Carson's 2nd Birthday Party: September 10, 2010

I can't believe our baby is two! It is unbelievable how quickly the time is flying by, especially with two children. On Friday, September 10th, we hosted an Elmo birthday bash for our little man. The party was at our HOA clubhouse which was perfect for 15+ toddlers and their siblings. DeDe & Yaya (the Grandmothers) helped out in a huge way by coming early to help set up. DeDe totally hooked us up by baking the cupcakes and helping me with Carson's homemade cake.

We decided to go with an Elmo theme because Carson loves Elmo and he can actually say "Eeeeemmmmoooo" and he can even sing the "That's Elmo's World" theme song. Carson had a wonderful time at the party. He was all smiles, loved watching the big kids at play, and spent most of his time eating. Par for the course.

After cake, we all headed outside because it was a perfect day to play. Alex and Ezra chased after the Canadian Geese at the pond, and Carson loved playing on the play ground. My favorite thing about this party is that it was so chill. We just had our close friends and family, and everyone was relaxed and loving it. I always have to stop and take in these moments because it seems like life is just becoming one big blur. SLOW DOWN! My baby isn't a baby anymore. I am going to keep him in footed jammies until he can tell me not to anymore. I can't believe he is such big stuff. He is our love and bright spot and today was all about celebrating our little Carson. Happy 2nd Birthday, CK! Here are pictures from our special day:

Taking a swig

All smiles, all the time
Jaime and our God daughter, Sophia

Alex and her BFF, Kaitlyn

Carson with Abbi DeWall

Carson's homemade cake. It may have been gluten free, egg free, dairy free, soy free - but he got a cake dang it!

The cake table

There were 100+ cupcakes

Yum-o

Carson and YaYa got some sweet cuddle time

So precious

This is a group of incredible women. I love you all dearly!

Mother & Daughter

I am pretty sure Alex thought this was her party. Isn't the outfit great?

The girls. Clearly, Mel didn't get the "black and gray" memo.

My moms mean the world to me.

The black and gray girls

Mel & N8

The whole fam (minus the top of Nathan's head)

Carson's first impression of the cake... "Umm, I don't think so."

"Hmm, okay, I'll give this a shot."

Carson's first taste

"Yummy!"

"Poke, poke, poke the Elmo"

That's my boy diggin' in with his fork

Now that's more like it...he's getting messy

"Umm, anyone have a wipe. Anyone? Anyone?"

"Is this icing or finger paint?"

"If you think I look bad, you should see the other guy."

What a special day. This is one we will never forget!

Carson's First Day of MDO: September 7th, 2010

Today was Carson's first day of Mother's Day Out for the 2010-2011 school year. He is attending "Bright Beginnings"at First Baptist Coppell. Carson will go to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-2:00. His teachers, Mrs. Karen and Mrs. Marva are wonderful. We couldn't have asked for two more patient teachers. I have been praying specifically for his teachers since last year; and as always, God overdelivers. Here is a picture of Carson before he left for his first day. He is loving it and so is Mommy!

Sophia's Dedication - September 26, 2010

On Sunday, September 26, our precious God daughter, Sophia Noelle Worley was dedicated at Stonebridge United Methodist Church in McKinney. It was a very special day and we were honored to be included in such an important event for Sophie.

Nathan was at Fellowship Church singing - we were all sad he missed out. Mommy, Alex and Carson all made it for the big day. Alex and Kaitlyn had a blast sitting together in church. The girls were invited to sit in the actual worship service with the adults and I think they both did quite well sitting still. They did keep turning to each other and waving...it was cute.

I only have two pictures from the ceremony but we had a wonderful time and we were thrilled to be included. Happy dedication, Sophie. We love you!

Alex and Kaitlyn

Mel, Carson, Jaime, Trey, Sophie

Kaitlyn, Alex

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and
asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord & may please him in every
way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Col. 1:9-10

Labor Day -- September Birthday Celebrations

Happy birthday to Pops, Carson, Caden, Eston, Brandon and Nathan. Whew, that's right, we had six Darby boy birthdays to celebrate. Now that the kids are all back in school we decided to meet up for Labor Day weekend to celebrate at DeDe and Pops pool to get in one last swim for the season. We had a blast.

The kids are at such a terrific age. They are independent, swim on their own and play so well together. Carson is enjoying that too, because he gets most of the attention. We celebrated the birthdays with a gluten free cake which was great because now all of the Darby grand kids are on the GF diet. Andrea did a great job decorating the cake (as usual) and the kids thought it was Christmas! One of the highlights of the weekend was getting a customized rap routine by Deb and Darby. Yes, you read that correctly...our 60 year old parents busted out a rap! They were hysterical. You will see from the pictures below that they went all out. The rap was titled, "Spendin' Yo Inheritance." It was a funny way of telling us, "We are spending all of our money. We are living in the now. Tough!" Ha! Kudos to Nathan for capturing the video:

Here are the pictures from our weekend:

Sweet cousins sharing in Alex's excitement.

Aunt Onnie hit the jackpot with the Barbie Mermaid gift.

Dru loved his Legos Hero kit.
Handsome 60 year old!

Eston loved his Kung Zhu pet.

10 year old Caden (ahh!) got a gift card. I made sure to stand in this photo because for now, I am still taller. Barely.

Alex loved her Barbie Island Princess doll and DVD. It wasn't her birthday, but Dru and Alex still got some prizes. We can't help it. Nice job, DeDe!

Fun times with Uncle N8 in the pool. Love this pic.

Dru is a pro.

Caden is too.

Eston is a rockstar. He's always had amazing balance.

Our little Baylor Bear in training.

The birthday boys. How cute are they?!

Daddy is her hero. Always will be.

Since when are wedgies adorable? EDIBLE HINEY!

Daddy & Carson got great swim time together.

"Oh no! Please don't photograph me. My root beer belly is a real problem."

"The Twins" had a blast playing together. Eston and Alex are only 5 months apart in age and adore each other.

Carson loves his Elmo book.

After a wonderful meal outside, things got a little out of control and people ended up in the pool. Fully clothed. Andrea started it! She was a great sport.

Dru's new dinosaur went in the water with him. He was not so happy about that.

The kids loved that Onnie got in the pool.The dry dinner crew watched happily knowing they were staying out of the drama.

But no, we couldn't let that happen. Nathan decided Mel needed to get in pool too. Thanks, honey!

Action shot.

It was freezing.
Alex thought it was so cool that Mommy got in the pool though.

Fully aware that Andrea couldn't throw Pops in the pool, she decided to get him wet via hug.Saving the best for last: rap photos.If we can be half this cool at 60, I will be thrilled. Seriously!

We enjoyed another incredible Darby family weekend. Love you guys!