Happy 2nd Birthday, Carter!

Brand spankin' new!
And now he's TWO!!!

CARTER THOMAS BOWDEN turns 2 today! He's such a bundle of love, fun, full of energy, spit and fire! He is one of the sweetest loveable babies- uh, not a baby anymore -kid- we've ever met. He can snuggle into you like no one else can. He gives hugs and kisses. His favorite people are Hudson and Avery. Lately he's had a mean streak toward Avery, but we think it's because he really really just wants to be her best friend and she's busy trying to be Hudson's best friend. (and he's just got a sort of mean streak toward anybody whenever he means NO) He's a bit of a daredevil and seems to have little fear. He loves sports, playing sports, and watching sports. He loves staying up past Hudson's and Avery's bedtime, mostly because he enjoys the one-on-one time with mommy, daddy, or both. As I type he's grabbing his little red bat, a baseball, and a A's batting hat and will come over to me to throw the ball. He'll throw the ball straight at me and get into batting position! He's got a pretty good stance, too. You've got to watch him when he's got a ball in his hand because if he's aiming for your face he'll get it! He's definitely got an athletic build and has the control and agility of an athlete already. He's always been very well coordinated with walking, running, and moving. (despite all his injuries) Daddy is excited, as you can imagine!


Carter McFarter Favorites~

Food: MILK, waffles, just about anything, loves mama's cookies! (Tried to climb up the cabinet yesterday for some!). Last week he was shoving tomotoes in his mouth.

Movies/TV: Blues Clues, he really liked the Sandlot-surprise? (daddy's pick for family movie night)

Persons: Mama (hahhaaa!) LOVES Hudson and Avery. (hu-son and fa-vry) He loves to follow them around and do whatever they are doing. So far he's even into the new baby, giving my belly hugs and kisses! He loves being with his cousins, too! Okay, he totally loves being with daddy, too! Especially in daddy's room, sitting in the opposite chair, watching a baseball game with daddy. (and if daddy gets up Carter runs to steal daddy's chair!) Papa George is a favorite too, and with Papa on summer break Carter gets super excited for visits but really just wants his buddy back to snuggle with all day long!

Things to do: Playing Notebook/Blues Clues, loves to sing & dance(very good at the soundtrack to the Broadway show WICKED!), loves playing outside, trying to be doing anything that is too old for him, growing up =(

Wears: size 8 shoes, 3Ts clothing, (size 6 diapers but hopefully not for too much longer.)

Best Qualities: Wearing his heart on his sleeve! Great smile, silly, sense of humor - funny as heck! Knowing what he wants or doesn't want.

Worst Qualities: Hitting and not understanding how to say what he means instead. Knowing what he wants or doesn't want! ;)

Best way to describe him is what everyone calls him-mini-Rob! Looks like him, likes sports like him, same temperment (except Rob uses words now and doesn't smack everyone -hahaha!), and that heart on the sleeve thing.

Some family photos -even one with daddy!!!
Carter-2yo

Avery-4yo

Hudson-6yo, 2nd grade

4th of July

4th of July is celebrated in our hearts every year. We also tend not to make a huge deal to get out and be around too many people so when we're home on this day we usually just hang out all day, bbq hot dogs (I think Hudson could eat a pack all by himself if we let him!), and when it gets evening time we head over to Rob's school, Sparks High, to watch the fireworks. This year was no different. Except Hudson's best friend AJ and his family came down to watch with us. Oh, and the kids have decided on their own that it IS tradition for us to get ice cream first! This year we got there a little early so we could also play some baseball on the football field.

Happy Birthday America!!!

Yummy ice cream!

Avery and Carter

A game of baseball, go Hudson!

The first pro baseball girl?

Hudson and AJ, time out!

(Otherwise known as getting away from Avery and Carter!)

Mt. Shasta '08

~The Girls~

Sarah, Anne

Kaydance, Avery, Maddelyn

My sister Chari called recently and wanted to know if we could come out and visit, like we usually do at least once during summer break. Hmm, I've been so busy or whatever I hadn't even thought about it but within a week the kids and I, and as always, Kaydance, were on our way. (Rob stayed behind because he's still teaching 2 summer school classes - math and football) It was the first trip in the new car and a nice trial period to see what our long trip at the end of the month might feel like. It was a very nice, easy,and a smooth ride! I'm glad we were able to get the car before our big trip because it's much more roomier for me and my growing belly!

Anyway, the kids had a blast! We relaxed, played, watched movies, hung out, went to Lake Siskiou- the kids favorite! As you can see, just being at their house is relaxing. It is a beautiful piece of property! The only negative was the recent fires in California, but the smoke wasn't too heavy most of the time. Here are a few pictures of our much too short adventure:

Kaydance and Carter

Avery

Sarah, Matthew, and Garrett
Caught a fish, now what?

Garrett, Carter, and Kaydance

Carter holds Garrett in a special place in his heart, can you tell?

Hudson and Avery, having a great time!
Malachy and Hudson
Sarah and Jen Malachy and Hudson, best cousins
Another set of twin cousins, Maddelyn and Kaydance

Avery, feeding the animals. Their roosters are sooo beautiful!

A rare photo of Jen and belly-about 7 months along.

Carter was comfy using mama as a chaise lounge! =)

And lastly, a rare photo op!

Chari and Marty

Married 23 years this August!!!

Happy Anniversary (in case I miss it come the 10th!)