Building a Fort w/ Mom

Today Carson and I decided to make a fort using our coffee table and a blanket. I just love this boy and his love for life. I remember as a kid making forts and I had the same enjoyment and excitement for them as Carson did today. We played under the fort for probably a good half hour just laughing and having a fun time, thanks for playing with Mom Carson. Afterwards he also had to show that he can still get on top of our fort even with the extra pressure of having a blanket that moves while trying to climb on top, but as you can see he was triumphant, great job Carson!

Cheetah Love

Awwwwwww! Some little boy loves the Cheetah he chose while visiting the Rain Forest Cafe last summer. In fact because we were going to the zoo, and might see a Cheetah I asked him to say Cheetah and to my surprise he said it clear as day, such a smart boy!

We start them young

After the zoo we decided to wind down and play with Daddy's air soft mask, Carson thinks this is so funny especially when you kiss him when he is in the mask, such a fun and loveable little guy!

1st Zoo Experience

I am not sure if this is a yearly thing that Hogle Zoo does but, we decided to take advantage of a free day to  take Carson for the very first time. For November, December, January, and February the last Wednesday of the month everyone can get in free at Hogle Zoo, and if you are anything like me I don't like to pay the high prices if I don't have to. We tried going in December, but we got a pretty big snow storm that day that last the entire day, so we decided we would try January, which worked out perfect. The weather, was not extremely cold and it only snowed a tad bit while we were there. But that didn't bother us as most of the exhibits during this time of the year are actually inside where it is warm and cozy. Carson could not have had more fun I don't think, he got to see animals and also got to be out in the snow which he loves. In fact, this time around I am almost sure he had more fun at times playing in the snow than looking at the animals, but no worries we got in free. We got to see many animals, unfortunately we didn't get to see my favorite animal the elephants due to weather, however, we did get to see their closest relatives by genetics, look for a picture to come in this post, pretty funny. I never realized how much fun it would be to take my own child to a zoo, as I have always loved going myself, but I have to say bringing your own kids makes it even more enjoyable and rewarding to say the least.  At the zoo if you have not been there in a while they are making significant changes which should be pretty cool, can't wait to go back in April with a friend, who can get us in for free again! 

Our First stop was to see the monkeys as well as the Ape, and as you can tell Carson loved them! He even keep calling them using monkey sounds! Ooo, Eee!

Next stop a photo shoot with the giant replica of the elephant, as mentioned this was unfortunately the only elephant we saw that day. We will have to wait to see them in April when we go again, but worth the wait for sure at least for me. 

After visiting with the otters and taping a cute video of Carson running back and forth between windows to catch a glimpse of the otters, we found a tunnel. Of course we had to take a few minutes to go through and play with the snow. 

Next Stop on our zoo trip to us to the Rocky Shores

a new exhibit that consists of California Sea Lions,

Leopard Sea Lions, a Polar bear, and a couple of 

Grizzly bears. I found out later from a friend that

we got lucky to see the Polar bear as she has been 

hanging out in her den hibernating for quite a little while. 

Carson also enjoyed watching the Sea Lions swim around, 

but only if mom held him, he didn't like to stand on 

the ledge by the glass by himself. 

This goes to show how quickly one's own personal and quiet little "Jazz hands" moment can instantly become so.....documented.  

Crossing the bridge going to visit the giraffes  big cats, reptiles, and birds. Carson did a really good job walking around most of the zoo, which for an 19 month old is pretty big.

Photo shot after visiting the giraffes including a baby giraffe which is already taller than Daddy!

We got to see a tiger, which was a highlight, because if you know Carson most animals still say roar and the tiger is no exceptions. Photo Shoot with mom and dad, what a treat!

This picture is pretty cool with Carson's reflection while looking at the Lynx, who according to Carson also says "Meow"

As promised here are two of the elephants 

closest relatives, the Hyrax! They are often mistaken for rodents, but in actuality are more closely related to elephants. 

Well there you have it our first family trip to the Zoo, we look forward to many more fun times at the zoo as a family, as we continue to grow. 

Yummy Dinner!

As many moms can attest, kids always go through a very picky stage and for Carson that started just after one, however, Strawberries and Nutella on bread are always a hit! This was dinner a few nights ago and I had to take a picture because unlike his birthday he had no problem getting all messy and you can't get enough of those pictures. 

YUMMY!

One Week!

One Week until gender revealing for our sweet number 2! Can't wait!

Come Follow Me

As many of my 

readers may know already, but the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has recently as of this year changed 

how we teach our youth during our Sunday meetings. I can honestly say I was apprehensive about teaching this new curriculum as teachers are not given a manual or a set lesson to teach, and that is how I have been used to being taught as well as teaching. However, as I have taught a few lessons I personally have gained a greater knowledge and drawn closer to my Heavenly Father, my Savior, as well as getting to know the Holy Ghost on a more personal level. I never could have imagined that not having a set lesson to go to and teach I would have learned as much as I have in such a few short weeks. We have been encouraged by our latter day prophets to teach the youth as the Savior would teach them if he were living on the earth today. As I have studied and pondered ideas and questions about the Godhead this month and found answers to those questions, through lots of different methods, I have had to learn the gospel, not just know about the gospel and the teachings I hold sacred.  I will put myself out there and say that I know that we each can have a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father, our Savior, and the Holy Ghost we just have to take the effort and the means they have of getting to know them for ourselves. I can only imagine as I continue to teach and study in the way that the Savior himself taught and learned, I will be able to not be afraid to stand up for what is right in the face of many trials and adversities that plague the world today. I will be a better mother, a better wife, a better friend, and a better disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. I know that there are 3 members of the Godhead and each have one purpose to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man, but each has their own distinct roles in accomplishing them, and with their help I too can help in building up of the kingdom of God on this earth. I encourage all even those who do not have youth to check out the new way of teaching our youth, it is most beneficial to all, use it as a means to become better than you are today. If you want to take a look and I encourage all to do so, even if you may not know my faith you can find them at https://www.lds.org/youth/learn

My Handsome Little Guy

We got so many compliments today at church how grown up and adorable Carson looked in his church outfit, I could not pass up an opportunity to showcase how absolutely adorable he of course. These pictures were taken under our computer desk, when he hid because I was calling his name to take the pictures. :)

My little baby is growing up, but as all mothers know they will always be our babies even when they old and gray!

What Can I Fit in this Hole?

Let's begin this post by saying I am really glad that we do not have any small legos in our household, we only have the mega legos. Last night Carson thought it might be fun to see if he could stick a mega lego in his month, and lets just say it was a success, and it was so funny that we just had to take a picture. Lately he has also been asking for "shows" so as a family we watched Aladdin, and of course "B" and "bear" had to join the fun. 

Look at me I am talented!

He loves cuddling up to his gigantic teddy bear and watching a good show.

New Life

Love the feeling of a new life growing inside me, the last few days the kicks and jabs have gotten stronger and more regular. It brings me back to the time I felt Carson for the first time, and fell instantly in love with him, this child is no different the moment I found out I was pregnant again and it was a "sticky bun" I let myself fall in love once again. I didn't realize how easy it would be to love another child as much as I love my son, but it came so easy. I look forward to the time when I will get to meet this new little one and to kiss and hug them just as much as I do Carson now. In a few weeks this little one may even have a name, look forward to all the many memories we can make together as a family together forever. Love you little one, can't wait to meet you!

Daddy's Shoes

Daddy's Shoes

I love to wear your shoes Daddy,

As you can clearly see.

Pretending I'm as big as you,

For soon that day will be.

I hope to be like you someday,

Strong, patient, full of love.

You're the greatest Dad on earth,

With quite the shoes to fill.

Our New Friend

Today we made a new friend in our family, he may be a kitty, but he has stayed outside our window the whole afternoon. This morning just before noon Carson and I were putting together a couple of puzzles when out of the corner of my eye I see a little black kitty peering through our front room window. I stopped Carson and told him he had a little friend in the window, he took a few seconds to look and sure enough he saw our little friend and got the biggest grin on his face. To say he loved the kitty would be understatement, he adored the kitten at first sight. He proceeded to climb right up to the window and started petting the little kitty through the window, additionally,  anytime the kitty moved Carson started to laugh the most adorable laugh ( I have to say I am partial, but still the most adorable around!) We then decided we could go outside for a moment as the weather had warmed up a bit to get to know our little friend a bit closer. Carson loved petting the kitty and was actually very soft with the kitty, we didn't stay out too long, but the kitty followed us all the way to the front door and proceeded to come in, so I had to shut the door. No sooner had I done this than Carson had big crocodile tears streaming down his little face, he did not want to leave his new friend outside, so I opened the door for him to pet him from inside for a few more minutes, he still cried when we left the kitty outside afterwards. When we finally shut the door for good, I called the kitty and he came right back to the window, where he has been ever since. A final piece to the story, when I laid Carson down for a nap, he said "Meow, Meow," I take this to mean he still wanted to see our new little friend, lucky for us it appears this kitty will stick around for Carson to see him again after nap-time. And of course I had to document the first meeting with our new little friend. 

"Choo Choo"

Yesterday my wonderful son, told me exactly what he wanted to do and exactly what he needed to accomplish what he wanted to do. As many of you know Carson is in love with trains, he thinks and dreams trains, it is generally the first thing out of his mouth when he wakes up in the morning and nap times. He just absolutely loves them, and freaks out if you do not get them on the TV or computer immediately when he wants them, hard to do when he loves them so much. Yesterday after nap time, I got him out he immediately went to the TV and pointed to the TV and said "Choo Choo" I asked him if he wanted to watch Thomas and is he replied with a nod. Next he proceeded to go to the fridge and ask for Milk which I gave and finally he went to his room and ask for his "B"(blanket)" Only after asking mom for the Choo Choo movie, his milk, and finally his "B" he was ready to watch Thomas. These are the photos I got of him watching Thomas. It is getting very fun to watch him be so independent and being able to fully communicate at times exactly what he wants or needs, such a fun age I would have to say. 

Our Young Man

It is amazing when you put a little boy in a white Sunday shirt and a tie, how much it makes him older, however, he will always be our baby no mater how old he is!

Carson also learned how to roll his eyes, at this stage it is cute, so had to take a picture of course. We have such a silly boy!

Curly Hair

As predicted Carson got both Mom and Dad's Curly hair, here is a picture taken just after a nap last week, such a cutie!