Just some random fun pictures from July at the Barnes house. Below you can see that Parker has taken to wearing tights on her head and either braiding the legs or just putting them together for a ponytail. She saw something that has made her want long hair. I'm thinking she needs to learn how to either skateboard or snowboard her soon with her fashion choices but that will all stop soon. The second week of August she starts at Pillow Academy and will have to wear uniforms! Let me know if you see any funky shoes or boots out there she might like!

I still haven't put this baby seat away but I have used it since she has been to big for it. It is the only way I've gotten her to hold her own bottle! She won't even hold a cup with or without handles. Any suggestions?? When she turns 1 I'm throughing out the bottles (Alleluia!!) so I guess she will have to adjust.

On the 4th of July we had a couple of friends over and Clif cooked a 16 lb brisket! Our friend Jon and Alison had their first baby in May and she got to swim for the first time. She loved it probably because the water is very close to bath water temperature these days.

Lulu didn't swim that day but had a great time playing around just watching

Too bad I can't get her to smile like that in her expensive portrait sittings!

Here are some random photos. Below Josie likes the outdoors so I was able to get this sweet picture of the two of them rocking.

Lulu likes the outdoors too! I just wish she didn't put everything in her mouth!

Bennett still loving his bike!

Fortunately, we broke down and got a great lawnmower and weedeater so we could take care of the lawn ourselves. Unfortunately, I don't think that Clif knew it would take twice as long as expected to do the yardwork but his helper kind of slows him down but he doesn't seem to mind.

This isn't what we bought but we were just borrowing the neighbor's mower this particular Saturday.

Lulu was so tired last night she fell asleep while eating! Poor thing! She wouldn't take an afternoon nap because I let her sleep too long in the morning so she would be rested for her portraits yesterday which she finally emailed for!

These are some pictures from Parker's week at dance camp. I asked her to pose and this is what I got. Funny thing is she didn't even have an Egyptian song! She came up with it on her own I guess.

Not sure I'm used to seeing Parker in gym shorts

Good morning my faithful readers (mom & dad). This isn't the best photo but they were all sitting there together (very brief) so I thought I would take a picture!

Well we finally made it to our 9 month checkup right before we turned 10 months old. Lulu is 19 lbs 10 oz and 28 in long so she is pretty average weight and a little above average heigt although she is wearing 18 to 24 month clothing!! I thought I would have plenty of clothes since she and Parker's birthdays are only a week apart but that isn't the case. She is a sweet, funny little child always on the go until she sees me!! She loves to feed herself and still won't grab the bottle! Not cruisin' yet but I expect her to any day now. I know before too long she will have us all on the move!

Clif and the children went to Old Waverly with Poopaw and YaYa for their 4th of July festivities. There was a kiddie parade and Parker, Bennett, and Ruby came in second place! Great job YaYa!! I still haven't taken them off yet because they are so cute and the kids love it!

While Parker and I were in Memphis visiting S2J I did a little swimsuit shopping and this is what Parker selected for me. There was another choice and this was the better of the two! I guess y'all will just have to imagine!

Bennett was determined to push Lulu in her car but it kept going into the curb. She didn't mind though. He never once gave up. I'm afraid he is my strong-willed child.

Parker dressed in her everyday attire going for a walk down the street (I'm not kidding)! It looked like it was getting ready to rain so I told Clif that he would be able to spot us if he had to come get us.

We promised Bennett a bike when he started wearing big boy pants and Mrs. Lynne made that dream a reality and we are loving it. And Bennett is loving his big boy bike too! Thanks again Mrs. Lynne!!

The weekend after Josie was born we were back in Greenwood to celebrate my niece Ruby's second birthday. The children all had a great time...even Lulu!

Ruby loves to play with Langley -- she calls her by her proper name.

Bennett enjoying his umtenth piece of watermelon!

Parker and her cousin Mary Olivia having some snacks

In all the excitement of Josie being born I haven't posted about our impromptu trip to Centralia. Mom was down on the MS Coast with with the Gulf Coast Parkers and was headed back to IL so the kids and I caught a ride! We thought it would be a good time to come and we would stay until the baby came.

Parker and Bennett drawing pictures for Josie before she was born (Sarah - remind me to give these to you!)

Coco and Bennett enjoying the pool

Bennett and Parker enjoying their virgin daiquiris and what looks like a great conversation
My fish

Poppa Jack and Parker

Lulu is pulling up on everything and even climb a few of the stairs this trip

Lulu enjoying all the fun toys on the sun porch

Bennett enjoying playing with Lulu...I think or he could be crying??

The children had mom digging for worms the first morning we were there...I don't think any of us were surprised!

More fun on the porch