Asher's Baptism

Asher was baptized at our church on Mother's Day, May 10. He also flashed his first smile that morning (to Grandpa), so it was a big day for him! Two other little girls were baptized at the same time, and we thought for sure that Asher would be the noisy one. Much to our surprise, he slept peacefully through the whole thing, barely stirring as Father David poured the holy water over his head. Maybe he'll be a little quieter in church than his big brother--we're not counting on it :).
A special thanks to Asher's godparents, Uncle Rob and Aunt Lindsay.
Grandma Allen made a delicious cake for our little party afterwards.

Natalie and Asher.

Talyn and Carter enjoying some treats and hamming it up.

What we did this weekend...

The big baseball tournament got re-scheduled for this past weekend, so daddy was umpiring both days. The boys and I kept cool at the pool and hung out at home. Asher had a nasty tummy ache on Saturday, but other than that we had a relaxing weekend. Here are a few highlights...


Early morning playtime in mommy and daddy's bed...that's Carter "helping" with Asher's binky.
Playtime on the floor mat...he's really starting to get fascinated by his toys.
And hangin' with his friends Busy Bee and Blue Bear.
Then it was time for more swimming fun! Carter's ready to get in--"hurry up, mom!"
Showing me some tricks...the back float!
Kick and splash...
Ash throwing a little hissyfit before his turn to swim.
Once we got him in the pool, he was pretty relaxed and enjoyed his swimming time. It helped that the water is a wonderful 88 degrees.
Mommy and the boys.

Slip 'n Slide fun!

A few weekends ago, Aunt Lou dug out an oldie but goodie...the Slip 'n Slide! Carter pretty much loves anything that has to do with water and/or Aunt Lou, so he was in heaven! He's still working on his technique however, as it was mostly the "slip, fall on your butt 'n slide." We thought he'd have a very bruised bottom the next day, but we never heard any complaints!



Thanks for the fun Aunt Lou--we love you!

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Daddy's big weekend...

We had a weekend of celebrating for our family! Chris' 30th birthday was on Saturday, and then Father's Day on Sunday. Chris & I started the weekend with a date night at the Warren Theater in Old Town (Wichita) Friday night in honor of the big
3-0. Saturday & Sunday, he was supposed to be umpiring a big youth baseball tournament here, but the rain cancelled that and he was home with us by lunch time Saturday. Saturday morning the boys & I had gone to Turkey Creek to get daddy a hat for Father's Day. I didn't think we'd see Chris all day, so I didn't bother telling Carter it was a surprise. Well, when Chris joined us for lunch, he asked Carter what we did this morning. Without hesitation, Carter blurted out "We went to the golf course--we got you a hat--it's in the car!!" Chris died laughing and I just shook my head. Silly boy.


Saturday evening we went to the Men in Tights show with Grammy and the Kumles who were visiting from Florida, and the show was interrupted by a tornado warning! We hurried home to be with Grandpa and the boys. Never a dull moment in Kansas. Sunday we went swimming at Grammy & Grandpa's (Carter is turning into quite the little fish!) and then had dinner in Salina with Grandma and Papa. It was a fun weekend and we're so glad that daddy ended up getting to be home with us!
We love you daddy!

Branson family vacation - part two

During the second half of our Branson vacation, papa rented a big pontoon boat for everyone. The boys got up early and went fishing, while the girls and kids met up with them later for lunch and we all enjoyed an afternoon of tubing on Table Rock Lake. The "big" boys all took turns driving the boat, trying to throw everyone else off the tube. Carter even rode the tube in between mommy and daddy! He was so brave, but kept a pretty stern face the whole time in deep concentration. He did flash a "thumbs up" sign to everybody on the boat once or twice. Of course I don't have any pictures of us on the tube, because mommy was riding, not taking pictures!

Here is daddy pulling Aunt Angie...she held on for a LONG TIME!
Carter helping Papa drive the boat. Daddy getting tricky on the tube.Grandma and papa got in on the tubing fun too! Around late afternoon, the clouds started getting really dark, so we decided to head back to the marina. On our way back in, lightning flashed and all of a sudden we were caught in a DOWNPOUR. We tried to huddle under the canopy of the boat and our towels, but it was a little bit chaotic trying to pull the boat back in. After about five minutes of struggling to pull the boat in the slip, we finally got some help and we were able to get off the boat. We all looked like drowned rats, but Asher managed to sleep through the whole thing!!

This is Natalie, Carter and Morgan right after we got off the boat. Carter and Asher at the marina...Asher is STILL sleeping! We stayed in an awesome house at Branson Canyon that fit all 16 of us very comfortably. The development even had a nice swimming pool and playground for us to enjoy.

Aunt Angie and Asher watching the kids swim.Daddy and Carter in the pool.Back at the house, Papa was exhausted after a busy day...he and Asher enjoyed a snooze together. And finally, a cute shot of Carter and Asher with Aunt Angie. We only get to see her once or twice a year since she lives in NYC, so it was nice that she was able to come to Branson with us! We miss you Ang!

Branson family vacation - Part one

Grandma and Papa Allen treated the whole family to a fun vacation in Branson over Memorial Day weekend. We thought that a 6 hour car ride might be a little tricky with our 2-year old and 7-week old boys, but they did so well! We only stopped once on the way there and twice on the way home!

We went to Silver Dollar City our first day there and everyone had a great time. The weather was great and there were lots of rides that even Carter could ride! Mommy & daddy got to ride the roller coasters as well because Aunt Tammy and Aunt Kerrie offered to stay "on the ground" with the kids. We LOVED the coasters!

Here's Aunt Angie (all the way back from New York City!), Grandma and Papa before we entered Silver Dollar City.
Rob, Brauer, Natalie and McKenna on the big swings.
Talyn and Carter riding the ladybugs all by themselves!
Daddy and Carter on the hopping frogs--they really got to hoppin'--daddy had to hold on tight to Carter! Mommy and Carter waiting in line to ride the teacups.
Papa, Asher, Brauer, Talyn and Tammy taking a break.
The great thing about SDC is that they let you bring in your own food and drinks. Here, we're enjoying our picnic lunch.
The kids got their second wind after lunch!
We saved all of the wet rides for after lunch when we were good and hot. This was the ride where you take a boat up a really tall ride, then plunge straight down into a big pool of water. Carter was just tall enough to ride and was brave enough to go with us--we're so proud of him--I think he might be a thrill seeker like mommy and daddy! We all got pretty wet and although I think Carter's stomach flipped a little on the plunge, he said he had fun. This is right after the plunge.
And the whole group sopping wet.
Brauer, McKenna and Carter taking a ride in the stroller.
Our family after riding "Fire in the Hole." Carter rode this one too, but Asher stayed back with Grandma.
Carter playing in the splash park at the end of the day...he had a blast!

Stay tuned for part two of our trip--and lots more pictures!

A few random shots of the summer...

These are just a few pictures we've taken so far this summer. Carter is LOVING the outdoors!!

Carter got this fun new sprinkler from his friend Addie as a "big brother gift." He loves it!

Mommy and Asher are supervising, but keeping our distance from the splashing.

The crazy kid was using it as a drinking fountain...love that tongue!

If only Asher could talk...can't you just tell what he's thinking?? "RELEASE MY HEAD NOW, BROTHER."

Someday, they'll be best buddies...hopefully.

Look at that belly!

Asher's first smile that we could catch on camera. We can't get enough of his smiles :).