Lulu and her wubbanub. This isn't her favorite pacifier but she is always pulling on them so I thought she would like this.

Lulu and Poppa in deep thought.

Hanging with Poppa
Bennett singing karaoke with Lulu.
More pictures of Bennett sharing his toys with Lulu.

Reunited! Bennett stayed with Poppa and Coco after Christmas until we met up in Memphis. It is so good to have some family in between especially Shannon and Sarah since they have been so far for so long.

Parker and Bennett playing with the disc swing....I can't wait until they can swing when the weather is warmer.

After Parker and I went to the museum we went with Aunt Sarah to paint pottery. Parker painted a plate and I painted a cross.
Watching Aunt Sarah paint her piece.

This is a crawling thing at the museum that is really neat. Parker had to try it twice before she decided she could make it to the top.

While Bennett was staying with Poppa Jack and Coco in Centralia after Christmas, I took Parker to the Children's Museum of Memphis. She had a blast running around and playing with all the interesting things. Below she is building something.

Here she is tracing animals on a large mural. Having fun shopping in the grocery store.

FedEx had a large area in the museum and below Parker is trying to bring the plane into the air.

She abosolutely loved the water area where she was able to catch fish as they floated down stream.

More pictures to come from this visit to Memphis.

He looks happy now but it didn't start out that way. Today was the day for the balloon pacifier lift-off. Bennett loves Scooby Doo so I found a little plush Scooby Doo on Ebay and thought that would be a good substitute for giving up the pacifier. Well, Scooby Doo came in the mail yesterday so we decided to act on our plan. This morning I worked the church nursery and took Parker and Bennett with me. After church, Parker had Sunday school so Bennett and I went to the store to get the balloons that would take his pacifier to the angels. So, after we picked Parker up we went right home to send the pacifier away (see the video in the next post). We also had some mini-planes to give him with the Scoodby Doo which was a big hit as you can see.

Right above the tallest tree you can see the four balloons that were tied to the pacifier.
The last picture of Bennett with his pacifier.

This picture just breaks my heart! He was very sad but has only asked for it 3 times since the big event. He laid down for a long nap without a problem and bedtime tonight wasn't that bad either. Hopefully he will think Scooby Doo and the mini planes are a good replacement.

Here is the sad video of the pacifier balloon lift-off. Bennett was a little more upset than Parker was but it was her 3rd birthday and he is not yet 2 1/2. We knew it would be tough but it had to be done.

New toy

We have a new toy for Lulu. Bennett was so excited for her to play
with it he picked her up and carried her to it! We caught him before
he actually tried to put her in it. She loves to watch Parker and
Bennett playing. It definitely keeps her entertained!

Pretty smile

I keep trying to get a picture of Lulu and her sweet smile buy she
won't stay still. This is the beat I could get. She is so sweet and
growing fast!

Summer dreaming

Sharing

I know I haven't updated in a while so here is a mobile blog

A couple days ago Lulu was hanging out with Big brother in the
playroom and he got out almost all o his toys so she could play with
them. Then he took turns singing the Backyardigans karaoke with her.
Sweet big brother!

Great news! My friend Heather had her new baby boy -- Roman -- on December 29th. He weighed a healthy 8lbs 10oz. Mom and baby are doing great!

Big sister Lily is very proud of her new baby brother!

I posted a slideshow (double click on it and it will enlarge) of all the pictures from our Christmas in Centralia to the right but I wanted to post a few of my favorites or at least all I could post without it shutting down! They are in no particular order but I will try to explain some of them.

Parker and Bennett enjoying a sled ride in the snow

Bennett, Lulu & Parker in their new PJs given to them by our good friends Scott & Tina

Parker and Taylor's mommy (Parker's words) building a snow man
Clif and Parker enjoying the snow. Those are two very happy smiles! I'm not sure she has ever smiled quite like she did when she was playing outside in the snow.

Parker and her baby sister. They enjoyed spending more time together during Christmas and New Year's while Bennett stayed with Coco and Poppa Jack.

Bennett & Taylor holding the stole for Uncle Shannon to put on the angel. We had to wait until everyone arrived and Crissie had just gotten there on Christmas Eve.

Poppa Jack and Bennett

On Christmas Eve, it was cold and rainy so we packed up and went to McDonald's indoor play area. They had a blast and wore themselves out for at least a little while.

Taylor and Bennett playing with the blocks.

Bennett being cute! I know I'm biased but I don't think that it is hard for him to do!

Coco and the WCPs!

All the boys enjoying the outdoors

Crosby II, Taylor and Bennett having fun on the sled

The Chattanooga Parker's

Getting ready to go down the big slide

Of course it isn't a trip to Centralia without a ride on the lawn mower a.k.a the tractor

Cannon and Langley enjoying a little playtime together

Cannon just hanging out

The MS Gulf Coast Parker's in Crosby II's new ball pit

Four of the six grandchildren up to no good I'm sure!

Getting ready to feed the reindeer

Waiting patiently to open ONE gift on Christmas Eve

More feeding the reindeer. I think Penny was eating the food!

All the grandchildren

The Barnes'

I have more and will try to post them soon!