Headed over to Lambs Farm this weekend for Condell's health fair. Everything was free...animals...train ride...and carousel. What a fun day out with the Fam!

Dex loved the animals.

Though holding the goats ear was enough contact for the little guy:)

This cow was huge. Even I was feeling a little nervous.

 

Riding the Carousel. 

Riding the Train! Dexie's favorite part of the day.

Dave and Dex taking a pic with the trashy horse:)

Let's make this clear, this is a family place. Now, having said that...is there anything wrong with this picture to you? LOL!!!

Hello Winter...Nice To Meet Ya!

For those of you who haven't heard, or who happen to live under a rock, this week Chicago had the 3rd worst blizzard in history. All in all, we received almost 20 inches over night.

We haven't had the opportunity to get out and take a tone of pictures yet, being below freezing and all, but Dave snagged a picture of our parking lot so that we could at least give you a glimps of what we've been dealing with.

Needless to say, I didn't leave the house all week.




But even with the snow Dexter still manged to keep a smile on his face. Thankgoodness for grandma and grandpa Collard, for giving him his first winter coat.




And it's so nice and toasty, he sleeps right through the frostbite.

HAPPY HALF-BIRTHDAY!

Well, here we are, January 15th and Dexter is officially 6 months old. Happy half-birthday Dex! (And yes, at this age even halves count now.)

Dexi-boy is growing so fast it is shocking. Sometimes I look at him and wonder what happened to the little newborn we brought home just 6 short months ago. But then I remember back to the feedings every two hours and my lack of sleep...and I'm glad that we are where we are.

In risk of sounding like a cheesy parent, I want to say what a joy it has been to have Dexter in our little family. Dave and I love him to pieces, and no matter how hard parenthood can be, we wouldn't give him back for anything in the world.

Happy Day My Boy!

INVITATION

Well, it is officially 2011, and time for a good old fashion self evaluation. This year there are many a things I would like to change, make better, and accomplish to make me a stronger and more well rounded person. The list is long. The demands tedious. And the time it will take me to accomplish everything I set out for myself...doesn't seem to exist now that I have a child. (He is so worth it though.)

But nevertheless I must try.

Sooo...this is my invitation to anyone who would like to accept it.

I will be running the Chicago Marathon this October, if injury permits, and would love to have some running buddies join me at the starting line. The race will be on October 9th, starting early in the morning, and will be televised here in Chicago Land for all to see. This is an enormous event, and a great opportunity to get out and get moving. This invitation will also give you a place to stay, a ride to the race, a trip into the city (other then the race of course), and MY COMPANY!
Whoooo Hooooo!!!

So there it is. Laid out for anyone who is interested. I would love to experience this milestone in my life with some friends, but if I don't have any takers I guess I will complete this one alone.

And then rub it in your face for the rest of your life...Caryn.
Just kidding!

Dexter's first Christmas

FIVE MONTHS OLD...???

Holy Crow! I can hardly believe Dexter is already five months old. Oh, how time flies. It seems only yesterday I was whining about getting him out of me, and now all that remains is the last couple of lbs that he left behind. Grrr... (We'll leave that for another post)

Today, for his five month mark, the little guy experienced his first haircut with the clippers. It was a trying job, but it had to be done. He has been sporting quite the little mop the last couple of months, and today I finally sat him down and worked my magic. I have to say, I think it turned out pretty good for a squirmy baby.



After the while ordeal was over he was exhausted and could hardly stay upright to have his picture taken. Which resulted in him sliding lower...



And lower...



And lower...until he was down for the count.



He did manage to sneak in one last smile before he gave up.



Happy Five Months Dexter!

All The Beautiful People

For Dave's fall break from school we headed back to Utah to bless Dexter and spend some time with the fam. While we were there we were able to get together with Dave's family and take family pictures. Thanks to my awesome sister in-law Jenn for finding the photographer and doing all of the footwork to make this happen. I know it was a hassle for her and I am extremely grateful that she took on the task. The photographer did a fantastic job, and gave us a killer deal on the price. She was greatly under paid I will admit.

Anywho- there were so many pictures to choose from, but I tried to post just a couple of my favorites. Enjoy!


The whole Collard Family ~ Oh how we have grown in the past six years...




My little Collard Family...



Love Dexter's smoochy little cheeks.




Love Love Love this picture! There is nothing like seeing my boy with his dad...




The first picture is not from the photo shoot, but from the baby shower Jenn threw me back in May. See, what did I tell you, she is an awesome sister in-law. Anywho~ I thought it would be a neat thing to have a before an after picture of all three of the sister in-laws.

Each baby was born about a month apart.

Before...



And after...



Geez we look great!!!


And the newest additions...