The Land of Oz

Often times we find ourselves in a new place with lots to discover. As we are now in Kansas City area, there are several avenues in which we plan to explore. Carter's new favorite place is the apartment's putting green. He has his own set of clubs and likes to put all the golf balls in the same hole. He enjoys just being out and about around the complex. We have a playground, pool, billiards room and weight room available to us here. Our apartment has a one car garage and is very quiet. We would like to thank Adam M. for helping us move. We could not have done it without him.
Jared seems to be enjoying his new job despite the fact he has no one to talk football with- yet. He attends meetings several times a week which I am told is much better than sitting at a desk all day, everyday. He likes his co-workers that he talks to and is glad for the opportunity he was given.
Candice is doing well physically. As most of you know she heard the baby's heartbeat and is starting to feel better most days. Although she won't be employed while here, she keeps busy with Carter who is not attending preschool this year. (As some of you know, there is no preschool for under three years here unless they are potty trained.) So she has had a crash course in preschool 101 from the teachers in the family and now gives Carter learning activities at home.
Carter seems to have adjusted somewhat to our living arrangements. Although there are days of bad moods and whining fits, (typical for two-year olds) he generally has us still wrapped around his fingers. We are still looking into some playgroups for him to join. There are only a couple of smaller kids in the complex that he can play with.
We've gone to a couple of the places of interest in the Kansas City area. One area being the zoo. We have not developed those pictures yet since we used a disposable. It still seems as though the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia has more to offer than this zoo, but otherwise there was plenty to see. We traveled to the next town over to check out a place called Wonderscope. It sounded as though it was a Discovery Place type activity, but no where near that huge. It was a remodeled school house that had several rooms for Carter to play. It was a couple hours well spent, but do not forsee a repeat trip anytime soon. Another place we went is actually across the street from us. Its a farmstead with areas to pet the animals, park, playground and some historical facts and finds around. Its a great place for kids while the weather is still good.

We are all doing well and miss everyone. We look forward to seeing everyone for the holidays.

Summer Fun

So summer has arrived at House of Medlin. Carter has a little wading pool for the days Candice doesn't want to get wet at the neighborhood pool. He plays in it like he does his bath tub and hates to get out even though he gets cold. Carter won't be attending summer school, but Candice has her workbook of letters, numbers and sounds already in use. Carter has a worker named Stacy who comes to play and work with him once a week. Our goal is to get him to say words as soon as possible.
Jared had a great Father's Day recently. He was able to spend hours playing golf on his PS3. How relaxing it was for him and was greatly appreciative for his really cool "Dads Rock" t-shirt and new mousepad for work. As we have mentioned before, Jared's company has been expanding, but we managed recently to take a vacation.

We joined the Medlin clan recently on a trip to Myrtle Beach. We had a great time! Carter enjoyed the water and sand and time with his Grandpa Vic and Sherlyn and Grandma Sarah. He even hung out with his aunt and uncles some. It was great for Jared and Candice to have dinner together without Carter. We don't do that very often.
As you can see from this picture, Carter is trying to put on his own clothes. He loves his Mickey Mouse PJ's and fusses when he is dressed in the mornings. He doesn't seem to understand that !

Spring has sprung! New and exciting things have been going on with our family... Can't think of anything at the moment, but I know it has.lol. Just kidding!Carter has turned 2 years old. That is the biggest news, I suppose in our wonderfully not too exciting lives here at Chez Medlin. As you can see from the pics, it was beautiful day. The games were a hit , the cake was divine and the toy gifts are all over the house and yard now! I think Jared and I had more fun putting it together than anything.

Naturally Carter would have been just fine playing with balloons, but was having a blast with all the family and friends that came. Thanks you guys for making it a great day!I have started a tradition in which I photograph Carter in a shirt of Jared's. I want to do this every year and see the changes in growth. You can probably guess he isn't the most cooperative when it com

es to pictures. I took so many because he was crying at first, not wanting to wear the shirt. so I had to turn on My Friends Tigger and Pooh in order to distract enough to dry his tears. Next I had to wait for the funny parts to get a small smile or laugh. I tried all the tricks like asking him to show me his teeth. Boy, such an effort! I think I ended up with 50 or so different pictures. It was great!