They bought the same ones and we got quite a laugh out of it... They do look good though.

Me and Katelynne

Ashley and her cupcake

Tyler and his cupcake

Philip being such a good daddy and watching all the kids jump on the trampoline.

Meg and Ty

Ashley & Suzanne

From left to right: Boots, Bobby, JoAnn, CC, Angel, Mama and Hank

Kay and Deanne

Katelynne and her friend, whos name I don't remember, relaxing in front of the fan. It was REALLY hot !!

Watching the fireworks

Meg

Sarah, Ty and Meg

Sarah and Tyler enjoying the fireworks

Kay and CC

Katelynne, Sarah, Ty and Meg watching the fireworks.

2009-07-03T23:02:00.002-05:00

This morning I had to finally accept that Kaleigh is one chunky little girl. She's 7 months old and I've had to start buying 12 month clothes b/c nothing else fits here anymore. So, this is one of her new outfits and I really thought she looked super cute wearing this melon color.

Tyler wasn't up for a photo op

I was getting in his grill trying to get a booger shot but he retreated.

She is always wearing such a big smile

LSU Baseball

2009-07-03T22:57:00.002-05:00

June 22 - Monday Night - Game One

She's so chunky I couldn't really get her cheer outfit over her belly so it was kinda jumbled up at the top. Her Aunt Suzanne gave her this outfit.

Would have been a better picture had I remembered to take my hair thing out.

Me and my girl

Party at Grandma and PawPaw's House

2009-07-03T22:44:00.003-05:00

June 14 - Sunday

Dad/Lori hosted a Weems/Benenate Get Together

Ashley & Tyler weren't to keen on the idea of running and 'slipping' on the slipping slide so instead they tiptoed around and then they would fall down and the very end. Such scaredy cats !!

CHEESE !!!

How can a kid be so thin but have such a big belly? I just don't get it.

Ashley was softly and quietly squirting JJ on his back. She was stealth attacking !!

My Kaleigh bug cuddling with Lori's sister, Aunt Sandra.

Once we got home, we were just playing in the living room and I decided to take a few pictures.

My sweetheart

My other sweetheart

Me and the boy

Kaleigh's 1st trip to the camp

2009-07-03T22:31:00.005-05:00

Philip hadn't seen the kids in a few days and both kids were really missing their daddy. Tyler was excited but once he saw the water and his Papa he was gone but Kaleigh only wanted her daddy.

This was her toy of choice . . . .

Kaleigh's first time in a swimming pool. Tyler was so excited that he could teach his sister how to kick and splash. I don't know which one was more excited??

Trying to figure out how to grab the toy.

She was making some really strange faces. Tyler was pumped !!

Sleeping Beauty

Both of my snoring men

Playing with daddy.

She really is a daddy's girl!

Not sure what he was doing but he was really happy.

My baby boy catching his first fish, for real, with no help.

Sleepover

2009-07-03T22:20:00.004-05:00

So, Tyler had a sleep over with Ashley, my neice. JJ & Suzanne were at a wedding in New Orleans and asked if Ashley could stay the night. We had such a fun time. We ran around in circles for a couple of hours, went swimming in the pool, took a nice long bath, watched a movie and ate a bunch of snacks. Ashley never wakes up early, she sleeps till 10-10:30 most days. I let them stay up late and they finally put them in bed around 9:30. Now, Ashley stays up until 10ish at home so this was kind of out of the norm for her. Well, 6:30 rolled around and guess who was wide eyed and ready to start her day. I was really hoping they would sleep a little later but that didn't happen.
Ty & Ash chowing down on porkchops and rice... yum

I put them in bed expecting a little resistance but they didn't make a sound. I put them in bed and gave them kisses and they both closed their eyes and that was it. It was almost surreal.

PLAYTIME !!!

They ran around in circles like this for almost 2 hours. About the time Tyler was wearing himself out Ashley was just getting comfortable jumping into the beanbag.

Swimming Lessons 2009

2009-06-21T09:27:00.003-05:00

Tyler and Mrs. Robbie working on kicking. Raelee Clark is also practicing. Gotta love those faces !!!

Kaleigh really liked swimming lessons too.

They were learning to jump off the side of the pool. This day was pretty chilly with a cool wind blowing through so most of the kids were shivering and had blue lips. Tyler is in the green swim trunks.

Jumping to Mrs. Robbie

Kaleigh still having fun !!

More kicking and bubble blowing with Mrs. Shannon

Tyler's prize for a great week of swimming lessons. It started off really bad and ended really good. We learned to kick, hold our breath, blow bubbles, jumping off the side of the pool and put our face in the water.

Video of Tyler and Raelee jumping to Mrs. Robbie

Just a Day at the House

2009-06-21T08:39:00.006-05:00

Friday, May 15

Phe and the kids. He's got his hands full !!

Kaleigh has discovered Tyler's face and she'll do anything to sneak a grab or scratch to get it. Ty is a good sport though so it's all good, for now anyway.

She was wild at the moment !!

What is it with the sneaky face ??

If you're gonna be the next Bill Dance you have to start working at it at an early age...

Kaleigh got a laugh out of Ty and Philip playing in the yard.

Me and Phe - been together for 13 years now.

Can't remember why Phe was laughing but he must have really thought it was funny.

Tyler had a wild cast and got his fishing line over a branch and this created this little game.

My Mother's Day present from Phe and the kids.

Me and Kaleigh watching the boys play.

Ready to go !! He really was smiling but this was what I got, the crazy fake smile. We were fishing in a tournament the next day so Sonia kept the kids for us.

Getting ready for a night at Nunu's.

SOMEBODY MISSED THEIR MOMMA !!!

2009-05-12T09:55:00.004-05:00

When I would leave Tyler as a baby he would be mad at me for hours upon arriving home so I fully expected Kaleigh to behave the same. What do you think ??

She and I have a little game we play together now with her pacifier. She's so funny !!

SENIOR TRIP 09

2009-05-11T16:04:00.009-05:00

May 7-May 10th

Me and Kelly getting pumped about our trip !!

Michelle and Valerie

Michelle, me and Valerie getting the party started.

Kelly, me, Val and Rachelle

The whole gang at LuLu's. Jeanette, Rachelle, Michelle, Val, me and Kelly

We had a major water bumper boat battle after dinner. I don't think I've had this much fun since I was a kid playing with my cousins. What were Valerie and I thinking wearing white pants and then playing with water ?? Oh well, some young little teenage boys got a kick out of us for sure !!! LOL !

Me, Val, Nette and Rachelle

Michelle and Valerie at dinner. BFF's

Hamming it up

Kelly, Michelle and Val

PARTY TIME !!! If BJ only knew how crazy we got up in his ride this weekend !!

Goofy girls

Me and Kelly always take one really great picture every time we go out !! Could it be because we are beautiful ?? FO SHO !!

I had a few too many drinks so I had to prop myself up after a while. GOT A LITTLE TOO CRAZY!

Michelle can't shoot Patron for nothing so our mission was to get her to quite being a woosy and take it like a woman... She got it towards the end of our vacation.

Bumper boat mania

Our Trip to the Big Easy

2009-05-11T15:39:00.005-05:00

Friday, May 1st

Insectarium - New Orleans, LA

Taken at the insectarium

Lovin on daddy

Playing in the bed.

Tyler's first time staying in an hotel.

Just a quick side note - Tyler was so pumped about being in an hotel that he bounced off the walls the entire night. We were worried that our neighbors were going to complain on us.

Saturday, May 2nd

New Orleans Zoo, LA

Baby girl loved her little bonnet.

A mama and baby antelope.

Anyone who knows Tyler knows why this picture is so important.

Not quite sure why he thought eating a leaf would taste good but I think he may have learned his lesson judging his expression.

Little man was starting to get tired.

Kaleigh after her bottle. She loved sitting under all the oak trees and listening to the leaves blowing in the wind.

Tyler was really curious about this fake snake. He was sitting on the rocks and looked over at it and almost fell backwards. He couldn't get away fast enough.

Like father like son

2009-04-30T07:58:00.004-05:00

Our flower beds are quite a mess. The fact that the yard is covered with them means it has taken us quite some time to get them under control. We haven't even touched the back part of the property. Yesterday Philip got some garden soil so when we got home Tyler grabbed a shovel and started helping his daddy. He had to use his John Deere and his shovel. He was such a big boy.

Hard working men. :)-

Following the same route as Philip.

Tyler has pretty much mastered backing his tractor up to where ever he wants it. He wouldn't let Philip help him empty his bucket. That was HIS responsibility.

Spreading out the soil

He was so proud of himself. We would be working and he would stop and say "I'm doing a great job".

He even had to wash his tractor just like his daddy.

Kaleigh - 5 months

2009-04-25T19:36:00.003-05:00

My little girl made 5 months old today. We had a great day ! We went to our friend Dylan's 3rd birthday party and then we came home for naps. Then we had a swimming party in the tub. Kaleigh finally decided that water isn't so bad and started splashing like crazy. Tyler on the other hand wasn't to keen on the idea of her splashing water in his face. Yep Robin, he still hasn't gotten over it !! LOL ! Now we are watching Fox and the Hound II before we head off to bed.

This morning Tyler wanted me to take pictures of him so I got what I could.

Kaleigh watching our movie. She loves Todd and Copper.

Best Buds !!!!

Having our daily tummy time. Isn't she a big girl.

A baby shower for TWO

2009-04-19T07:41:00.004-05:00

My friend Sarah is having twins. A boy and a girl. She already has 3 children ranging from 7 to 2. Needless to say, she's gonna be pretty busy for the next MANY years. Sarah is one of these girls that barely looks pregnant. She's having TWINS for goodness sakes and she barely looks pregnant. She's all belly. She's actually glowing with beauty.

Sarah and Kaleigh. This was their first meeting and Kaleigh really liked her. She loved her jewelry and her laugh. Those Hardesty girls have quite the laugh.

During the shower she chilled in her carseat. She was having a blast watching Aunt Sandra. She is kinda funny looking... LOL !!! Not really, she's beautiful too.

Hamming it up for the camera. She was laughing a Sandra and Nunu.

Okay, just to make a note. I am not favoring Kaleigh with the photos. Tyler is refusing to take pictures right now so unless you want terror faces, no pictures of Tyler.

SLEEPING BEAUTY

2009-04-16T11:24:00.001-05:00

I thought she looked like a sleeping angel. My little sleeping beauty.

Easter 2009

2009-04-16T10:39:00.005-05:00

The Easter Bunny came to our house !! Tyler was more excited about the Easter Bunny vs Santa Claus. I was really surprised to see how wild he was before he went to bed. Everytime the dogs would bark outside he would jump and look out the window b/c he thought he might catch a glimpse of Peter Cottontail... He swears he got a glance at him.

Before the egg hunt.

During

After

Ty's basket. It had pretty wrapping around it but that came off before I could even get the camera turned on.

Kaleigh and her bunny.

Her beautiful Easter Sunday dress.

Random

2009-04-16T10:35:00.003-05:00

I didn't get to post these photos but back in January Tyler and Kaleigh took a nap together on the couch and they were just too cute.

THE KIDS CHECK-UPS

2009-04-03T07:59:00.002-05:00

We finally made our check-ups for the kids. So, here are the facts. Tyler is 38 inches tall(50th percentile) and weighs 35 pounds(50th percentile). I was kind of suprised that he hasn't gotten much taller in the last few months but Dr. Melton still says I am going to have some TALL kids. Kaleigh weighed 14 lbs 12 oz.(50th) and is 25 inches long(75th percentile). He was really impressed with how long she is already. Another tall kid !! So to the not so good part, Tyler is still petrified of Dr. Melton. Ever since his bout with RSV he flips out when we even mention going to the doctor. Yesterday morning Tyler was a little flush and had a very minor cough but by 10:00 when we picked him up from school it had really progressed into a nasty cough. He has a respiratory virus and he was running a medium grade fever. Long story short, he got some crazy chills and his fever went sky high to 104.5 so we got him in the tub and we have managed to maintain a 102.5 fever. Isn't that sad, we're happy with 102.5. That's how bad it was yesterday and last night. His cough is so bad that he can't finish a word without choking and we are having a really hard time getting him to take his medicine. He isn't fighting us but when he takes it he starts choking and he gags it back up. We're in a bit of a bind with that. Keep my man in your prayers over the weekend please. The doctor informed us that Kaleigh should be no where around us or Tyler so she spent the night with Sonia and Jimmy. So, I missing her terribly as well.

ROLLY POLLY

2009-04-02T09:03:00.002-05:00

Kaleigh is getting so chubby it's unreal. Here's the proof !! Who knows what she was laughing at... this girl is always smiling and giggling.

Tyler Lucas von Bergh

2009-03-26T10:10:00.004-05:00

Brooke had her baby yesterday. Brooke has been my longest friend, we've been friends since the 6th grade. Some history about her name choice. When we had Tyler she was kind of bummed because that's a name that she really liked but I unknowingly named our little guy that. It has been a tedious project trying to find names that suit both the German and American cultures. If I recall correctly, Aiden was nameless right up until him being born. She called me a while back and mentioned the name to me and I think she was sort of checking with me to see if I would care, AS IF !! We are half way across the world from one another and it's not like the kids see each other often, maybe once or twice a year at tops. She couldn't decide between Lucas, Tyler or Dylan. Tyler won out, of course, it's a great name. And just a side note: Up until late Tuesday evening she didn't think Tyler was ever coming out and then out of nowhere apparently she went into labor. She ended up having an unplanned NATURAL delivery. Brooke is such a strong woman so I'm sure she did a great job. She definitely deserves some r-e-s-p-e-c-t for that. Love you Brooke and Congratulations to you and your entire familia. :)

He was born March 25th @ 6:14 am

He weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz

Length of 19.685"

SPRING HAS ARRIVED, FINALLY

2009-03-23T12:19:00.004-05:00

I love when Spring arrives. The trees begin blooming, the flowers start popping up everywhere and you start to smell that fresh cut grass smell. I love it, I just wish the allergy problems that come with it would disappear.
This is one of our favorite trees on our property and just last week it was bare and now it's blooming.

The dogs are now out hunting for lizards and any other creature that they can find.

Daisy however prefers to hunt for squirrels. She finds a nice spot in the yard and just waits.

I really like this picture. I have such a neat camera which allows me to capture pictures in so many different ways.

You know me, I love roses.

This is our favorite tree in our yard. It's a young oak tree. This tree has such club house potential. We can't wait for Tyler to get just a little older.

IT'S TIME TO PLAY PLAY PLAY !!

2009-03-23T12:09:00.003-05:00

That's what Tyler says when he wants to go outside and play on his new swingset and slide. He really is getting good at climbing up the steps and swinging really high. Tyler also came up with the idea of Kaleigh going down the slide with him so of course, we did. Now of course I was holding her on the way down. Kaleigh loves it, she smiles bigger than life and starts squelling really loud too. I couldn't get a snapshot of that because I was holding her but next time Philip is around I'll get his assistance.

Elizabeth Faith

2009-03-16T15:40:00.003-05:00

My cousin Crissy had a baby girl this morning, this being her 3rd child. Crissy has her other 2 children Rebekah and Mathew and Kyle has his two children Kylie and Kaden. Now they have a child together to round out their family.
Elizabeth Faith Atkinson
Born March 16, 2009 @ 11:30 am
20 1/4 inches long and weighing in at 7 lbs 14 oz.

CONGRATULATIONS !!!

2009-03-12T13:56:00.002-05:00

Kaleigh before she gets ready for a photo shoot... I love making her hair look crazy :)If I want a good smile all I need to do is get Tyler to sit by me, she looks at him and grins.
Laughing at Tyler

Side Note: I have had this little blue dress for almost 5 yrs. I saw it one day while shopping and fell in love with it so I bought it with hopes that one day I would have a little girl of my own. I realize that it sounds silly but I just knew that I would have my little girl and doesn't she look good in blue.

THE BIG DAY

2009-03-10T11:21:00.004-05:00

Tyler and I made pancakes for his birthday. He was so excited about being my little helper.

We had Tyler's party at Monkey Biz.

Yes, this cake looks like the one from Saturday. It is the same but Saturday's cake was made of cupcakes.

Aren't they cute !! We were getting ready for the party.

Opening presents

My little neice Ashley.

Sylvia - a classmate

Olivia, Avery and Hannah

Kaiden

Tyler's 3rd Birthday

2009-03-10T10:59:00.006-05:00

Tyler turned 3 this past Sunday. Saturday we went out to the road for a little party with my family. All Tyler was worried about was his presents and before he would completely open one he'd be worried about the next one. KIDS !!

Aunt CC & Tyler

Jennifer & Kaleigh

It was really windy so we had to figure out a way to keep the candles burning.

Enjoying his cake

Ashley picking flowers

This is Ashley's new 'fake' smile

Deanne & the kids feeding the fish

Tyler's cake

Opening more presents

TYLER 2 YEARS OLD - PART II

2009-03-06T08:35:00.002-06:00

2 yrs. 9 months

2 yrs. 8 months 2 yrs. 11 months

just last week

TWO YEARS OLD - PART I

2009-03-05T13:41:00.004-06:00

2 yrs. 2 months

2 yrs. 4 months

2 yrs. 5 months
2 yrs. 6 months
2 yrs. 7 months

2 yrs. 8 months

MY ONE YEAR OLD - Part II

2009-03-04T09:43:00.003-06:00

20 months

21 months

22 months
23 months
2 YEARS OLD !!

MY ONE YEAR OLD - PART I

2009-03-03T08:04:00.005-06:00

13 months

14 months
16 months
17 months
19 months

Tyler's 1st year of life

2009-03-02T14:57:00.002-06:00

Birth Day 3-8-2006

2 months old

almost 3 months old

4 months

7 months

8 months
1st Birthday

MY BIG BABY

2009-03-02T14:40:00.004-06:00

Everyday this week I plan on posting a picture of Tyler. He turns 3 this Sunday.

Also, I thought I would just take some time and post a few new things about Tyler.

I'll say, "whatcha doing big boy", "deal lucille", "lata alligator", etc. and he'll say, "I not deal lucille, I Tyler James". We constantly do things like this and it never fails he will repeat what we said and correct us. We love it !

Now that he is turning 3 he is having a hard time getting that 3rd finger up, he just can't get it to stay.

He loves for us to ask him what sound a dog, cat, cow, etc. make but now when he answers he growls it. He growls because big boys have muscles and are strong and they don't talk like a "bebe". :)-

He is really trying hard to con us from putting him to bed. When we finally get him tucked in he'll wait about 5 minutes and come out of his room and say that he has to poo poo. He'll get on the toilet and just sit there. We'll ask him if he's sure about having to poo poo and he says, "let me think a bit". After a couple of minutes of thinking he'll say "no poo poo, sorry mommy". Then he'll go on to bed.

He really is into the park.

He loves NASCAR, football, baseball and basketball. Since Ryan has made the high school basketball and baseball team we've been going to more games that usual. Almost every evening he'll ask me if we're going to a ball game.

He is learning everyone's full name. For example: I say "what's mommy's name", he'll say "Katie Leigh, that's right !!" All the names end with 'that's right'.

He has been out of pull ups pretty much for a year now with the exception of nighttime and he has only wet it maybe a handfull of times.

He loves singing "Happy Birthday".

He wonders why Kaleigh gets milk from me and he has to drink it from a cup.... I just tell him that it's the way God wants it.

If we're watching TV and someone even so slightly gives someone a kiss he'll look at me and say "go kiss daddy".

He still loves trains, CARS and now he is into Monster Trucks.

GRANNY TURNS SIXTY

2009-03-02T14:23:00.004-06:00

Ann, Philip's aunt, turned 60 this past week. The party was suppose to be at either Laura's or Sandra's but it just didn't work out so I volunteered my house, which was clean (OMG !), for the party. The weather was just short of perfect and the party went perfect. Ann is now so old that I have to walk next to her with my hands under her elbows so she can have assistance. Isn't that funny !! Not really, I was walking with her to her van and I was picking on her about being so old. Attendance was great and the food was just a good.

Zoe and Ann looking at her yummy cake

Connor hammin it up for the camera. Isn't he cute? He has such personality.

From left to right: Drew, Sean, Tyler and Beau.

Beau, Ethan & Sean saying "WHAT UP !!"

Connor still hamming it up

Avery and McKenna - fashionistas !!

A Covington Photo Shoot

2009-02-28T16:19:00.003-06:00

I decided to try and take some nice photos of the kids this morning. I am really proud of myself considering I am no pro by any means. Tyler's shots weren't the best but that's because he wasn't in a picture taking mood but Kaleigh's make me proud.

Tyler was very nervous about me putting him in a tree and telling him to hold on. He was only like 3 feet off the ground but you would have thought he was 20 ft. up or something.

This one is probably my favorite, he forgot I was taking pictures and just playing. I love candid shots like this.

I was bribing him with a sucker at this point. Cute smile though.

Miss Photogenic !!

The picture is much prettier in the lighter colors I think. I lowered the saturation of the pinks and softened it up some.

LSU BASEBALL

2009-02-26T09:19:00.004-06:00

We were able to get 4 tickets to the game last night so of course we were stoked about it. Just to see the new stadium and get to experience it with Tyler was great. We parked pretty far away and had to walk to train tracks, which anyone who knows Tyler knows that trains are THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to him, so we walks the tracks to the stadium. We even brought a rock home as a souvenir. The stadium is magnificent. I can't even describe how awesome it was. We got a couple of posters after the game so we'll definitely be putting those in the play room for Tyler. We also saw Skip Bertman and Tyler was pretty amazed by that. Go figure my son knows who Skip is...

Tyler got a little antsy so we visited the kiddie area for a little play session.

Philip & Tyler walking down the train tracks.

Me and My Gang

2009-02-26T09:11:00.003-06:00

The park is our new favorite thing to do. We can go and expel alot of energy and have a great time at the same time. Tyler is getting braver with each trip. This time he actually climbed the bars to get to the slide. The Deschamps crew along with Autumn, who is finally back from her mission, went to the park in Livingston.
Kalli and Tyler going down the slide together.
Tyler being brave and climbing up to the slide.

Kaiden was MIA --- he was playing on the 'big' playground so I didn't get many pictures of him or Kaleigh.

We had a great time !!

A Lazy Day at the House

2009-02-26T09:03:00.002-06:00

Tyler was in the mood to play with the camera so I took a few snaps of the kids and daddy.

Back to Work

2009-02-17T09:02:00.003-06:00

Well, Monday came and went faster than the wind blows.. I am back at work and my maternity leave is officially over. I missed my kids so much yesterday and I wish we were big ballers so I wouldn't have to work. Overall work wasn't bad. The guys welcomed me back with flowers and cake knowing that I would be gloomy from missing the kids. I had forgotten about all the wonderful conversation that the guys have, lets see, they talked about quality toilet paper and the importance of it and we talked about breast feeding, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I went home for lunch to visit with Kaleigh so atleast I had that to break the day up. It wasn't so bad and I only shed a few tears while at work, now before I got to work I was a basket case. I didn't even bother putting on my make-up because I knew it was a lost cause.

ONE BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND !!

2009-02-08T21:35:00.003-06:00

I am so excited to say that this weekend was wonderful !! The weather was gorgeous and I just couldn't let this weekend come and go without going to the park. We actually went to the park Friday and Saturday.
Saturday we met Valerie, Ethan, Avery, Sonia, Sandra, Bailey, Patsy and Conner @ Mr. Gatti's for lunch. The pizza was good but we just had to have more together time so we decided to go the park in Livingston. We picked up Greg in route so we added one more to our crewe. This is the best park I've been too because there was NO SAND !! The ground was covered in mulch which was so much easier to play in. Livingston is an extremely small community so the park wasn't nearly as crowded as the Denham Springs parks.

Kaleigh bug loved the park. She enjoyed all the new sounds and views. She can't wait to go back.

I'm not sure what she was doing with her hand but it made for a cute picture. By the way, isn't she the prettiest thing??

Bailey and Avery having fun. The contraption Avery is sitting on spins around and OMG, it makes me sick just watching them spin around really fast. NAUSEA !!

Tyler overcame his fear of slides. Friday Ethan and Avery put some sort of spell over him and since then he is a child with no fear. Whatever they did sure worked.

Philip loves to swing with Tyler. It's their special thing, I don't even try to get Tyler to swing with me anymore b/c apparently I don't swing as high as his daddy. WHATEVER !!!
Conner had the best little time. Just a side story, somehow or another the adults got on the topic of whether or not we could still do cartwheels so Valerie did one, really well by the way, and next thing you know all the kids began trying to do them. Tyler would just run really fast and then jump onto his butt and say he did it and Conner would run around with his arms out like he was an airplane and say he was doing a cartwheel. It was hysterical. Bailey was doing backwards flipflops and then there was poor little Avery struggling just to do a forward tumble. It was really cute.

Conner just a swinging.

Another thing that would make you dizzier than all get out. Ethan & Greg loved it though.

To end our day out with the family we noticed two girls riding horses around the park so we went by and asked them if the kids could pet them. The kids pet them and fed them grass. They were so excited. Now Tyler wants a horse and every cow or horse we see in a pasture he thinks we should stop and go pet them.

SUNDAY :

Today we enjoyed the outdoors yet again but at home and it involved a lawnmower, rakes and pruning bushes. Not nearly as fun but just being out in this wonderful weather just really made me feel so much better. I can't wait for Spring. That darn groundhog, he just had to see his shadow! At least for the time being the weather is nice and warm. We cut the grass and I pruned most of our crape myrtles and other random trees around the property. After the cutting we began raking all the little limbs that fell during the snow storm and put them into nice little piles and then burned them. I love the smell of fires. The fires then gave me the idea of cooking hamburgers on the grill and maybe having some SMORES afterwards. We called Sonia & she came over for dinner. Sonia nor Tyler had ever had S'MORES so me and Philip prepared them for them and I think they both enjoyed them, I know me and Philip did. I think we both had two or three a piece. I'll have to burn those extra calories at the gym tomorrow.

One more piece of my thoughts, this week is my last week of maternity leave. I report back to work on the 16th. I am really sad about it all so please keep me in your prayers, the baby blues are already pretty storng. I don't want to leave my babies :( It seems like only yesterday that Tyler was born and next month he is going to be 3 years old.

The Almost 30 Club

2009-02-05T08:59:00.003-06:00

I turned 29 on Jan. 31st. I celebrated with a cookie cake and refused to let anyone take any pictures of me. Here's my cake.

Monkey Bizz

2009-02-05T08:50:00.005-06:00

Robin invited us to come to Monkey Bizz for a playdate. We had a really good time and the kids love it.

Somebody turned 50 !!!

2009-02-04T21:11:00.004-06:00

My dad recently turned the big 5 o. My step-mom and I gave my dad a party at Champps. I think my dad really enjoyed himself and I know it was nice to finally meet his work and hunting buddies. You hear so much about someone that you feel as if you already know them so it was nice to place a face with the name. I think he was pleased with everything.

Dad and Lori

Dad and us kids. Left to right: Ryan, Adam, me, dad and JJ

Dad's work buddies. The man in the left front was a super nice man. I can't spell or pronounce his name but he was so nice.

Hunting buddies

Family - left to right: Nanny(dads mom), Crissy(neice), Jeff(bro-in-law), Angela(sister) and Pawpaw(dads dad).

VROOM VROOM

2009-02-03T23:08:00.011-06:00

Tyler did not want to wear his ear muffs or ear plugs so we had to cover his ears for him during the really loud parts.

Can you tell that Tyler really liked the trucks ??

Tyler and Philip were able to take a quick ride in 'Savage'. I was too scared to join them so instead I filmed the event. Tyler didn't want the ride to end and asked to ride it over and over again. Had it not cost $7 a piece to ride the thing we would have let him ride it a few more times.

I have a couple more video's to add but they wouldn't download correctly. I'll try again later.

Movie Time

2009-01-27T21:30:00.002-06:00

Tyler's new 'thing' is Land Before Time movies. Last week Tyler stayed home all week b/c he was sick with a cold and cough so the week was dedicated to resting up so we watched movies all week. Tyler got in his chair and told me that he wanted me to put Kaleigh in her chair so they could watch the movie together. What's even crazier is that Kaleigh watched almost the entire movie which was 70 minutes. They were super cute !!!

Dad's 50th Birthday

2009-01-22T14:22:00.003-06:00

Jan. 21

My daddy turned 50 yesterday. He's finally growing up !!! LOL

We went to the house for pizza and cookie cake.

The grandkids and pawpaw

These two were on fire last night. They had so much fun running and playing throughout the house.

Two Peas in a Pod

2009-01-22T14:12:00.004-06:00

Random shots from the last week or so.

Philip and Kaleigh having a conversation. She loves her some daddy.

Changing Kaleigh's diaper is probably her favorite thing to do. She gets so excited. She stretches and kicks and swings her arms wildly while cooing up a storm. I think it's because she is free of her clothes for a while.

She fell asleep on my lap and when she woke up she was so happy. This is probably one of my favorite photos of her.

My Beast of a boy.

Look at those blue eyes? Please let them stay blue.

2009-01-22T13:50:00.003-06:00

Ethan turned 9 this year. He's a New Years Day baby. He had his party at the Science Center downtown. The kids love this place. This is the second party we've been invited to here and they love it.

Collectively Tyler, Philip and Sonia made a kaleidoscope.

After that they did some other experiment that required goggles. They were mixing alka-seltzer with something and it would fizz and explode. They loved it.

After the party part they sent the kids to the science play area.

Kaleigh loved the party too. Between Michelle(Valerie's friend) and Kelly, Kaleigh was held the entire time.

After the party we went about a block down to visit the train. As everyone knows, Tyler loves trains and this was the first time he had ever seen a real train up close so he was ecstatic.

GO WILDCATS !!!

2009-01-22T13:07:00.002-06:00

Ryan is in the 9th grade and he made the Freshman Basketball Team. We are so proud of him and we wish him the best. We were even more excited to hear that he would be starting the first game of the season. His first game was in Chalmette, LA.

Lori's family is from Chalmette so it was nice going somewhere familiar and also having family there. Sandra, Madison, Scott, Mrs. Laura were there in support. Chalmette spanked Walker but we still had a great time.

Ryan is #55

Taking the ball in.

After the ball game we went to Mrs. Lisa's house (Lori's cousin). We enjoyed a great dinner with Lisa, Mr. Rick, Jaime(she's my age, we hung out as kids), her husband Jeff, her daughter Hayden, Scott(2 years older than me), his wife Andrea, Jaime's in-laws and us. It was a lot of fun.

2009-01-22T12:57:00.002-06:00

Each year we invite our very best friends over for New Years Fireworks. This year we did it a few days early b/c we weren't sure that Philip would be home for New Years, which he actually was, so it worked out that we had TWO New Years.

Kalli, Kaiden and Tyler having a great time watching the fireworks from the backyard. Ryan, Joe and Philip were the fireworks masters. Robin and I just watched after the kids.

Isn't this the cutest picture of Kalli ??

Or wait, could this be the cutest ??

Best Buds

Afterwards we headed indoors for a fierce battle of Uno. They stuck Ryan by me which meant that I would surely lose and sure enough I did. The kids watched a movie. Tyler cracked us up with his creative footrest.

Weems' Family Christmas

2009-01-22T12:30:00.004-06:00

Saturday, December 27th.

I am so behind on blogging that I can't have everything in order so just hang in there... The Saturday after Christmas we celebrate with my dad's side of the family. We are a big gang so I'll try to give good details. You'll notice that our family likes the "K" sound b/c most our names start with that consonant. We have Katie, Kaleigh, Cassie, Cassidy, Callie, Crissy, Kylie, Kaden and Caston. We're weird that way.

My dad and Tyler playing with his new trains.

Kaleigh and Sandi - Sandi is the oldest daughter of my cousin Cassie. Cassie's picture follows this one.

This is the entire crew of kiddo's. From left to right starting with kids on the couch: Kaleigh, Sandi, Bailey, Kylie, Matthew, Kaden, Kyle and Dylan. Bottom Row: Tyler, Rebekah, Jordan, Darian and Cassidy. Explanation of kids: Sandi, Bailey, Kyle, Dylan and Darian and Cassidy belong to Cassie. Matthew, Rebekah, Kylie and Kaden belong to Crissy. Jordan to Gary and of course Kaleigh and Tyler to me. Some of the kids are step-children but I don't look at it that way so I don't introduce them that way. Crissy and Gary are both expecting little girls so next year we will have two more to add to the list. JJ and Suzanne weren't able to make it either so Ashley wasn't in the picture. These kids make up the great-grandchildren for the Weems' Family.

Tyler holding Kaleigh. Doesn't Kaleigh look thrilled ??

Tyler swinging with Kaden.

Callie holding Kaleigh. Callie is the daughter of my dad's sister Angela. Callie, Crissy and Cassie are sisters.

Philip bought this outfit for Kaleigh so I just had to post a full view of the outfit.

After a long day . . .

2009-01-22T12:26:00.002-06:00

Christmas was the never ending day. We had a great day visiting with family and it was wonderful being with JJ and crew for the day. It has been years since we've celebrated Christmas together. For that I am truly blessed.

The kids were whipped. Tyler didn't even make it to bath time. He crashed fully dressed with food on his face.

Christmas Day - Part II

2009-01-22T10:38:00.006-06:00

After we opened our gifts at home we got dressed and went to dads house.

Tyler and Ashley both got these cool fold up chairs.

Tyler and grandma

Ashley and Suzanne opening her tea set that I got for her.

Tyler and I opening a game -- Kaleigh sleeping in her carseat.

Ashley and Tyler waiting patiently to open presents.

Ashley sharing her new chair with Kaleigh.

Our family photo

Laura, Ryan, Benny and Madison - Lori's mom and dad

Weems' Family Photo

Genzale Family Photo - Lori's sister and crew - Madison, Sandra and Mario

Suzanne helping Tyler open their gift to him. He LOVES this car.

Ashley opening her doll house from us. Even though the picture is blurred it's my favorite shot from the day.

Tyler grinning

2009-01-07T16:03:00.000-06:00

Val & Greg got tickets to the Corn Maze
They stopped by to pick Tyler & I up, while Sonia watched Kaleigh for us.
Val brought Tyler a head light !! He was hilarious walking around with this contraption on his head.

Ty with his buddy Avery

You think she's sweet huh? Nope, she's a criminal in lockdown.

Using ALL his muscles to get this water pump going about wore him out but he enjoyed this the most.

Another OUTLAW, Mr. Ethan

Ready to hit the maze

After the maze we took a breather and let the kids watch a puppet show. Tyler & Avery really got their laughs out of it.

Ethan and his supply gear. He is such a mini Uncle Dustin !!

He brought his survival pack which included...

2 Diet Coke

Lunchable Snack Packs

Fudge Rounds

& I want to say a Roll Up or something like that...

He is one funny kid. LOVE YOU E !!

Shooting corn husk

Avery's turn

Tyler's turn

Avery taking another shot at it

Riding the rolling cow

Christmas Morning

2008-12-28T18:46:00.005-06:00

Kaleigh & I were up at 4:45 so we were waiting on daddy to get home and for Tyler to wake up. We finally went and woke up Tyler at 7:30. At first Tyler just sat on Philip's lap but then I asked Tyler if he thought Santa ate the cookies we left for him and that quickly got him going. He ran to the fireplace and when he saw the cookies were gone he got so excited. The simple things that make our kids happy.

Me and Kaleigh just hanging out in the bed waiting for Philip to come home. Aren't her PJ's the cutest??

Look at all the presents !!! Half of them weren't even for us but for the rest of our family.

Philip & Kaleigh still waiting for Tyler to wake up. We finally said 'forget it' and went and woke him up.

Now that Tyler is awake we had to slowly ease him into Christmas presents.

He's awake now. . . He was a crazy boy once he opened his train table.

The Night Before Christmas and not a creature was stirring not even a mouse . . .

2008-12-28T16:21:00.004-06:00

YEAH RIGHT !!!!
My house was buzzing well into the AM hours...
This was an exciting Christmas b/c Tyler is actually old enough to understand the concept of Santa Claus so we really played it up for him. We tried very hard to make cookies for Santa but with a newborn and with all the holiday parties it was impossible. It was the one thing that I felt like 'I had to do' but it just didn't work out. We ended up leaving Santa pre-made cookies which Santa told me he enjoyed.

Me and the kiddos being silly.

Tyler was so excited. He loved their pajamas. He thought Kaleigh's were 'too' pretty.

Such a silly boy !!

Philip had to work nights during this Christmas holiday so I helped Santa Claus get all the kids gifts ready so it was a very long night. To make a long story short. Tyler had no intentions of going to be. We were lying on the couch and he was finally not bouncing off the walls and out of nowhere I jumped up and said that I heard jingle bells and that I thought Santa was near and if he wasn't in bed asleep Santa would skip our house and go to the next house. Before I could finish that statement Tyler was jumping off the couch and ran into his room and dove in his bed. It was so funny b/c he didn't even want me to give him a kiss goodnite b/c he was worried that he would miss Santa so I had to just settle for us blowing kisses goodnite. I'll have to remember that for next year.

I didn't get to bed until well after 1:30. Luckily Kaleigh allowed me to sleep until 4:45.

Part II

2008-12-28T16:05:00.004-06:00

Dec. 24, 2008

This year we celebrated Christmas Eve with Philip's side of the family.

The kids along with Philip and Kenneth played a game of football outside. The toddlers, Tyler, Drew, Micah and Conner were the skins vs. the others.

After the football game a game of ATTACK PHILIP commensed. It was interesting to watch b/c one on end of the spectrum was Ethan, who would tackle Philip but with caution, don't want to take the boys out or hurt yourself. Then there was Beau, he would just tackle. Finally there was Sean whose goal was to take Philip out by any means, whether it was taking his face off or taking his boys out. Then there was Tyler who just wanted to play so Philip was overly concerned with Tyler and left himself defenseless.

Kaleigh & Ava. Ava is 6 or 7 months old.

Sonia & Kaleigh

A family shot

I believe we had 37 people in attendance this year.

Covington Christmas - Part One

2008-12-28T15:53:00.003-06:00

December 23, 2008

Stuart and crew weren't able to be with us this year b/c Iris' grandchildren are sick with pneumonia and RSV plus Iris is sick so we all agreed it would be best to not sharing germs would be a nice thing. We do wish they would have all been well so we could have celebrated with them as a family but you can't help it when your sick.

Tyler got all crazy and sweaty so he went shirtless for a while. Tyler and Papa had a fierce play session and Philip was home base.

Phe loving on his baby girl.

Kaleigh wearing her tutu. She needs a couple of years before it will actually fit her but Nunu couldn't help herself and just HAD to buy it for her.

Christmas On The Road

2008-12-28T15:36:00.004-06:00

December 19, 2008

Since we couldn't be 'on the road' this year for Christmas and since JJ & Suzanne don't go to that Christmas either CC has started a new little tradition, she host a smaller version of Christmas Eve at her house. I enjoy this version so much more b/c I get to visit with them on a more intimate level. We get to sit down and eat and talk and actually see what the kids gifts they are receiving. The invitees include mama, my family, JJ's crew, Deanne, Roy, Jenn and her crew, CC, Bobby and Scott and his crew. I didn't have my camera so Suzanne let me use theirs but she hasn't sent me those pictures yet so the ones posted today are from Jennifer. Both Deanne and CC got Kaleigh a Christmas dress so we split the night so both dresses could be shown off b/c I loved both of them.

Deanne and Kaleigh - She's wearing the dress that Deanne got her.

Our family shot - you like Tyler's face ?

Me and Kaleigh - this is the dress that CC got her, equally as pretty.

The kids showing off their gifts.

Opening more gifts.

Me, Deanne, Jennifer & CC getting the night started with a nice glass of wine.

Mama, Kaleigh, Deanne and Katelynne.