Rudy

At Monteagle, there are dogs everywhere. They run free and are friendly. One night while Mommy, Hallie and I were walking after dinner, we passed a house with a dog outside. He was so friendly, and Mommy said his tag said his name was Rudy. Rudy then followed us across the bridge.


Then he ran with me when I ran.


He was so fluffy and nice. I loved him. However, he got in trouble from his owner for following me. His owner said he's a sucker for a pretty little girl. (They have all boys in their family). Maybe one day, I can have a Rudy.


Much Love,
Carlisle Drew

Wheels

I have recently discovered things with wheels. I love pushing things to see if they move. I was at a concert at the park with Mommy and Daddy this summer and got very frustrated if I couldn't get my hands on a cooler with wheels (even if it wasn't mine). If I did finally get to touch a cooler, I would push and push only to discover there were not wheels. I even pushed around a potty at a friends house (didn't have wheels but it would go).

So at Monteagle I used this part of my train as a wagon.


I loved pushing it around the house, bending over the whole time.


I loved it!


Hugs,
Hallie Mae

Walking and then running

Mommy wanted to get some pictures of me happy after I cried in the pink chair. I wanted to be free so she tried to get some of me walking and running. Daddy had to pull me back far away from her because I am so fast and can't stand still.


So I started running.


Then I walk fast.


Then I turn around when I get too close to mom and run the other way.


Hugs,
Hallie Mae

Me-Directed Pictures

When Mommy has the camera, I am usually asking her to take pictures of me either in a certain pose or lately, near flowers. Here are just a few from our trip (on the same day!)









Much Love,
Carlisle Drew

Sweet CeCe's

If you don't know, Sweet CeCe's is my favorite yogurt place around. I like it because I get to get my own yogurt and toppings. The one near my church has candy all the way to the ceiling. Well, there is a Sweet CeCe's on the mountain (which Daddy thought was ridiculous) so we had to go. After a lovely snack, Mommy wanted a picture of us in the cute pink chairs out front. I was fine with it until Mommy made me move to a chair in the shade. Hallie was mad that she had to share the chair and take the picture period. Here are the results.









Much Love,
Carlisle Drew

Monteagle trip 2011

Our trip to Monteagle this year was really great. We went back for our 4th year. At this point we know what to expect and actually know people. We got settled into our cottage (which is pinky peach). I helped Mommy unpack and then sat in the kitchen while she cooked dinner. Hallie took a nap in the car while we unpacked.


Hallie enjoyed the cottage too, especially the screened porches.


She loved playing on the trundle bed.


I directed our activities each day. We went swimming, on adventures, and even to Chattanooga to visit Mommy's friend Amy and her girls Piper and Stella.


We had a great week on the mountain.


I have lots more pictures and have organized them by theme so that is how I will post them.
Much Love,
Carlisle Drew

Spoons

I have recently tried to use a spoon. I think it's fun, and get frustrated when someone tries to help me. I dip my spoon first.


Then I carefully bring the spoon to my mouth.


I take a bite.


I am proud of myself.


Hugs,
Hallie Mae

Day at the Barn

One hot day in July Mommy took me to Ms. Kelly's barn to help with the horses and ride them. Ms. Kelly has 4 horses and one donkey. Her horses' names are Mama, Sister, Baby, Sonny, and then there's donkey. I was really excited to ride one of the horses, but Mommy said I had to help with the horses first. We took Baby out of her stall and put a lead on her and Ms. Kelly led her into the riding arena. We brushed her, well, I really brushed her tail a few times. I was a little nervous.


Then while Mommy held Baby's lead, I went back to the barn to help get the saddle, and blanket. It was heavy. Ms. Kelly put the saddle and bridle on while we watched. She walked Baby around to get her to move around so she could tighten the saddle before I got on.


I got up on Baby and Ms. Kelly walked me around leading Baby. I was so excited!


You can see that my feet didn't touch the stirrups. Just before I dismounted, Baby shook her whole body like a wet dog would and it scared me. I didn't really want to get back up after that. Mommy rode Baby all by herself without Ms. Kelly leading her! Then Ms. Kelly put me up on Baby with Mommy. Baby didn't go very fast. In fact she kept stopping like she wanted us off.


After we rode Baby, we had to take off her saddle, bridle, and blanket. Ms. Kelly wiped Baby down. We brought snacks for the horses - peppermints and carrots. Only Donkey and Sister liked the carrots, but everyone liked the peppermints including Cona the dog! I loved feeding the peppermints to Sister but was a little afraid of her big teeth. Mommy became good friends with Donkey. after the snacks, we let everyone out into the arena. Ms. Kelly brought a big ball (yoga ball) for the horses to play with. They didn't know what to think of it! They just kept snorting at the ball. Donkey who was now Mommy's best friend, kept standing really near her and nipping at her which made the horses think that Donkey was getting snacks. So the horses all came over near us and it scared me a little. I had a good time though and was so glad Ms. Kelly let us help and ride.


Much Love,
Carlisle Drew

The Sailor Dress

My Memie saved a lot of clothes my mommy wore as a little girl. Some of them I have been able to wear. Most of them I have not been able to wear because, I am much taller than my mommy was when she was a child. Mommy wanted me try on a sailor dress with the hat and tie. I had to yank it over my legs and bottom which hurt, and the top is too short. But I did look pretty cute in it. What do you think?







Much Love,
Carlisle Drew

Swimming

I think I said that we have been swimming a lot. We have been going at night since it has been so hot here lately, plus Daddy can go with us.

Hallie has a little boat she likes being in. Lately though she has figured out how to climb out of the boat so we have had to use the other float that she can't climb out of which makes her mad.


Since I am now swimming, I have become quite the daredevil in the pool. I like to practice floating on my back and even attempt the backstroke.


I love to jump into the pool (over and over again). I like to do cannonballs, twisty turns, tuck jumps. Here I am doing a twisty turn.


I can do it on my own and swim to the side without help.


This is just a jump.


Come join me sometime!
Much Love,
Carlisle Drew

The faces at our house

Mommy was trying to take a picture one day of Hallie making her silly face. She squenches up her face, closes her eyes, and throws her head back. She does it sometimes when people says she's cute and funny. Well, I wouldn't let the moment go by without Mommy taking a picture of me too.

Mommy sees this face a lot when I am trying to tell her a story that may or may not be true.


Mommy sees this face when I am not looking. It's a favorite!


The funny face begins


And then continues


And then ends in a smile.


Much Love,
Carlisle Drew

Oreos

Oreos are at our house a bunch these days. You see I have a nut allergy to peanuts and can't have any tree nuts either. I also have to avoid foods that have been made near nuts - which is a lot! So oreos are safe for me. We love them!







Hugs,
Hallie Mae

Dancing to the music

We have spending another summer at the park for the Crockett Concerts. My favorite one is the Beatles Concert with the funny little man (as I call him).

I love to dance to the music (despite the intense heat!)


Taking a break with Daddy during a slow song.


Loving on my mommy who was my dance partner for the night.


She really knows how to dance and twirl me!


Much Love,
Carlisle Drew