Choo, Choo!

On Saturday, we were able to take Carson to see the trains at Northpark. We weren't sure if he would have any interest in them or not. But...he loved them! He watch them with such a serious face and infrequently took his eyes off of them. If you ask him what sound a train makes, he will say "ooooooooooo, ooooooooo" in the most quiet voice with his lips closed. So cute!

Happy 1st Birthday, Carson!

Today, our little man turned the big ONE! It is amazing how fast a year can fly. It seems like only yesterday that we were going to the hospital to meet the little one for the first time. Carson, you have filled your mommy and daddy with so much joy this first year. You have made us laugh until we have a belly ache, smile like their is no tomorrow, and cry due to unmeasurable gratitude. We can't imagine what life was like before you were here! So...today we thank God...for blessing us with the ability to take care of one of His children...for giving us a healthy, beautiful boy...for teaching us what is truly important in this life! We love you Little Man!

The Birthday Boy!


On Sunday, we celebrated Carson's first birthday party. It was originally set for Saturday, but due to a stomach bug, the party was moved. Carson woke up from his Sunday afternoon nap to a living room of familiar faces saying "Happy Birthday!". How did Carson respond? He cried. Guess it was too overwhelming. He warmed up quickly!

The Cookies


The Cake


Uncle J and Aunt Ashley won Carson's heart with their truck present that also played music.


Thanks for my new carseat, Granna and Grandy!


Thanks for my new wagon, Mimi and Pop!


Carson attempting to blow out his first candle!


Carson didn't much care for birthday cake! I guess it is a little too sweet for now!


Thanksgiving with the Thomas'...

Carson playing with the big boys!


Carson and Mimi


Carson with his Great-Grandmother and his Great-Granddaddy


Pop, Carson, and Grandma


"Go Broncos!" (Missed seeing you J.D.!)


Brandon, Carson, and Granddaddy


Brandon, Carson, Granddaddy, Grandmother, Lacey, and Kylie


Carson and Kylie


Thanksgiving with the Thurmon's...

Grandy and Carson shaving! Well, just pretending!


Lauren, Logan, K.K., and Carson


Carson and Nannie


Carson and Granna


Carson loves music! He was a great student as K.K. taught him a few notes. I love how he is sitting up on his knees!


On November 19, 2011, Carson had his first haircut at Cool Cuts for Kids. He did a great job sitting in the car and observing every little move the lady made. Now, he looks like a little man.

The Before...

The After...

Happy Halloween!

Happy 11 Months!

This past weekend, we had the opportunity to take Carson on his first trip to one of our favorite places in the world, Harding! I can't think of a better way to celebrate his 11 month-birthday than spending time together as a family and getting to see college friends. This month Carson's big personality has continued to shine. He loves exploring everything from the smallest crack in the wall to the biggest truck on the road. He continues to say "mama", "dada", and "Pop". He has also started saying "Mimi" and an approximation of "duck" and "truck". He can identify many common objects including "Elmo", books, ball, outside, Cheerios, and familiar people. Carson is continuing to walk but often just crawls because it is easier and faster. He loves climbing the stairs and on pillows. He continues to thoroughly enjoy bath time and being outside. He is wanting to try pretty much all food on our plates. His least favorite food is tomatoes and his favorite is yogurt. In fact, he had his first tantrum in Walmart a few weeks ago because he saw the yogurt go in the buggy, but he didn't understand why we couldn't open it. Carson is continuing to take great naps anywhere from an hour to 3 hours, but he has started waking up at least once in the night! And...for our biggest news...he is getting his first tooth. It has barely poked through his gums but it's there! Now for a condensed version of all the many pictures we took at Harding!


Carson waiting on Daddy to finish with his last class so we could get on the road!


Carson on his scooter like the big kids. The kindergarteners LOVED him. I can't even tell you how many kisses he received from these little ones!



On Thursday night, we arrived at our hotel in Searcy. This was Carson's first trip to stay in a hotel since we entered the exploring stage. Carson LOVED checking out every square inch from the mirrors on the wall to the safe in the closet!


Carson and Mommy in front of the fountain where Brandon and I had our ring ceremony over 10 years ago! Wow how time flies!


Carson bundled up in his coat for the first time!


Oh, the memories! There is nothing like a Harding basketball game!


My Handsome husband! Man we miss this place!


Carson and Mommy by the fountain in front of the Benson.


My handsome boys!


Carson and Daddy!


Homecoming parade! There's my girls...Delta Gamma Rho!!


Our little pumpkin! On Thursday night, we went to the big city of Vilonia to Jake's parent's house. They threw an amazing fall festival at their house for their church. We had a great time of judging pumpkins, creating mummys, watching sack races, observing egg tosses, eating, singing, and praising God. We missed out on the hayride, but maybe next year! Thanks Mike and Edie!!!!


Who could that be?


You guessed it! Daddy and his college roommate, Jake!


Melinda, Carson, and Lane


Carson walking to mommy! Carson's balance has improved greatly! He loves walking, but often crawls because it is so much faster.


Our little family!


Can you tell how much Carson loved climbing on the tractor?


Carson sitting on the tractor for the first time!


Carson and Mallory!


Carson loved, loved, loved swinging like the big boys!