Conquering Fear

Carlie finally rode Pinto today. Well, I wasn't allowed to turn the sound on because it would "scare Noah". Hmmm... At least she is making progress. She had to deliver the cowboy cookies to Benny before Swiper found them. Her little sidekick helped too. They were all delivered safely.

Bon Appetit!

So we sit down to dinner last night, and someone decides they would rather eat their toes than their food. It was quite disgusting, especially the bite with the yogurt in the mouth. I guess we should sign him up for Baby Cirque de Soleil.

More Pics of the Kiddos

Somebody buy this kid a more manly toy! :)

Other Happenings

Here are a few pics from the weekend. We went to the Mills Mall to hang out, have lunch at Chevy's, and oh yes, ride the carousel.

Happiness is being 9 months old

Can't believe it has already been 9 months since Noah was born. He is getting so big. In looking at a few old photos, I think he is starting to look a little like his Uncle Steve and Cousin Matthew. Here are a few pics I took after his professional session- which should be better since they were outside at the beach and park in Creve Coeur Park.

Splashing at the Park

Today's adventure

States 48 and 49

I made it home safely and can now cross off two of the three remaining states I had yet to visit. Alaska is already calling my name.

It was very beautiful up there and things seemed to move at a much slower pace. At least compared to places like Chicago. Everyone seems to be adjusting well to their new surroundings since moving out there. I started out in Portland to visit R2 (my friend, Rachel, for those of you unfamiliar with the lingo.) Because my flight was delayed, and I didn't get in until 2am, we passed on the beach and hung out at her house the first day. No worries, the next day we got up and drove to Seattle. The boys sure were troopers in the car considering the delay caused by the overturned tractor trailer on I-5. We eventually made it though.

What a cool city Seattle is. I thought people in St. Louis liked dogs. There are doggy stores everywhere, but there are still more Starbucks. People were very laid back and didn't care much how they looked. Seafood restaurants everywhere. Yum. Pike Place Market was very cool, and I will definitely return to the donut stand there. Double yum. And, beautiful flowers-- only $4.95 for some of the bouquets--wow! We met Sarah and her litter (3 kids) downtown. Then, we did a Duck Tour. These are vehicles that amphibious- land and water. It was a nice tour, but could have been better if we had a better guide.

After an overnight with the Lohse's, we drove up to Bellingham to visit one of Rachel's cousins who owns a jewelry store there. It is a small town with a lot of charm (and hippies). They treated us to wonderful afternoon of sights and food and kite flying. I guess I won't go in to all the details of the trip. I'll go faster, but we did cram a lot into the short amount of time I had to visit.

Once back in Portland (I won't digress about getting lost in the ghetto of Tacoma looking for IHOP), we visited Voodoo Doughnut- a much-hyped, hole in the wall, doughnut shop. It wasn't all that great. We also drove to Pittock Mansion to view Mt. Hood, and I took some photos of the Rose Garden in the city park. Didn't get any pics of R2 and me together. Should have had Danny take one. We had to get up bright and early so I could catch my flight home. Much sadness with that, but I did miss Mike and kids very much. Next time they must come with me. Special thanks to Grammy and Pawpaw Rodgers for watching the kids so I could go. It was a great trip, and I am so fortunate to have such truly wonderful friends. Must get kleenex...

The Space Needle (in case you're from another planet and didn't know that)
Karsten
The kiddos
Brandon and Sarah





Danny took this picture of me.
Trying out a $30 hula hoop
Ryan enjoying his balloon.
One of the many kites
Portland and the base of Mt. Hood

Swim Time

Saturday was fun, too, but I don't have any pictures. I played with Daddy most of the day because it was an off day. After my nap we went to the Mexican restaurant and I had a cheese quesadilla. I had a lot of chips and salsa, too. The salsa made me cough because it was spicy.

Then we went to church, and Daddy stayed with me in my class. Grammy stayed with Noah in his class.

On Sunday, Daddy, Grammy, Noah and I went for a walk in the wagon. I wanted to turn around but we kept walking anyway. How come Daddy doesn't listen to me? Noah almost fell asleep in the wagon. We got him home just in time. He took a good nappy.

I went out to play in my swing and did three "highest of alls." Ms. Donna said we could swim in her pool. That was fun, but Noah missed it because he was sleeping. Too bad, No-ey. You snooze you lose.

Daddy is trying to teach me to swim.

Now, I'm doing "water ski" with Daddy. I like to water ski! Hanging out in the "kiddie pool." Daddy needs a tan! After lunch, I'm going to take a nap.

Cookin' with Carlie

On Friday, Daddy was still at work, so Grammy and Pawpaw took Noah and me to the Mills to play. That was fun.

I got a big surprise when Daddy came home. Ms. Donna next door gave me a kitchen! Daddy cleaned it up a little and it is just like new. I love to play with my kitchen. I put my tea set and microwave with it, too.

I have the best tea parties, and I'm sure it won't be long before I have my own cooking show. Martha Stewart has nothing on me.

Noah wasn't as excited about the kitchen as me, but he likes his toys. He's wearing a big bib because he makes lots of drool.

Carlie Blog

Mommy is visiting her friend in Oregon. So I am taking over the blog! I found Oregon on my map puzzle. It is far away! At least four inches!

Grammy and Pawpaw came to stay with Noah and me so Daddy could go to work. On Thursday, they took us to the zoo. I love the zoo. We saw zebras and giraffes and baby camels. The camels wouldn't look at us so this is all we saw.

We also saw the Sea Lion show. I love the sea lions. They're funny.

We rode the train, too. You can see how much fun I had. I was a good girl, and Noah was a good boy.