No, Lilly.

Our trip "down under."

We went to Carlsbad Caverns last year over Spring Break and Carter has talked about it ever since then. With Mike out of town this week, I thought that the kids would get a kick out of a return trip. My parents graciously agreed to come with us, and we had a blast! We started out the day with donuts and then loaded up and hit the road. It was a cold and rainy day, and the park was crowded! We had a nice picnic lunch in the car and then set out on our adventure.

Here is Park Ranger Carter.

And the sweetest little spelunker ever.

Carter posing with "Carl" the bat. He came home with a much smaller version of Carl, courtesy of Papa!

Grammy and her girl. I think that Evyn favors my mom's side of the family.

So excited to see the cave again!

My mom was so cute. She sat in the back seat and entertained Carter the whole way there, and when we pulled into the parking lot she said "All of a sudden I am so excited!" just like a little girl!

This is the only picture that we got of the whole crew. While you can't really tell from this picture, it was raining and freezing cold. My hair looked fabulous by the end of the day!

We sort of had our hands full inside the cave, so I didn't take too many pictures but I did get a few shots worth sharing!

While I missed Mike like crazy, I had a really nice time with my folks! I was completely exhausted by the time we got home, but it was a fabulous day.

Living the Dream.

Every now and then I pinch myself when I stop to count my blessings. God has been so faithful to provide me with the desires of my heart.

Starting with being married to my very best friend. . .

One precious, tender hearted little boy. . .

One spunky and loving little girl. . .

An energetic and snuggly little puppy. . .

And even good old Toonces!

I think it is safe to say that I am living the dream, folks!

Lilly Lewis

This is Lilly. She is 9 weeks old. Her mom is an Australian Shepherd/Heeler. Her daddy is a Boxer. She is perfect. She has a very sweet disposition, seems playful but not wild, loves to snuggle, and we have yet to hear her bark (but I'm sure that will come in time). Needless to say, Carter is in love. We were only planning on looking today, but you know how that goes. I am hopeful that she and Toonces will be buddies. We'll see about that. She has 8 brothers and sisters that need to be adopted. . .

Our nightly bath time ritual.

Carter is such a sweet brother. He is patient and gentle and loving. Recently, Evyn has discovered her passion for helping me wash Carter in the bath and he is such a good sport about it all. Every night I wash her and then she washes her brother. Please know that she did not learn her technique from me. Watch and enjoy!

Theology according to a 4 year old

Carter still sleeps in pull-ups, and he is really working to stay dry at nights so we are limiting his liquids after dinner. The other night he was in bed and asked me to get him a drink of water. I explained that he did not need water because it would make him have an accident. He looked me square in the eye and said, "But mom, God says that if somebody is thirsty you should give him something to drink." How do you argue with that?

Have no fear. Carter-man is here!

Carter got a reversible cape and hood for Valentine's Day. He has been running through the house rescuing anything and everything for most of the day. Apparently, being a superhero completely destroys your ability to smile like a normal human for a picture.

Up on the housetop. . .

My kids must have missed the memo on the appropriate way to play with a dollhouse.

Mommy's Little Valentines

My sweet friend, Monica, is a creative genius! She designed these adorable Valentines for my babies. Punch a couple of holes in them, stick a lollipop in, and you have the cutest Valentine in the class.

So, Happy Valentine's Day from my babies to you!

Why two kids are more fun than one.

There is just about nothing sweeter than the giggle of a baby, especially when she is giggling at her big brother! These two kids absolutely melt my heart.