TWO YEARS OLD!

CUPCAKES FOR BREAKFAST!

He's really cute when he's not living up to the "terrible twos" reputation. He enjoyed opening his gifts, but the best was his new tricycle. We're still working on him figuring out how to push the pedals.

ALL my parents

Somehow I was blessed enough with parents who managed to not only be civil, but kind and friendly after their divorce. That plus being divorced for 32 years means I get fun nights like this where I've got my kids, Mom, John/step-dad, and Dad. I don't know what's more fun when we tease my mom who can't keep her "husbands" names straight or watching Nash eat from everyone's yogurt (Yes, I know I'm evil. My mom tells me all the time).

JR's New Kitchen Floor

The Griffiths provided the supplies, John did the labor (with a little help from us), and a week later Mom came back from Utah and...

Dedan's new haircut

There's lots more video than this, but you'd probably be BORED watching Dedan and I banter as I attempt to cut his hair.

Rewind: Easter

We had fun Easter Egg hunting at the Griffiths. Nash did pretty good for his first time actually hunting. I'm the mean mom who made the kids get completely ready for church before they could come down to see their baskets and hunt for eggs here. Mean, but on time for church.

Natural History Museum

Emma, Dedan and Kaylie (Emma's friend) at the Natural History Museum. It's free the first Tuesday of the month which was the first week of Spring Break when we were desperate for things to do.

Dedan's favorite area was the insect/kid's section. We got there just in time for a guy to come out with bugs and more information than you ever wanted to know. Plus, the opportunity to (EWW) touch them. Dedan came close to touching the tarantula, but chickened out. So, would I, buddy!

Grandpa Kirkwood

My grandfather was in his 60s when my dad was born, so most people are confused when I tell them he was a silent movie actor. Here he is with his most famous wife, Lila Lee, another silent movie actor.

Meeting Nathan!

My youngest brother, Jacob, had his first baby more than a year ago. I just got to meet Nathan a few weeks ago when they came out here for a visit. Papa enjoyed having the two boys together even if it meant they both had to be on his lap at the same time.

Nash's favorite spot

When Nash is tired he likes to snuggle up to Lula no matter where she is, and often kicks her out of her bed.

Fun Run

The school district had a Fun Run to promote exercise and health. Emma wanted to do it, so I made Dedan since we were going to be there anyway. They both enjoyed it though. So did Har since he ran with each of them.

Bubba's wedding

Wedding cake by J.R.
Emma & Caitlyn help Buffy with her dress.
Tex, Bubba (the groom) & Koral

Lance (aka Bubba) and Buffy's wedding was an all day event. Chocolate fountain, great entertainment, gorgeous wedding party, beautiful decorations, fun music, and lotsa love.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

The Five Carpenters are living in Santa Clarita with Grandma & Papa until we find a place of our own (closer than the 70 miles Har drives now to work). The kids love school. We get to see Grandpa Mike every week. We love getting to visit with Great Grandma Stewart and helping get her house ready for when she recovers well enough from having her tumor removed to come home. The kids go to a great school where they both love their teachers and have made great friends. We really enjoying being closer to Vista so we can go down and visit more often. Life is good. Thanks for being part of ours! We promise to be better at updating our blog in the coming months. Big fat hugs!