Our New Home

Only seven weeks before the arrival of baby #2, we made our big move to Prior Lake, MN. Thanks to major help from mom, dad, Chris, Mike and Laura, we have our furniture and the majority of the painting completed. Now, we are spending our days unpacking and organizing. This is the part I do not like, but it has to get done before the little one arrives.
The house is great! We now have 4 bedrooms and two full baths. Perfect space for out of town guest and our growing family. We are three block away from the Northern portion of Prior Lake, beach access and two wonderful parks. We chose this area due to the park system, neighborhoods and school systems. We are also only 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, the airport and the Mall of America which Eli and I visit a couple times a month for Toddler Tuesday.
I have to also mention how excited Gabby and Tyson are. They now have a large front and back yard to run and play. Our townhome was great, but not enough room for our very active dogs.
We have already met quite a few people in the neighborhood. Eli is meeting more friends and becoming a social butterfly.
Speaking of Eli, he is talking and singing up a storm. He now sings his ABCs all by himself along with Old McDonald. He can now count to 12 with no help and just last night, while I was watching Dancing with the Stars, he asked me to dance, next thing you know, Brad, Eli and I are dancing up a storm. He is such a sweet boy, but don't be fooled, he still has his bad days. Just today, while picking him up from the daycare at the YMCA, I was handed a "yellow slip" informing me that he got in a little fight with another child. I guess it is part of growing up...
Brad is working hard as ever! Since his promotion last month, his hours are a little longer, and he has alot more reponsibility, but he is very happy where he is with his career. I am so very proud of him! He is very much looking forward to taking the canoe out this summer along with being close enough to a lake to sneak away to fish or just paddle around.
And me, well, just enjoying my one on one time with Eli. Our weeks are fillied with playdates, workouts at the YMCA, and currently, getting this house in order before the baby comes. I feel pretty good despite moderate back and hip pain. I feel huge, but that comes with the territory I guess. I never really enjoyed the pregnancy part, but I cannot wait to hold a little baby again! We still do not know the sex, and frankly, we have no idea whatsoever. Alot people say it looks as if I am carrying a girl, but who knows?

Well, pictures of the house will appear soon.
Much love to you all and wishing you a Happy Easter!

Brad, Jen and Eli

Eli and His Friends on Parkway Ave

Eli sings his ABCs

Eli, just a little over 2 years old, is learning so much! He loves to sing, and one of his favorites is the ABC song.

Mexico

Our stay in Puerto Vallerta and Punta Mita, Mexico was absolutely amazing! Pat and Lauren's wedding was beautiful and spending the week with friends and family made for a week we will never forget. We took over 300 pictures, but only had time to post the few below. Enjoy a few of our favorites. Uncle Terry made Eli a very happy boy with all the suckers he supplied.

Mike and Brad before the wedding.

My Little Man walking me up the aisle. The Beautiful Ceremony

Nicki, Kathy, Mom and I

Downtown Puerto Vallerta

Swimming with Mommy

Doug and Shirl at the pool bar.

The view from our room at the Sheraton in Puerto Vallerta.

Our Little Man

Eli and Daddy enjoying the music from the 10 piece Mariachi band.

The Loch kids.

The Bride and Groom. What a beautiful night!!!!

Lauren, Pat and Jen watching the sun set from our private pool in Punta Mita.

Watching the dolphins and enjoying breakfast with Daddy

A typical day in Punta Mita.

Brad enjoying his beer before the nice folks behind him served us the best cerviche in Mexico!

Chris and Brad Sea Kayaking

Absolute Paradise!

Eli enjoying the pool.

Enjoying a walk on the beach. Our last night in Punta Mita.

Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing

Jen walking on water....EEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A great way to enjoy a sunny day!

Daddy with Eli

Kick sledding at Three Rivers Park in Bloomington

Ice fishing with Aunt Laura...Eli tangled her line a couple times....

On the frozen lake....brrrrrr!!!!!! It was only 2 degrees this day.

The Big Orange Ice House, thanks to Mike and Laura, we had a place to keep warm. Notice the fire pit on the ice?!?!?!?!?

Baby #2 - 21 weeks

Baby McCarter #2

Feet

"Hi Mommy!"

Long legs

Eli turns 2

My how time flies! Eli turned two on December 29, 2010. That day, we celebrated at home with his favorite meal, mac and Cheese, followed by a special birthday dessert. The following Sunday, we celebrated Eli's Birthday with friends and family at a hotel pool here in Shakopee. Happy Birthday Eli!!!

My first Tee Ball set from Uncle Pat and Aunt Lauren

Swimming with friends

Finally, presents! Everyone wanted to watch.

Eli and friends