We went to a U-Pick strawberry patch for family home evening today. Tatum had a great time picking the red (and some not so red) berries. They had a cute little ice cream stand at the farm and we got no complaints from Tay about that!

Wait...there's a perfect one right over there!

Tatum showing off her strawberries she picked all by herself!

Carson making a scowl face, but he had fun anyway!

Following Dad to find the perfect berry!

Dad and Carson at the strawberry patch. Although, Carson was a little pre-occupied with the plants!

Tatum being creative in the kitchen! Mom made her a chef's hat to wear because she is always wanting to cook! Her favorite thing to do is shake salt and pepper!

Sitting down to taste her dinner...

...And not being too impressed with her creation!

Carson's helping Mom do the Laundry today! That's a good thing...especially since he produces most of the dirty laundry in the first place!

Here is a nice snapshot of Tatum with her beloved "Baby Rodney". He's named Rodney because that's the name of everything orange. Last year for Halloween, she decided to name her pumpkin Rodney. Now everything orange is given that same name!

Baby Carson is sitting up now!!! It is so amazing to watch little ones grow-Carson is on a mission to be able to do EVERYTHING Tatum does. It's so adorable. At this rate, I guess he's well on his way!

This is one of Tatum's first attempts at putting an outfit together. We think she did great...except her sweater is an 18 month sized one.

A Son's first hero...

A Daughter's first love!

Wishing Dad a Happy Father's day! Thanks for all you do for our family and for the Country! We may not always have it all together, but together we always have it all. We love you, Daddy!

Did we mention that Carson is alike his sister in one BIG way...he's such a ham!

Tatum stealing the spotlight!

These two get cuter everyday!

Saturday we were all kind of worn out. It had been a long week with the kids and we have our big trip to Salt Lake coming up in two weeks. We spent time indoors for a change....

Carson lounging before bedtime....

We just spent the night hanging out at the house with the kids. Carson is almost as big as Tatum is. That's kind of scary!

Today Tatum and Mom learned how to make bagels together. Tatum did a really good job mixing everything together and kneading the dough. She always wants to learn about whatever we're doing, and is very eager to help. Her favorite book to read is Mom's cookbook. She always says "let's read about a healthy snack!"

Carson was a big help, too. He made sure to wash the spoon we used....Don't worry we washed it!

They turned out pretty good. At least that's what I would hope because Tatum ate three for lunch. Cooking is the best way to entertain todders!

So...yesterday I got Tatum a new toothbrush and sometime between the checkout and arriving home, she had bonded with the toothbrush. She had to take it with her to the store. She had to keep it in the car. She had to take it along when we picked up Ned from work. When bedtime came, of course...the toothbrush had to go to bed with her. I said, "Tatum, let's leave the toothbrush to sleep in your bathroom". Tatum said "No, Mommy. I love it". Who knew you could love a toothbrush!

Carson trying to learn how to crawl!

Tatum getting a "horsy ride". I'm sure Ned's not too happy about her using his hair to hold on!

Carson playing in his exer-saucer. He loves to play!

Tatum always asks us for "two more minutes" at bedtime. With kids this cute, how can we say no?

Like father, like son...both cute as can be!

Tatum went to her first drive in movie on Friday. She was really excited about staying up late and getting to eat treats in the car. Also, Mom let her eat popcorn for the first time and she consumed probably more than her fair share. She had a good time snuggling on Dad's lap and enjoyed the movie, too!

Here's Carson about to enjoy his butternut squash. I guess he's got a little of Grandpa Neilson in him, too! Except we took the picture of Carson with the squash. Not the squash with Carson. Love ya, Dad!

Tay's favorite thing to do now is help Mom in the kitchen with every possible task she can think of. We make jello everyday and she HAS to stir it all by herself. She also loves to empty the dishwasher, (with help, of course) and shake salt and "brown salt" (pepper) into everything. Sometimes without us knowing it, too!

And yet again, she's still in the kitchen!

Carson's starting to sit up by himself. He's getting bigger everyday!

Tatum relaxing on the sofa. It's hard work being so cute!

Carson Jumping the time away!

Sometimes life is just too tiring! Carson is a trooper to put up with our all of our comings and goings! Good thing he can sleep in the stroller.

It's hard to believe that our little Tatum is going to be 3 soon! When did that happen?

One of Tatum's favorite things to do is visit Grandpa and Grandma in Indiana. She knows that when she comes to visit, she gets to see the bunny, the kitty and go to the park with Grandpa! She's going to Grandma and Grandpa James' house for July 4th and is just as excited!

Tatum at the playground in Indiana!

Tatum is really getting big. She seems to have more to say than Mom and Dad put together. And of course, she's never been one to turn down a Photo-Op!

Who would have thought the love of your life could be short, bald and have no teeth?

Ned and Tatum enjoying the ocean! (Ned failed to mention that there was a SNAKE right by us while I was taking thier picture. I guess he's pretty well trained!)

Tatum's favorite thing to do is being outdoors. She loves going on nature walks. We happened to come across some ladybugs who were headed in the same direction!

A view from Deception State Park

Tatum and Carson are becoming fast friends, as Carson is able to do more everyday. The kids are getting along great and Tatum, of course, is a wonderful big sister!

This is the bridge (Deception Pass) That connects from our Island to the mainland.

We painted plates last weekend together. We wanted Tatum to have a special memory of painting with Dad so that she can eat off her plate everyday and remember her Daddy when he's away. She had a great time being artistic and creative!