Summer Days

We had a few friends over last night for a Schienbein Family BBQ. And, I'd planned to take tons of really neat pictures to post here on our blog...but alas, as I began snapping the first shot, my battery light began to flash. I put it on the charger, fully intending to get back to it in a few minutes to continue capturing the excitement of the evening....but, as you'll notice...I have ONLY ONE picture. Yes, ONE. Such a bummer, I know. Luckily it's a cute one. Carson had a really great time playing with a "big boy" during the BBQ. My friend's son is 4 years old, and really (in Carson's eyes) could NOT be any cooler. Carson thought playing with him was pretty exciting. It was so sweet to see them interacting. I promise there were several other "Kodak moments", such as Tayler sitting her little plate of BBQ goodness down on the grass, only to have our dog Cooper sweep in and help himself to some of her pasta salad. Pretty funny. Oh, and Tayler's little face after she finished eating the chocolate covered strawberries I made, covered in chocolate, and the two left over, half eaten strawberries on her plate. Evidently, the chocolate was her favorite part of that treat!Carson & Colby

Aren't these gorgeous? I found them yesterday and thought they'd be great for the BBQ

Today was a pretty great too. I went to a movie with two of my girlfriends. We saw "My Sisters Keeper". It was a real tear-jerker. I'd already read the book and loved it, so I was really excited to see it. I teared up probably 20 times during the movie, and although one part was changed that I did not like, most of the movie was really good. Afterward, we took a family trip to Home Depot. The purpose of the trip was to get some stuff that Brian needed to replace some sprinklers. But of course, we decided to browse the garden department a little bit and came home with some treasures! First of all, a lilac bush. I have wanted a lilac bush for quite some time, but wasn't really sure where we would put it. But, Brian has been doing a little bit of "yard construction" lately and created the perfect spot! I can't wait for it's blooms. I love the way lilacs smell. Unfortunately, I think we'll probably have to wait until next year. We also picked up three box wood bushes (if you've been to our house, you'll know we love these) that I think are really beautiful. I apologize for the quality of these photos. I didn't get a chance to snap the pictures until the kids were in bed asleep and some things were done around the house, so they're nighttime pics. I can't wait to get these beauties into the ground!

The soon to be lovely lilac bush

Pretty little box wood!

Happy Dad's Day

The only thing better than knowing I get you for a husband, is knowing my kids get you for a dad. I love you baby.
Brian got quite a few very special gifts this year. Tayler got him a new coffee maker, and Carson got him special rack to hold all of his hats. I got him some sandals he's been wanting to replace the ones Cooper ate. Carson also got himself a shirt to show Brian how much he loves him.

One of Brian's Father's Day gifts. Mighty handsome I must say.
Carson wearing another Father's Day gift for Brian.

"Dad's my Superhero!" His poor nose won't quit running...and he was so tired when I took this.

But, we had to showcase the new shirt!

Here are a few shots of pool fun we've been having this summer in our yard. Gosh, I love summer!

Like Father, Like Son

Brian is a HUGE Guns 'N Roses fan. And evidently, Carson is too!

10 months

Carson is an astounding 10 months old today. I've said it a million times before....but I'm going to say it again. I can not believe it! It seems like he just came to our family! But he's not a little baby anymore. He's crawling around, taking steps while holding our hands, climbing up on EVERYTHING, waving bye-bye, clapping like crazy, and I swear he said "bye-dad" the other day. He babbles all the time, telling us his opinions on things he sees. It's really awesome.

Recently, I've started signing with him using ASL. So far, he hasn't started using any of the signs himself, but it's still really new for us. I've read that you should start with about 12 signs to begin with, but since I'm learning right along with him, we're currently at about 4. But, we're working on it. I've read a lot about how sign language with babies helps them express things better, tell you what they need more clearly and can help them start talking sooner. I thought we'd give it a shot!

Tayler finished kindergarden yesterday!!! She is very excited to be on her way to first grade, and is also excited about the summer. We have some fun things planned....and she'll be playing soccer (Brian's coaching again!) and attending swim lessons. All stuff that she really enjoys. Plus, there's already a little blow up pool in the back yard that she's been frequently enjoying.

Not much else is new with the fam. Brian is sick as can be of school, but is still working very hard and doing well. I'm so proud of him. I'm still working, working and working some more. I've been doing quite a few trades at work so that I can have some time off later this year with out having to use my vacation time, so that's had me busy. Plus, hours here and there of overtime to help us feel a little more comfortable.

We spent a little time in the pool at Aunt Ashlee's house. Carson took to the water like a pro! And of course, Tayler was a little gold fish, swimming all over! Here's a couple of shots of Ashlee and Baby C!

Buddies

Carson got to enjoy another day with his buddy Nolan earlier this week! And boy oh boy did they have fun. My friend Tara had us over to her brand new, BEAUTIFUL home where Nolan had tons of fun toys, and he and Carson had a great time playing together. I can't tell you how happy it makes me that he has a little friend his age! A couple of times, Carson tried to, um, kiss (I think) Nolan by opening up his mouth and putting it on Nolan's face. Which, Nolan did NOT enjoy. But, I'm pretty sure that it was just Carson expressing how much he was enjoying himself! He'll need to work on his "personal space" awareness. And, it was really nice for me to get a chance to visit with Nolan's mom, Tara. Her andI have known eachother for awhile, but had never really hung out until the boys were born. It's great to have a friend who is going through the same things I am at the same time!

Carson giving Nolan a little smooch!

Nolan has some plastic Easter eggs left over from Easter,

and they were one of Carson's favorite things to play with!



I just had to include a picture of the two most handsome men I know, and a picture of Carson where my mom thinks he looks like he's two years old! He's getting so big!

Sibling Love

These two snuggling never fails to put a big smile on my face. I sure hope this affection lasts! They are both such sweet-hearts, and I can tell they love eachother very much. Carson absolutely lights up when Tayler enters a room, and Tayler is very gentle and patient with Carson. I couldn't ask for more. I feel so blessed!

Garden Ornaments

I got an email the other day while I was at work. It was from my loving husband. The subject line read "Did you plant this, or did I?" Attached was this picture:

We'd been out in the garden the day before, and I'd planted a tomato plant. But I was fairly certain I did NOT plant a broken dining table chair at the same time. We're pretty certain it came from across the fence where there is a Christmas tree (with the ornaments still clinging on) in the back yard, and where we get various items pushed through the fence but the two young boys who live there. Hmmmm....never a dull moment I suppose.