Chopsticks

From the movie "BIG." This is at our new favorite hangout, The McWane Science Center. This is when they came on the Fourth. I think it's pretty cool how coordinated they are at times.

First a few pictures...

Our Little CJ in the cutest Sunday suit his Nana got him.This is the blanket/quilt that I made for CJ. I finally finished it. That is the problem with starting a project in the middle of a move. It only took three months for me to do the final stitching.

Carl w/ the kiddies when we were down in Dothan.

Now, Here's a question to all you parents out there--Do you have any tips for picky eaters? Right now, Emma Jane only wants to eat hot dogs, bologne, cheese, scrambled eggs, bread, pancakes and mac and cheese. Any other meal that I make, no matter how good it is, she won't even try it. She has become so picky, and it is so frustrating...especially when you spend a lot of time preparing a meal. I don't want to starve her, but I don't want to start a bad habit by catering to whatever she wants. I can't start making a different meal for every kid. I don't want the kids to think that I am a short-order cook. Does any body have any good ideas how to get your kids to eat different food? The airplane trick just isn't cutting it. Please help.

Fun 4th of July Weekend

First off, Carl's sister, Amber, and their family came to visit this past weekend. Her husband just started the MBA program at UGA and will only be 3 hours away for the next year. We have already gone to visit them once, and we are so excited to do it again and again.

Second, on Saturday, we found the found the coolest place in Birmingham--the McWane Science Center. It was the best thing for kids--it had so many hands on things that kids could play with. It had two little cities made for kids 5 and under. It also had an IMAX theatre. It was the bomb. We could have stayed their all day, and we practically did. I now know where the kids and I will be living this summer. If you can't reach me at home, try there. And, if you are ever in Birmingham, you have to go! It is the coolest place ever!

Emma Jane on the slide at the McWane center.

EmmaJane shopping at the little grocery store at the McWane Center.

Amber and I caring for the wee babes while the big kids play at the McWane center.

Emma Jane feeling the love from her cousin Aubrie.

Saved the best for last--the two cutest babies ever. CJ and his cousin Hallie. CJ's got to gain some more weight because Hallie is a month younger than him and has got him beat!

Pictures from Dothan

Well this past weekend, we went down to Dothan. My mom was in LA, so my dad was all by himself. So, we decided to go down there and visit. It was awesome. We swam, saw Iron Man, enjoyed the Wii, and just had a good old time. Here are some pictures.CJ is such a cheeser. It is so fun.

EmmaJane loved the bubbles in Mom and Dad's jacuzzi tub.

And, so did Carl. Sorry Carl for posting this. :)

I know you were worried...

So, I know that I have been awful at blogging for the past month, but I can explain. First of all we moved to Birmingham. Second of all, we had a baby being blessed. Third, we have started working on our house, and that is a full-time job. There is a lot of ugly in that house, and we are trying to beat it out of it. And, fourth, and the main reason for the delay is that my wireless card on my computer stopped working, so I did not have internet. I know you were all probably very worried thinking that we had died. I am happy to say that we have not and we are back blogging again. Other than that, Birmingham is great. It is so beautiful. It is so green here. I also did not know that Alabama had so many hills. It is so fun. I will have post pictures soon because it is just gorgeous. I have already found the essentials in my neighborhood--a Sams Club, a Target, a Wal-Mart, a Home Depot, a Lowes, a TJ-Maxx, a Ross, and a Jim N Nicks (a barbeque restaurant that has the best bbq and coconut cream pie you have ever had in your life!). I also have gotten lost several times as well...which is really fun to do for an hour with two screaming kids. You should try it some times. Also, CJ has changed so much. He is the cutest kid ever. He is so easy to make smile. He coohs and goos at you whenever you talk to him. It is just adorable. Emma Jane still loves him. She thinks it is hilarious to take of his socks. She also like to take birp cloths and wipe his face in case there is any spit up. She just loves to give him kisses, and he is so good with putting up with all of her "lovin". He is just a happy kid...so, this just confirms that child #3 is going to be the devil. After two sweet children that sleep so well, I have it coming for me.
Also, Happy Father's Day to Carl who is the best dad ever. Our kids are so lucky to have a dad who always wants to play with them. And, I am so lucky to have a husband who is always willing to help. For Father's day, I cut my hair short for Carl. He's been wanting me to do it for a while. So, here are some pics of the past few weeks.

Me and CJ (Don't you just want to squeeze him?)

CJ with his Uncle Curtis' glasses.
Miss Messy's favorite meal! Yummy!
Best Buddies...At least for now!

2 weeks ago--CJ Got Blessed

Here are some pictures from the big day:Isn't he a cute little man?

Thanks to everyone that traveled great distances to get there. It really made it special to have so much family there. You guys are so great!

This is three generations of Carl Stephen Haynies. The first of the Carls couldn't be there, but we will definitely have to get the picture of all four Carls some day soon!

In case you were wondering who CJ looked like, my mom found these pictures of my brother Brandon. Above is CJ and below is my brother Brandon at about the same age as CJ. Isn't that crazy? Now, we know he is going to be one handsome dude since he looks like his good looking uncle!

We started packing to move this weekend (woohoo!) and Emma Jane was fasacinated. She had no idea why we were putting everything in boxes, but it seemed perfectly sensible so she wanted to join in. Such a fun little girl. She's just getting over a cold, so we're glad to have her back.

Signing Time

Have you heard of "SIGNING TIME"?
They are these cute little videos that teach kids how to sign. Well, Emma Jane loves her signing time. She's been watching them since she was 6 months old. They are the only videos she will actually sit and watch. They have bought me many moments of peace. Love them! Anyway, she's finally catching on and signing back. It's sooo cute. I was walking away with a piece of candy and she started to chase after me, and then stopped and started signing "please." How could I resist? She can now sign "more", "please", "cheese", "milk", "cold", "apple", and "banana". It is so awesome. Now that she can communicate to me what she wants, she doesn't get so frustrated. Here is a little video of her signing "more" at dinner. Now that she can sign "more", she eats 3 times as much as she used to just b/c she likes saying "more". She is so proud of herself and we are too!

Sunday Pics

Okay, so here is our first Sunday picture of our new family. This was our desperate attempt for a picture this morning as we were running out the door to go to church.

Little CJ just chillin'--already in the habit of Sunday afternoon naps! You gotta love em!

CJ all wide-eyed. Is this not the cutest outfit ever! He looks like such a little man.

CJ's first smile(...or gas) caught on camera! And, isn't he getting bigger?

Fun in the Summer Sun

We just blew up our first baby pool. Emma Jane loved it. She invited her friends, Trey and Toby, to come enjoy the fun. It is so fun to see how some rinky-dink blow up swimming pool is such a blast to kids. I think Emma Jane's favorite part of the whole thing was her popsicle. We couldn't tear her away from it. Don't you just love the summer!