Saturday at the Children's Museum

 I have yet to brave the Children's Museum on my own with the kids, so Daddy got the joy of going with us on a Saturday.  It actually wasn't as busy as I thought it might be thankfully!  Maryn and Theo loved the Mr. Potato Head exhibit and we actually spent most of our time there.  Of course the highlight of the day was the carousel ride :)

In the Potato Head submarine

Astronaut Theo ready for take off! 

On safari! 

underwater swimming with the fish

Cormac's first carousel ride....he looks a little worried!

Theo loves to play in the kitchen area.
Maryn has taught him well when it comes to serving up a good plate of pretend food!

Love this picture that Jeremy took in the maze

A little snack with the three bears

big smiles :)

Smiles are definitely contagious with this little guy :)

yep...I'm packing on the pounds :)

playing outside in March?

Only in Indiana!!  We have loved the rare March weather and have tried to take full advantage of it lately.  Of course those big carpenter bees have created some fear, but we are trying hard to be brave :)

a little watercolor painting

I think this may have been Theo's first time to paint and he loved it!

He LOVES to be outside!!

peek-a-boo :)

I think somebody else likes being outside too :)

A little basketball

When the bees were too much we moved inside for a little playdoh time

Maryn loves spring!!

Our own March Madness :)

A few favs from the month so far...

Roarrrrr!! Don't worry, I'm a friendly lion :)

Just relaxing in Cormac's car seat 

Our messy, but awesome, eater! He loves using a fork now. 

pj twins :)

AHHHHH!!

OHHHHHH!!

1st time on her new bike outside

Ready to ride! 

Swinging with Franklin. Franklin is a traveling friend from school and he got to spend the weekend with us.

Theo loves his new turtle hat :)

You never know when you might need a stethoscope outside!

Our 1st picnic of the year! 

Cormac's !st picnic

Duke...

On March 9th, we sadly said goodbye to our faithful buddy Duke.  We noticed that Duke was having some issues with going to the bathroom and after a trip to the vet and some tests, they discovered he had a tumor.  Unfortunately it was inoperable and the vet explained that it looked like it had probably spread.   Duke would have been 11 years old in April.  Jeremy and I got Duke just a few months after we were married and he was about 5 months old.  While he was known to drive us crazy...eating carpet, prying out of metal cages, running away, need i go on?  He was always a faithful companion.  He was quick to cuddle up to you when you were sad or not feeling well, loved going for walks, was always gentle with the kids, and always the protector.

We miss having Duke around, but as Maryn says, "he's up having fun in doggie heaven!"

We love you Duke!!!

Duke

Maryn and Theo playing with Duke

Maryn loves Duke!  Because of Duke she has no fear of dogs :)

Cormac and Duke didn't get much time together, but Duke loved to sniff him!

I think Theo loved kissing Duke as much as Duke loved licking him!

Cormac's dedication at Common Ground

 On March 4th, our church held child dedication and we were blessed to be a part of this with one other family.  Both of our families were able to share in this special time as well.  As I was starting to write this entry, I looked back at my entry from just a year ago for Theo.  What I had written so clearly still rings true so I have just copied it below and inserted Cormac's name :)...

 Jeremy and I both love our church's belief in what child dedication is, "a practice where parents make a solemn commitment to raise their children in the way of Jesus. Our ceremony is a public recognition of the importance of the parent's and church roe in providing a nurturing and loving context where children can experience the Gospel." Not only were we dedicating Cormac to God, but also dedicating ourselves as parents and our family and friends. As parents we are entrusted with a huge responsibility living the example of godly living, creating the environment where our children can learn about God and grow in a relationship with him. And that is what struck me most this time. Maryn is now at the age where she is beginning to ask questions and talks about God and Jesus. You realize how quickly they begin to absorb conversations, books, music, etc. As a parent, I want to plant the seed for Cormac, Theo and Maryn to want to know God and to have a meaningful and fruitful relationship with him. Towards the end of the dedication time, they ask for family and friends to come forward and pray with the parents and child. It was so special to have those that our closest to us share in this moment. Jeremy and I alone are not the only ones that influence our children. We need the help, guidance and encouragement of those around us.

I pray that our family foundation is always built on Christ. I pray that Maryn, Theo and Cormac always know how much they are loved by us, but most importantly how much God loves them. That they not only know, but that they can feel that love daily.

So special to share in this time with our dear friends, the Gandys, as they dedicated their little girl, Abigail.

Uncle Derek & Aunt Heather

Ceta & Mimi 

Aunt Lindsey, Uncle Scott & Uncle Brad

Mamaw & Papaw

So blessed to have this little guy in our lives 

One big happy family!!

We love you Cormac Aaron Stephenson!!

oh so handsome in blue!

Jeremy took these on March 3rd and I absolutely LOVE them...