My Ladies

My Ladies
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

What a blessing to have two beautiful ladies in my life. Everyday after school, Laura gets to come home and just enjoy KJ. As you can see from this and the other pictures, they enjoy themselves.

6 months old

Cutie
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

Well, I got a new camera, and I just keep taking pictures of Kennedy. She is 6 months old today. That is crazy! She is doing great, and so are we.

God- thank you so much for the blessings in our lives, for family and friends, and all the little joys in our lives that show us you are with us.

Halloween Fun

Kennedy and Sidney Joy
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

Here's a picture of Kennedy and her cousin Sidney on the 29th. We thought it would be fun to dress them up a couple of times since they're so stinkin cute. Kennedy sure does look like she's havin' a ball doesn't she?

Bouncing Tigger

Bouncing Tigger
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

My mom and sister got Kennedy this outfit for Halloween this year, and we just had to put KJ in her bouncy seat when she had the outfit on.

Kennedy has been sick the past few days. I walked in this morning at about 6:00 to pick her up and her eyes were swollen and glued shut from some nasty stuff (due to her cold) I felt so bad for her...So I called Laura in to wipe her eyes off... isn't that what all good dads do?

Next year

I feel like a Cubs fan when I say that, but the Astros pitching dominated the Cards lineup this year in the NLCS. It looks to be a very low scoring World Series. Congrats to the Astros. I don't know if I'll be rooting for the 'Stros, or against the White Sox (I don't want the city of Chicago to get a World Series).

The demolition of the "old" Busch stadium has begun, and half of the "new" Busch Stadium is completed. I can't wait to take my little cardinal fan to see a few games there.

State Cross Country Meet

KJ at 1st state XC meet
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

The Jr. High that I work at has a great X-Country team. They won the state title, and broke the state record for team score. Scoring is like golf, the lower the better. They scored 29 pts., and 2nd place had 119pts.

Kennedy got to experience the meet as well (from the stroller) It was a beautiful day, and she loved being outside.

By the way, GO CARDS!!!

Go Cards!

In case you didn't know, I am a Cardinal fan. I stayed up past my "bedtime" last night to watch them play the 2nd game of the NLCS against the Astros. After watching the game, I can say that the Cardinals are going to wim the World Series. The cardinals lost that game, but the Astros only have 2 1/2 pitchers that can really stop them. (Clemens only counts for 1/2, because the cardinals did much better against him this year but he could still do decent) My prediction is that the Cards will win two iin Houston, and then come back and Win Game 6 at home. So all you Astros Fans can just start thiinkin' about next year.


(with so many family members and friends that like the Astros, I just had to write this)

Funny Things

Kennedy is rolling around, and laughing so much, that we try to get as many pictures as we can.

Kennedy is spending today and tomorrow with her Grandma Picker. It's been a little while since G-ma Picker has been able to come over, and we have no time to do anything. This weekend we will be going to St. Louis and KJ gets to see Grandpa for the first time since being born. I know my Dad is more than excited. Kennedy has no idea how blessed she is to have so many people that love her.

Cousin Sidney

This weekend, Laura and Kennedy and I went to Maryland to visit Kennedy's first cousin, Sidney Joy Davies. She is not quite up to Kennedy's size (aka--gynormous), but she's doing great. They got along very well, as you can see in the picture. You can just imagine Kennedy thinking, "Stick that tongue back in your mouth before I crush you with one of my thighs!"

I Think You Missed

I Think You Missed
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

Kennedy got the joy of having rice cereal this week. Trust me, it's been an adventure for both her and us.

She also has a little boyfriend, but we only allow them to be on the couch together when supervised.

CHEEEEESE!

CHEESE!
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

Here's our happy little girl. Everything up in Peoria is going great, and KJ is just about 3 months old. Laura and I are back at school and trying to get into a good routine. We are still having trouble believing that she's this big already, but she is so much fun.

Funny Girl

cutest girl ever
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

This picture just makes me laugh everytime I look at it. This is really how she is for so much of the day. Laura and I are NOT looking forward to starting school in 2 weeks.

Busy Girl

Smiling KJ3
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

Well, 2 weeks ago Kennedy took her first plane trip. She flew to Maryland to see her Uncle Brett and Aunt Stacy. She was a great traveller, and got her first set of wings. You can't really see it in this picture, but she has multiple chins, and is about 14 lbs. I think it's all cheeks. Click on the pictures to see more.

Illinois

Chase & I
Originally uploaded by pick1230

I know-I Know...This one isn't about Kennedy...Get over it MOM!! :)
This is from a youth trip we took to Starved Rock in Illinois. The recent drought in IL caused it to be Thirsty Rock, but it was still beautiful. I forget that Illinois is really a jpretty state once you stop seeing corn and beans.

1 Month-a little late

Well, I've gotten grief from a few people about not updating pictures of Kennedy. So here are some pictures of the little squirt on July 4th. I forgot to download the 1 month pictures, but this is close enough. (I hope I don't get in trouble for saying that!)

I thought G-ma Picker might like the bath mohawk.

I also have some pictures of her wearing her cutsie 4th outfit...I just have to get those from G-ma Glover. Remember to click on this picture to view a few more.

Who is that boy?

As I was saying before, Kennedy likes to watch SportsCenter with me. You can see that she is very attentive. She really just likes noise.


On the left you can see her flirting with one of the older boys at church. That's Gavin Berry. He's about 8 weeks older than Kennedy. They spend a lot of time together, mainly sleeping though.

Curly hair

Curly hair
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

here is a nice picture of Kennedy after a bath.
She's doing pretty good at night. She does like to stay up until about 12:00 or so. She spends the late evening watching Sports Center with me.

Nose Picker

Nose Picker
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

Kennedy was just sitting in my lap and I couldn't help but put her finger next to her nose. Little babies are so much fun. At least I think that's what Laura was saying at 3:00 this morning.

Legacy

First sunday at church
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

Today was Kennedy's first sunday at church. While there, she slept the whole time (why she can't do that at night, I don't know). After church, we were all talking about how neat it is that Kennedy's first sunday alive, she was at church. Raising a daughter to love God seems like such a daunting task, but both Laura and I have had generations of examples that it makes it seem very possible. We can't thank our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members for their example of loving God and relying on His strength. After a few sleepless nights, I already know it's not out strength, or know how that will encourage Kennedy to love Christ. So we thank God every day for giving us famalies as examples of Christ on earth.

First day at home

What is this!!
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

We brought Kennedy home yesterday, and it was pretty funny to see Bentley's response (our dog). He didn't really know what to do, so he sniffed her for a while, and loves to be around her.

First Family Photo

First Family Photo
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

Well, Kennedy is finally here!! It seems like it has been a long time coming, but I can't believe she's here. She was 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 19 in. long (Laura thinks 2 of those inches were her cone head). Laura's water broke at 11:55 on Monday night (6/6) and we went to the hospital. At 8:00 they gave Laura some medicine to help her contract, and at 3:00 p.m. she started pushing. Almost 4 hours later (all of pushing) Kennedy made her first appearance. She is absolutly beautiful. Both mom and baby are doing great. Make sure you click on this picture to view a few more. Take care, and please say a prayer for Kennedy Joy. While you're at it, you can drop a line for Laura and I as well. I know we will need it.

God Bless,
Picker

Big Mouth

Big Mouth
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

tough guys

tough guys
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

Alright, I know I've already done two other postings today, but this picture is too good. This is Nathan. He is an absolute HOOT!!! I just see him coming down the hallway and I just know it's a good day. What a kid.

Great Year!

Great Class!
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

My first year at my new school was great. I taught 6th grade math and science at Metamora Grade school this year. I had a lot of fun kids this year, as you can see. I'm so grateful for the opportunities God has given me to be a part of so many lives.

Prego Laura

Prego Laura
Originally uploaded by pick1230.

here is a picture of Laura at 38 weeks. Hopefully it won't be too long before I can put pictures of Kennedy on this site.

New Thing

This is brand new to me, but I thought that it would be a good idea. I don't know how many people will be interested to read what I'm thinking, but hopefully it'll be good for me.