It's a brisk morning here in Cookeville, and my favorite time of day. Lincoln and Catherine, especially, show that they do love each other by sharing hugs and kisses and even sharing the "big" rocking chair. Just moments after this picture, however, was their first arguement of the day. It was over who would hold Coleman in their lap first. I interferred quickly before they thought to play tug-of-war with Coleman's arms. Coleman was placed on the floor to play, with strict directions to L. and Cat. to "leave him alone". (Catherine is the one who plays tackle and steamroller on him. Coleman is only 3 lbs away from being as "heavy" as she is. Once he begins to walk, it will be on!!)

Funny Catherine Story
(I know, I go 2 months without posting and I do 2 in one night. I am on a roll!)

Tonight we had a meal before church. After we eat, the kids run around the gym and get all wound up before class. At some point, Catherine left the gym, and went to the bathroom. And because we are such great parents, we had no idea that she had left the gym. Anyway, this is what we were told:

2 men were taking care of business in the men's bathroom- of course. To their great surprise, the door opened and in walked Catherine all alone. She cruised right by them, making eye contact, and turned into the stall. Without closing the door, she pulled down her pants, hopped on the toilet, and began to go to the bathroom. One of the men quickly exited the bathroom and alerted Brad to Catherine's location. Brad walked in to find her still sitting on the toilet. She looked at him and said "I go poop."

Can you imagine the surprise those men felt? Of course, Catherine doesn't know boy vs girl bathroom or that it is a private affair. Who cares that those men are there. When she has to go, she takes herself. Always has. Lincoln wanted me right there with a book. Catherine says "You go!" and points past me out the door. Lincoln still wishes I helped him clean up, Catherine takes care of herself which you might think is great, but let your mind think on that just a little. At least once a day, it isn't so great! :)

Here's a Halloween pic. This was taken at their Mother's Day Out party.

Our trip to Washington D.C.

Brad ran his first marathon 2 weeks ago in our nation's capital. We flew north on Friday, with our friends Chris and Alison, and came home on Monday. My parents kept the kids, so we had a nice, needed vacation. As you scroll down, you will see that we visited some of our favorite attractions. We also visited the Lincoln memorial but I didn't include Mr. Lincoln's picture.

Yes, this is Mr. John McCain. We saw him at the DC airport on our way out. Even though we aren't HUGE McCain fans presidential wise, he is a good guy. Couldn't pass up the opportunity. I actually shied out (can you believe it?) and was watching our stuff?

This (above) is the WWII memorial.


I was SO very proud of Brad. This was his first running experience except for sprints in basketball. Brad and Chris have been training since January. It was an awesome experience for him. He hasn't been running since, but I did hear him say that he and Chris were eyeing the Music City Marathon in the spring. Woo hoo! It is fun traveling along! :)

There was something funny that shows that I am in mommy land 24/7- I was awakened in the middle of the night by a thud above us at the hotel. In that second, I had thrown off the covers, and had a foot out of bed before I really awoke and realized that what I heard WAS NOT Lincoln or Catherine falling out of bed. I was in a hotel, the kids were in Tullahoma. So, I crawled back in the covers and went back to sleep. Brad and I got a laugh out of it the next morning.

September is full of fun. Lincoln's birthday is on the 4th and Brad's is on the 5th. It usually means Labor Day weekend is full of family, fun, and birthday cake. A perfect way to spend a long weekend!

Soccer Season began. I made them pose in the driveway before they left for the first game. Lincoln is in a new league, and loves it. A few more rules to learn but that's how it goes! I think Lincoln is catching on to some of it faster than Brad. :)

Lincoln had a special party for his 5th birthday at a local bounce zone. He barely slowed down for this picture.
We are singing Happy Birthday to Lincoln. I love the face he makes when everyone sings. He is thrilled but somewhat embarrassed. It is cute.
Whenever anyone asked Lincoln what he wanted for his birthday, he would say "A train that DOES NOT go all by itself." So that is what Brad and I got. He and Catherine have played and played with it. Actually, Catherine usually knocks parts of it down. Sometimes on accident and sometimes on purpose. Fun times!

This past weekend we went on a 2 night mini-vacation to Chattanooga. Coleman stayed home with Brad's parents (which was the earliest I have ever left a child). He was fine with a bottle, but glad I was back. Or should I say, I was glad I was back. :)
These pictures are from the Discovery Museum in Chattanooga. The water and dinosaur areas were the favorites.

These pictures are from the little zoo in Chattanooga. Lincoln is clutching Brad's leg in the petting portion of the zoo. There was a dog. :)

This is naptime at the hotel. Lincoln was "keeping his head on the pillow." Catherine.... well, wasn't quite ready to be still. It was so funny... for a few minutes anyway. I turned Catherine parallel to the headboard. Then I turned Lincoln sideways, so he had the bottom 2/3 of the bed. I put a big pillow between them and tah dah, sleep came.

The kids loved the hotel, the "escavator" and the elevator. It brought back memories of times growing up when my family stayed in hotels. I remember Amy and I giggling as we "slept" on the floor in sleeping bags- Jeff and Greg always got the other bed next to my parents. I distinctively remember mom or dad saying "Girls, be still. ... Girls, be quiet." Maybe I remember that so well because I heard those two comments a bunch growing up. :)