when the sun came up...

We loaded up our bunch and headed out to the blackberry farm.

We took these two along. Can you tell they're besties?

Daddy was on vacation, so he came along too.

Even though I grew up in East Texas,

I had never seen these little guys on the bush. I only know them in their little clear boxes for about $4 a pop.

The girls managed to stay away from the stickers and from this little guy. He looks super nice, right?

Emma got distracted by the animals.

There were more than just a few...

I finally managed to coax her back to the patch...

I wanted her to pick more of these...

Of course, Carson was along for the ride...poor little guy.

I love them both so much.

We even managed to get a family photo.

I think I mentioned before that she could be a little farm girl...

I am still convinced.

where the green grass grows

We have greeted the warm weather here with open arms.

Our sandbox has been busy...

We've been hanging out in the backyard...

Giggling...

Playing in the fort...

Walking barefoot in the grass. My sweet hubby has already succeeded in turning it into a lush, thick, green carpet, and it's only May.

We've been tricycling and chalking, which wouldn't be complete without zebra and "sir raf." Thanks Papa!

And growing....basil...yum, yum!

This sweet little girl made me an herb garden for Mother's Day. She had a lot of help from her daddy of course.

Here it is...I have enjoyed it so much! You will find me on the front porch clipping almost every night.

And since we're talking green, here's chives...

And mint...

And dill...

And italian parsley...

And oregano...

And rosemary...

I have sage, thyme, and cilantro too. Now, I am waiting for this one to bloom. Emma's got beans growing in the kitchen. You know, how we did in first grade? With a ziploc baggy and a wet paper towel? I just planted tarragon this morning, and Emma planted zinnia seeds in a pot. I think we are doing pretty well in the growing department :) Although, now I want a garden...a real one with tomatoes and peppers and squash, and green beans, and cantaloupe...and...I think I might need Rob's help for that one...maybe next year?

Here's my favorite thing that's growing at our house right now. He will be three months tomorrow. They grow so fast the first year. He sleeps through the night on occasion, but generally wakes around 4 or 5 am for a feeding. Somehow, I don't really mind. He naps four times a day and eats six times a day.

He laughs now, which is just beautiful.

And he has already attempted to roll over. He didn't get far, but nonetheless, he tried. I love my children and love to watch them grow. If only I could get them to grow a little slower.

Mother's Day & Carson's Baptism

I had a wonderful Mother's Day.

I got to spend it with my mom, my dad, my sister and her hubby, my hubby, my little girl, and our newest little bundle...he smiles now, and it just melts my heart.

Carson's Baptism was Sunday morning, so we celebrated twice. Once for the moms and once for our sweet little baby.

She loves him. Can you tell?

Mama C. and Papa were there too. Emma just loves them!

This is my favorite photo of the day...

He is just so sweet.

Aunt Lindy and Uncle Dill came too. We are so blessed to have them as Carson's Godparents :)

He wore the same baptism gown that Emma wore...and I wore and Lindy wore and Ashley wore and Nic wore and Coco wore and Vanna wore. The only question I have is, "Who gets to keep it?" Just kidding...I guess we will just continue to pass it around :)

Emma enjoyed the service. It was contemporary, which was new for us.

And, we celebrated with petit fours, which are truly divine.

It was a fun weekend of catching up and hanging out, and I am so glad that everyone was there to celebrate for Carson. Being with my mom on Mother's Day meant a lot too. We aren't exactly neighbors, so it doesn't happen every year, but I am always grateful for our time together.

quack, quack!

Meet our newest neighbors...

There are seven baby ducklings to be exact.

And, Emma is so excited that she just about can't stand it.

I snuck away with her by myself while Rob kept Carson to meet these little guys.

It is so interesting to me how they all stay together...the motherly instinct shines here for sure.

We had lots of fun feeding all of the babies bread. We even had a quick visit from a turtle. Can you see his head?

Emma said her good-byes, but I am certain that we will be back soon.