I'm Back....Sort of...

This summer has been an absolute whirlwind of adventures! We are finally settled in our new place in Texas, and I plan to update really soon! No time now...two kids awake and ACTIVE!

We're Moving!

After four wonderful years, we're leaving the land of fried chicken, homemade macaroni 'n' cheese, and the best wings ever made! South Carolina and friends....we'll truly miss you!

We're on our way to a strange land---where unexpected experiences and opportunities are sure to abound...

ARLINGTON, TEXAS...HERE WE COME!!!

Brent Graduated!

I'm so incredibly proud of my hard-working husband! After practically starting over in South Carolina (most of his credits wouldn't transfer from USU), Brent has finished his program and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis on Athletic Training. Wow--what an accomplishment!! In addition to that, he passed his Board of Certification Exam, and is now officially a qualified, certified Athletic Trainer! Here are some pictures from the wonderful day:

This is actually the night before at a cook-out that they threw for the seniors--Brent and his boys: Taylor, Nick, Brent, Dillon, John, and Tim

Before the graduation.

Brent and friends before the ceremony: Tim, Brent, John, and Dillon

Us...left the kiddos home with a babysitter so that I could actually enjoy the events.

Walking across the stage--forget the last four years, this is the two seconds that change the status of his life forever! :)

His graduating class of fellow Athletic Trainers.

Me and my recently-graduated hubby!

Our family celebrating together.

Daddy with his proud little girls!

LOVE this picture of Tylie and her daddy...right after graduation!

Our day consisted of: graduation, going out to dinner to celebrate, and then eating cake! What a great day.

Brent, I'm so proud of you, baby!

Video

Just thought I would share a few of the video clips we have taken over the past month or so. Hope you enjoy!

Brent holding Kaelisse when she was just a few minutes old...I thought this was priceless! (sorry it's sideways)

Tylie spinning in the front room...she barely even acts dizzy! Isn't it great to be a kid!

This is a video of Tylie signing the word "penguin." I think it is absolutely adorable, and it brings a smile to my face no matter what kind of day I'm having!

Loving sisters....always taking care of each other!


The bouncehouse at the USC baseball game on Saturday. Tylie had so much fun!

random collage of pics from the last three weeks

Tylie loves playing with my old camera...maybe she's a photographer in the making. AND...look at her hair...it fits in a ponytail! I can't believe how fast it's growing, at least in the back. People constantly think I cut her bangs, but I don't! They just don't grow! Just a sweet sleeping picture.

My mom came into town for a week and a half to help out...and she was a HUGE help. It was so great to see her and to have her around...thanks mom! Tylie loves packing up a purse with keys and books, saying "bye" and 'leaving' for work??...school??....a date??...who knows!

I love this picture in her dad's hat. She loves her daddy, and wants to be just like him!

Reading, always reading! She has a book in her hands probably 65% of the day.

Dealing with a stressed-out and moody toddler. The transition to big sister was a little rough for the first couple days. She's doing much better now.

The girls hanging with grandma.

Us trying to figure out how to balance two children...and our house looking remarkably cleaner than it usually does these days.

Tylie loved having grandma around and by the end of the week she was following her all over the house.

Tylie is such a great big sister. She is constantly giving loves and hugs to Kaelisse. It's very sweet!

Just another fun pic.

Our little family. I can't believe it's doubled in the last year and a half!

Being a great big sis again. She wants to hold Kaelisse all day...until she squirms...then Tylie is ready to fling her to the floor. Good thing mom never goes too far away. :)

She was supposed to be in bed...but her winter clothes are simply too tempting.

Just a few days old...what a sweetheart! She looks a lot like Tylie did when she was that young.

She's Here!

We were blessed on Friday, March 18 to welcome a new little girl into our arms and hearts!

Kaelisse Eleanor Duke

was born at 3:14 pm. She was 20.5 inches and weighed 9 pounds.

So far she eats great, sleeps great, and makes us all smile. Tylie was unsure about her at first, but now she wants to hold her ALL the time! She's going to be a wonderful big sister.

First time the sisters met.

First family picture.

I'm so excited to watch them get to know each other!

Overdue Update 1 - Thanksgiving

We traveled to Louisiana this year for Thanksgiving to hang out with Brent's sister Angie and her hubby. Brent's dad also made the trip, and it was so fun to see everyone, and especially for Tylie to see everyone. Here are some of our favorite moments/pics from the weekend.
Snuggling with Angie and (Tylie's favorite) the dog

Helping Grandpa cook

Reading a book with uncle Brennon

Trying to fill Grandpa's cowboy boots--I think she did a pretty good job

Showing off her collection of Mardi Gras beads....um, kid, aren't you a little young for that?!?

Burning off some energy outside

Hanging out with dad

Playing a little King's Corner

Learning how to play baseball and making daddy oh-so-proud

Brent's catch...he had a great time fishing with Brennon, but had no luck until this last night trip

One last picture with dad and grandpa