Washing the Car

Mackay loves to help Marc wash the car. It's amazing how kids emulate their parents. Whatever we do, they want to do as well. Of course some day they probably won't think we parents are so cool, so we should enjoy it now while they are young and they still think we are cool!

There is nothing quite like the thrill of watching a child enjoy the newness of life in all its forms. Kids are tiring, but they sure are worth it, especially when they look up at you with that sweet smile that makes all of the "dirty diapers" worth it.

I'm not sure who got cleaner in this video, the car or Mackay!

Beckett First Haircut

Andrea finally gave Beckett his first haircut at 14 months. Let's just say he wasn't too into it. It's amazing the difference in the quantity of hair between Mackay and Beckett at the same age (Mackay was two and a half months old when he got his first trim!). I wonder if this trend will continue when they get older. Will Mackay be the kid with the locks while Beckett goes bald? Or with the Lord take away that from he who has and give it to he who has not...will the first be last and the last be first??

Going Poo Poo

Mackay recently started using the toilet to go "poo poo," albeit inconsistently. Nonetheless, we were VERY excited for him. After he went a couple of times in the potty, we gave him his cooking outfit that grandma bought him as a treat after he went potty like a big boy in the potty. Perhaps we can start to dream about the end of diapers...


Mackay had to check out where the poo poo was coming from.

Beckett's Got Some Sweet Walking Skills!

Beckett is now a walking man! He started showing signs of the skill at a year old and now at just shy of 13 months he has got some mad skills! He'll even chase Mackay and get Mackay to chase him. He'll be running any day! And Mackay is excited--he plans to play soccer with Beckett once they can both run together. At least they like each other...so far!

Beckett's First Birthday

Wow, it's hard to believe Beckett is already one year old! Was it really a year ago when he was born?! He certainly weighs enough to be one. It's time for him to start walking on his own so we don't have to carry him all the time (he's getting close and can take a few steps, but isn't quite there yet)!

We had a much quieter birthday celebration than we did for Mackay's first birthday. Of course it's not because we love him less. Given that we are still in transition--looking for a backyard--we weren't in a good position to throw a party this go around. That said, we had a good time celebrating his birthday with Andrea's family. On Saturday (his actual birthday), we took the boys shopping and then went to dinner at Maggiano's--the boys actually fell asleep on the way to the restaurant (see picture). By the time we got home, Beckett was asleep, so we did presents and cake on Sunday. Two days of fun for the price of one!

Mackay enjoyed helping his little brother celebrate by blowing out candles and opening presents. It's almost like a birthday for Mackay with all the new toys to play with!

Love the Dirt...and Water

Andrea's parents just built a new house and their grass isn't in yet. There back yard was like a huge sand box (or maybe a dirt box) for the boys to play in. The boys can't seem to get enough of playing in the dirt. Add a little water to the dirt and it's extra fun. Mud is always better than dry dirt!








After they got themselves (and their clothes) completely dirty, we decided to bathe them outside in huge buckets of water. Needless to say, they loved it! In addition to getting the dirt off, it's a great way to keep cool in the summer heat.

The Boys First Rodeo

...and mine too! After our trip to the lake with Andrea's family, we headed up to a small town in North Texas for some family reunion and wedding festivities. The first night we were there, we went to a Rodeo. It was something else. It's the first time I've seen wild cow milking--several cowboys try to rope a wild cow and hold her down while one of them proceeds to get enough milk out of her that it will drip from a bottle when he show it to the judge. In my opinion, it was way more exciting than the bull riding!


Mackay riding his first pony at the rodeo.


Beckett too!


We stayed at a bed and breakfast the same night as the rodeo. It was an amazing place with some sweet old stuff in it. One of the rooms, pictured above, had a jungle theme. Mackay looks a bit out of it in the picture, but he's hanging in there. I do feel bad for the boys, however. We need to settle down soon!

A Fun Visit With My Sisters

We had a great visit with my two sisters and their families...and my parents for a day and a half. Andrea and the boys flew to Texas to where my sisters live on Friday morning, while my parents and I drove the short 13-hour drive and arrived that night. They were great troopers! Thanks mom and dad!

While visiting my sisters, we went to the largest gym I have ever been to (i.e. like Gold's Gym, but much, much bigger!). It was akin to a resort. The pools were sweet! It's true what they say. Everything is BIGGER in Texas! The visit was relatively short at my sisters' houses, but it was great to see them and all of their kids. It will definitely be nice living closer to them...and seeing them more often.

This afternoon after church we drove down to Andrea's family vacation at a nearby lake. It's pretty sweet, but the rain has put a bit of a damper on our boating activities as the lake is closed to boating (turns out all the rain flooded some people's sewage systems!).


Beckett with his cousin, Austin.

Boys First Real Boat Ride

We took Mackay and Beckett on their first real boat ride while we were visiting my parents. The life jackets didn't fit the best, at least Beckett's didn't (he's a thick dude!). We had a great time chillin' on their new boat...the city they live in actually had fireworks on the 3rd and 4th of July so we went the day before the 4th to beat the crowds (and the rain as it turned out). It was my first time watching fireworks on a boat...definitely makes for a great view.

On his way to the airport with Beckett and Andrea (they flew to TX!), Mackay asked my dad, "Next time I come to your house, we can go on your boat?" Mackay definitely thought the boat was "cool"--his words.

The Long Kid Drive is Done!

It's still hard to believe, but we are officially homeless...in search of a backyard for Mackay...and Beckett (when he can talk and tell us that he wants one too!). Yesterday we drove from Virginia to Kentucky to visit with my parents. It should have been a 9-hour day, but with kids it took 12! Luckily Andrea and the boys are flying to Texas from here, so we won't have to put them (or us!) through another long car trip.


Mackay and Beckett...after 3 hours.


Mackay at a lookout during our drive...Beckett was nursing.