It's about time

We caught you all up on the going ons in the Pickard household.
Carson is now 7 months and so much fun. He really wants to chase his sisters, but still doesn't have the hang of crawling.
Grace, is well, sweet Gracie girl. She is into taking care of her baby, Beth, and trying to do everything Caite does. And, she is going through a little bit of a curious stage. Lets just say that cutting her pants is one of the many things she has experimented on.
And Caite. She is more of a sponge every day and simply cannot learn enough. She is a great little helper, so much so she has decided that I need help organizing. I opened the fridge the other day to find everything rearranged because she thought I needed more room. For those of you who know how much I like things neat and orderly, you can understand my need for extra patience. It is really scary when you see so much of yourself in your kids, good and bad.

Please enjoy the many new posts following as they will give you a "picture" into some of our latest happenings.

It's Christmas time

Last Wednesday we went with our good friends the Myers to get our christmas tree. We did it the good old fashioned way...

at Costco!

Carson even had fun

Decorating the tree

My favorite memory was Grace's response the morning after we got our tree. The girls had gone to bed when we got home so they never saw the tree up that night. When Grace got up the next morning she walked into the living room and exclaimed "Our christmas tree is in our house!" I keep forgetting that she doesn't remember much from last year, so it is all new to her. She gets so excited and is very expressive about every thing. Every time we see lights she says "See those lights guys, they're nice ones."

Thanksgiving

We spent the day at Uncle Rob and Aunt Adri's house along with the rest of Tim's family and the rest of Adri's family.

It was really fun for the girls to have other kids to play with (these are Adri's nephews)

The brothers had some quality bonding time!

And Caitlin found a new hiding spot

The next day we spent the day at my parents. I thought this was a really sweet picture of my dad playing with Carson.

Our Sweet Boy

All smiles

Carson is officially on the move now, just backwards!

I love those sweet baby blues!

Caite turns 4

Caite got to celebrate her birthday twice, she had a family birthday and one with friends.

Trying on some of her new gifts

She had a polk-a-dot party and the guests had to "dot" themselves when they came in.

Some fun pictures...

in some fun attire.

The littlest pirate
(this is not on halloween, I just keep forgetting to post it)

I think Carson is done, what do you think?

Sleeping Beauty, dressing up and getting free candy is a lot of work!

The things they say

The following is Grace's prayer at dinner:
"Jesus, welcome for our food. Welcome this day. Amen"
We are still working on the difference between thank you and your welcome.

Later Caitlin was talking to me and telling me this long story. At the end she said:
"I always have a lot to say. I don't know why, I just do!"

Caitlinism

Today Caite went with me to run some errands. I told her we were going to go to the mall, and this was her response:
"I love the mall, it has so many great children's shoe stores. I just love it! Love it, love it, love it! (huge sigh) That is so beautiful!"

Trip Pics Pt. 3

If you're getting tired of our St. Louis trip pics take heart- this will be the final installment.

The girls beneath the arch.

Checking for structural integrity.

Enjoying the view.

Hanging out with the grizzly.

Contemplating Ole Miss.

Trip Pics Pt. 2

Here is a second installment of pictures from our October trip to St. Louis.

The girls and dad at the world renowned St. Louis zoo.

Caitlin with Tim's Aunt Joanie

Three generations of men.

Me and my beautiful bride (just in case anyone was wondering who was posting).

Grace at the park (yes, we spent a lot of time at St. Louis parks)

Trip Pics Pt. 1

Mid October we took a trip to St. Louis to see relatives- Mommy Dot and Daddy Bud, Aunt Penny, Uncle Stosh, Aunt Joanie, and Cousin Rebecca to be specific (Grandma came along). It was an incredible trip with lots of memories and lots of good pictures. Here are a few.

The girls enjoying their plane ride.

Carson, trying to figure out how a big hunk of metal can stay airborne

Grace and Grandma taking the reins at the Botanical Gardens kids park.

Caitlin giving her "beautiful" look at Turtle Park in St. Louis

Carson, hanging out at Turtle Park.

Bed Head Anyone?

Grace took a bath before her nap and this is the result.

Dad, this one is for you

Carson Gets a Haircut

"What's the problem, you don't like this mom?"

O.k., I guess you proved your point

"I'm ready mom, bring it on."

The final product. Now I look like a big boy instead of an old man (some people said I had a comb over!)

Hanging at Home

Here are some fun pictures at home:

We let the girls help us paint their new room (we moved them downstairs)

My current favorite photo of Carson

Having a tea party in our backyard

Bodega Bay Camping Trip

A few weekends ago we took a much needed family camping trip to Bodega Bay, CA. It was a wonderful time as a family. We love the northern CA coast and had fun introducing the girls to it. Here are some of the highlights:

Family photo

Starfish we saw in the tide pools. We also saw a crab, a bunch of hermit crabs, sea anemones, and minnows. The girls love it!

Pickardisms

Grace in the car one day:
"I am going to be 5 soon, and get married, and have baby Jesus."

Caitlin about our new neighbors:
Cate: I think I hear Enzo (our neighbors little boy)
Tim: Do you remember his mom and dad's names?
Cate: (thinking real hard) Emily...and Marshmellow (His name is actually Marshal)

Caitlin about her new room, we just got finished painting it:
"I love it, it is so beautiful."

Grace on the "phone" to our friend Julie (for some reason Julie is the main person Grace talks to on the phone):
"Hi julie, yeah, um, (fake laugh), I know, see you tomorrow."

Cate:
"Carson just loves me so much, I think I'm his favorite. It's probably because I take care of him."

Look what I can do

I can not believe how quickly Carson has been changing lately. He recently went through a growth spurt and a developmental spurt. Here are some of the fun things he can do or has recently experienced:

Life with sisters; he already likes their dolls

Going swimming

Grabbing and playing with his toys

Laughing. The first time was at mom (I was very excited about that), but now it is at Cait

And just enjoying life.
We are so blessed to have an incredibly easy baby. Carson smiles all the time and rarely cries.