Our newest addition!

The last two months have been busy for us- trips to Dallas, Mo/Ark and Port Arthur, add in Mac's 2nd birthday and Christmas- whew we were busy! However, this week we finally found time to do something we've wanted to for weeks now- get a new puppy!!!! 2011 was a tough year for us in terms of dogs, losing Herschel and having to find Yager a better environment made it difficult for us but I am so happy we are ending the year this way. Meet Koda, our new baby girl Boxer. She is already a hit around here with everyone, especially McKinley!

Christmas morning

Merry Christmas! What a great day! Mac loved her kitchen and the 4 wheeler. Christmas has such a different meaning now that we have McKinley- it's wonderful to see the happiness on her little face as she goes right to her kitchen and starts cooking and as she sits on the 4 wheeler and laughs and laughs as she tries to figure it out. We love you!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was low key, we went to Eagle Pointe Christmas Eve services then after McKinley went to bed, we went to work! Bill put together Mac's new Pinkalicious 4 Wheeler and then him and Billy put together the kitchen. Gma and I supervised!

Celebrating at Pre-School

Billy and I surprised Mac by showing up at lunch with fresh blueberry muffins. She was thrilled to see us- so thrilled she didn't want us to leave! Here she is with her class.

Mac's 2nd Birthday

McKinley had a great birthday! Here she is before pre-school and after. We waited til after school and work to open presents. She is so funny, I know it's her age but she is at the stage where she doesn't want to open all her gifts- she opens one gift and she wants to play with that gift- not move onto the next one! It's precious and it probably wont last long!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday McKinley Jo!

Happy Birthday McKinley Jo Whaling!!!!! May you always show your happiness by laughing out loud as you do now and may your smile always be as genuine.


Photos by Adrienne Barber Photography

Birthday Eve

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new” Rajneesh


Dear McKinley,
It's the night before your 2nd birthday and I am feeling very sentimental. Has it really been TWO YEARS? From the moment I found out about you, my heart was filled with joy and excitement. I carried you for 9 months and our bond is life long. You’ve awakened emotions in me that I never knew existed. I will never forget what it felt like the first time you were handed to me in my arms. God made me your Mommy and I know it was truly meant to be. My heart is filled with love for you, it melts. You are such a blessing in so many ways.



Photos by Adrienne Barber Photography

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Photos by Adrienne Barber Photography

My sweet girl

As we approach MJ's second birthday, we can already see the "Terrible Two's" quickly approaching. One minute you are the sweetest child giving kisses and the next something is horribly wrong and it's a big deal!!!! Here are some great pictures (by Adrienne of course) from the weekend that capture that sweet sweet personality.




Photos by Adrienne Barber Photography

Bath Time!

McKinley loves the bath with the exception of having her hair washed. She loves to play with her "stackers" in the tub and fill the cup and empty the cup and play with bubbles!

Photos by Adrienne Barber Photography

The Gingerbread House

Busy weekend getting ready for Christmas! BFF Adrienne was here to take Mac's 2 year pictures and Billy was in San Antonio hunting so it was a Girls Weekend!! Having a professional photographer for a friend sure comes in handy- as you will see- even the simplest pictures just around the house are captured so much better by her than if I was behind the lens. We made a gingerbread house on Sunday and what fun!

Photos by Adrienne Barber Photography

Thanksgiving

We love Baylee too- this girl is an animal lover!!! Gma made her navy velvet dress, it turned out so pretty and I was quite surprised that she was able to get Mac in tights!!!! Last pic is one of my favorite's- she is sitting at her picnic table from Papaw, feeding Setina and wearing my new bracelet! McKinley you are such a JOY!!!