Baby Powder Not Just For Babies...

No pictures will follow this post, so you will have to use your imagination. For the last week or so, Tommy and I have been putting baby powder all over Carson's pieces parts after he gets out of the bath. Since we never had started this ritual with Carson early on, Tyler has taken special notice to our new grooming procedure and has expressed an interest in being silky smooth down there also. We have accommodated. Last night Tommy was still in the bathroom with Carson when I entered Tyler's room. He was sitting in his birthday suit with legs spread eagle and dumping about 1/2 of the container of powder on himself. When he stood up, all he exclaimed with a proud grin was, "There! I covered it!"

Bahamas Or Bust 2008

It took a while, but as promised- the video of all of our pictures in The Bahamas. Keep in mind that we have compiled over 100 pictures, so if you really want to view the entire video...I suggest first fixing a pina colada with an umbrella (just to get you in the right frame of mind). Enjoy!

The Mice Will Play...

...When the cats away. I guess that makes me the cat. After returning from Oak Ridge this morning, below is what I found. Tyler covered in mud head to toe and sliding in puddles and building mud pies. It seems like Tommy and Tyler had been planning for a good long rain and my absence for a few hours for a while now. Reason 985 that little boys need a daddy.

A Nashville Christmas

Finally! We had talked about going to see Grandma and Grandpa so much that by the time we were there Tyler was so keyed up he could hardly stand the excitement. One of the most special events that we ALL look forward to when visiting Tommy's parents is the traditional bonfire. Ed and Marsha have wooded land in back and it is the best spot for us all to gather around and make smores. Tyler LOVEDsitting on the log bench and watching the flames. This was really his first year he truly appreciated the delicacy of smores (I myself have had an appreciation for years).

One of the first presents to be opened was a new pair of matching pajamas for the boys! The timing was perfect (especially since Tyler's had mistakenly not made the trip). The fit was perfect for both and it was so easy to get a decent picture of them in their new sleepwear (Marsha, are you laughing yet?).

Tyler and Carson got plenty of hugs and kisses. I got to look through old albums of Tommy and even made off with a few childhood pictures that will soon be scanned and posted. Other than a mild stomach bug (not so mild, but we will keep it clean for the family friendly blog readers), it was an incredible visit. And Ed, I never properly thanked you for lending me your army blanket to keep me warm... thanks.

We hated to leave, but we'll see you again soon...What a good looking group!

Christmas At Aunt Becky's

Before leaving to Nashville for Christmas, we headed over to my sister's house to open presents. She made a wonderful dinner of pork loin, potato casserole, and green been wraps ending with blackberry cobbler!!! Unfortunately, the pictures do not capture all of the fun the kids had. Easier said than done getting great shots of 4 kids under the age of 6 opening gifts. Tyler and Carson left with new toys, games and clothes. Tommy and I also came home with alot of awesome things. Thank you Aunt Becky, Uncle Hal, G-Ma, Dawson and Sophia for helping to make Christmas 2008 so wonderful!

Tyler unwrapping one of the many games he got this Christmas. We have already played Candy Land about five times.

G-Ma trying her best to keep Carson from eatting all the paper off the presents.

Move Over Eric Clapton

For months now, Tyler has talked about getting his hands on a guitar. So it was no surprise when it was #1 request on his list from Santa. Since we had Christmas last night with my mom and sisters family, we decided to let Tyler open some presents this morning before heading to Nashville. Hope everyone out there in blog land has a wonderful Christmas and we will post again next week! Grandma and Papa- we are on our way soon...

Santa's Little Helper

I was trying to wrap the last few presents when I left Carson and Tyler with the packages as I went to the other room. When I returned, Carson "The Goat" Hodges was eating the paper with a new hair style. Tyler is having a blast adorning his brother with accessories (see below post of ankle bracelets).

House Arrest

I went into the playroom to check on the boys and Ty had taken his plastic clips to his fort and secured them around Carson's ankles like little bracelets...or monitoring devices.

Casualty of Vacation

Upon returning from our trip, we discovered our aquatic pet also indulged in a restful week. Too restful, some might say. We announced to Tyler that his fish Nemo had died while we were away (nothing to do I am sure with the fact that Ty dumped about 5 tablespoons of food in the bowl as we were leaving). Half expecting to have to dive into a conversation about death or burial arrangements, Tyler simply stated " This time I want a black fish." Can do. When he awoke from his nap "Black Nemo" (Tyler originally went with "Samantha", but upon further thought changed the name to something sounding more familiar yet borderline uncomfortable to repeat) was swimming around in his freshly scrubbed plastic bowl. Welcome to the family Black Nemo Hodges!

t
Morris has decided that black is his new favorite color.

Dancing Ladies Man

One of the funniest things to observe on the beach trip was Tyler's ability to gather attention from the ladies. We were in awe that every place we went Tyler met a little girl to play with. He was a magnet. Tommy and I joked that he had more game than 98% of males of any age. The shyness that Tyler once possessed has all but disappeared. On this trip he made friends at every turn and the theme for this trip was definitely "dance party". The moves we have been working on in the car while jamming to "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" have finally paid off.

On Wednesday night we caught a shuttle to the other side of the resort and ate pizza on the boardwalk. On our way back, we passed an outdoor band playing great music. Tyler peeled away from our little group in about 10 seconds flat and hit the dance floor. Before we could even run to catch him, a little girl named Peyton joined him and they danced like I have never seen any kids move for about 20 minutes straight. (Notice the little girl in the wing waiting for her turn).

Tyler showing off his finger shaking move -I TAUGHT HIM THIS MOVE, I am so proud.

Tyler also met friends Sarah and Pauly (6 year old twins from upstate New York) at the water playground. Sarah and Tyler were inseparable for two days straight. They held hands and went down watersides about 50 times. Tyler would have done really well with an older sister.

On Tuesday night we ate at Johnny Rockets (yes, we went to Paradise Island and ate here. If you went to a buffet connected to your hotel the first night and paid $135 for two people, you would eat at Johnny Rockets also). The food was ok, but the entertainment- WHOA! All the waiters came out and played dance music and formed a line to sing and move. Again, Tyler hopped up in his chair and joined in. The place was packed, and everyone was clapping along to Tyler dancing. The louder they clapped, the wilder he danced. What can I say, The Bahamas brings out his mojo.

A Few Of My Favorites...

As I am sitting here sifting through all the photos- I realize I have taken over 420 pictures in The Bahamas!!! We also took a lot of video and I kept a journal of our days so not to leave out any good bits to share from our trip. I will start organizing everything tomorrow, but wanted to leave you will just a few of my favorites from the trip.

We're Baaaack!!!!

We are compiling pictures and video as fast as humanly possible. This is just a teaser.....stay tuned!

The Hooding Ceremony

Tommy's graduation was last night our family turned out for the hooding ceremony. It was a very special night for all of us, and though Tyler needed a little entertainment to get him through the 90 minute ceremony- he was still every bit as excited as the rest of us. By the way, the Micky Mouse video that Tyler is watching in the isle on Tommy's iphone is the same little number that is going to get us through the flight to the Bahamas.

My pictures did not turn out really well of the actual ceremony because of the lighting, but I also have it on video to remember the event.

Tommy with his parents. And Carson was also proud of his daddy.

We are all so proud of you Tommy!!!

Meeting Santa...Naughty And Nice

This evening, Santa made a special house call and the boys got to meet with Jolly Ol' Saint Nic up close and personal (maybe too personal for Carson). Tyler played along, but would not stay too close without his Daddy. He told Santa what he wanted for Christmas- all of which were VERY LOUD musical instruments. Hopefully Santa will include a couple of pairs of earplugs for Momma and Daddy this year.

The funniest and probably most scarring part of the evening came when I tried to put Carson on his lap. I have never seen Carson cry and carry on like he did, well ever. I tryed to console him and walk away- thinking he would want to try again. Nine month olds don't have the same "get back on the horse spirit" as older kids. Finally, I just yelled for the photo taker to snap away and be done with it. I think the one below might be our family Christmas card backup this year.

Tyler did get a few good shots with Santa alone....

And this last one just cracked me up. Nothing like an awkward moment between my husband and the man playing Santa to get me tickled. It got too hot for Santa, so when the kids were out of sight, he quickly disrobed. It almost looks like he and Tommy are having a "man to man" discussion. That, or Tommy just found out because of his behavior this year- he would not be getting anything in his stocking.

Tree Decorating With G-Ma

Tyler, Carson, and cousins Dawson and Sophia went to visit G-Ma today to help decorate her tree. We tried to get several shots with all the grand kids, but it is easier said than done with four of them ranging in ages 9 months to 5 years. This was the best of the bunch!

Wanted: Creative Editors

So it is Friday night and I am feeling crazy...what does a mother of two do while her husband grades final exams? Edit my blog!!!! (Don't be jealous of my glamorous lifestyle). My friend who shall remain nameless, but we will call her "Michelle" has mentioned to me that I might want to reconsider my blog title. Since I have started messing with the layout, I decided to give the whole blog a face lift. Since my readers are the ones having to stare at it, PLEASE answer the poll and give some feedback on the new look.

Carson Is 9 Months Old!

Clapping, crawling, pulling up while shuffling feet, nodding yes and no, and saying"Momma" are just a few of his tricks. Carson is about the happiest and most easy going baby that was ever born unto this world. He adores wresting around with his brother and we love him fiercely. Carson, you really do make our family complete- we love you!!!!!

Carson and Ma