My Son "the Loser"

Tate and I were traveling in the car today and he spotted a "souped up" Mustang that he thought was cool. "Mom, I wish you could get that car," he said. "But I don't want that car....maybe someday when you are older and have a job, you can buy that car," I replied. Then Tate responded with, "but I'm not going to have a job when I grow up." He's always talking about wanting to be a daddy when he grows up so I told him that you have to have a job to be a daddy. Then he explained that he didn't want to be a daddy anymore, he just wanted to be a "man". At this point, I realized my attempts at rationalization were futile. So much for aspiration........

See if you can find Tate on The Joker......he's the one screaming his head off in the second picture. Tate is not much of a thrill seeker and we aren't ever sure whether or not he will like things after he actually gets on. So, we often put him on rides against his will just to see if might like it. Well, this ride was definitely not one of his favorites. He said, "I couldn't breathe!" The pictures say it all!

Oh, I forgot to show you her talent!

Said I wouldn't....but I did....I swore I would never let someone else tell me that my kid is of course the most beautiful child in the world (okay in the county, whatever), but I did it. I put Avery in the Cute Miss Independence Pageant at the Portia Picnic on Saturday and....(drumroll) she didn't win (sigh).......Of course it was rigged (ha ha) because this (see above) has to be the most beautiful child ever....right!????? Move over Suri Cruise.......

Gas in 3 vehicles to Branson: $150

Rooms for 11 for 5 days: $1000

11 tickets to Dixie Stampede: $480

Getting a group picture with everyone looking at the camera
with their eyes open (except Mallie):
"priceless"

Tate and Avery got a new kitten they

have named "Sandy".

Sorry it's been so long to blog but our computer went on the fritz and I completely forgot about my blog because my old computer wouldn't allow me on. Anyway, we are all good. Tate finished Kindergarten and Avery is growing quickly. We also started a myspace so you can keep up with pictures there as well. The URL is www.myspace.com/robstephtateavery .

We went to Lake Charles this week to try out our new camera and catch what was left of the fall leaves. The mosquitos were terrible so we just took a few quick shots and got out of there. In one of the other pics, you can even see a mosquito on Tate's arm...pretty good camera, I'd say...

Peek a boo! Avery plays this game whenever she gets the chance.

Grown up.....that is all I can say when I see Tate's kindergarten school picture. I feel like I missed so much of his life already, just because I feel like I wasn't paying attention. Does the time really go that fast--that you feel like you didn't even experience it? It's like when you're driving to a regular spot and you get to where you were going and you can't remember half of the trip. That's what watching kids grow up is like, especially when they are yours. Like you need to savor every single moment. I'm not really sure who he favors in this picture. Maybe a little of both his mom and dad. When we ask Tate who he looks like, he says, "Like Tate". Of course, what were we thinking.

A brisk day turned into a beatiful sunny warm day perfect for a visit to Pumpkin Hollow in St. Francis. Tate and Avery and our nephew Joe Scott had a great time looking at all of the animals, riding a train and a hay wagon, looking at pumpkins, and of course picking out a junk toy with the $2 Gran gave each of them before we left. These 3 are all so different and unique. Who would think that they are related at all? Joe Scott is so independent yet so smitten with his mother. He was so happy to spend some special time with her. Tate is so imaginative--sometimes he finds it hard to pay attention to the rest of the world because he's stuck in dreamland. And that Avery--so in love with animals, outside, and other children--she was in hog heaven! It was such a blessing to spend such a beautiful day in a beautiful place with family!

Well, I decided that this blogging might be a great way for friends to keep up with us and for us to brag on our little ones. Hope you enjoy!