15 Months!

Davis turned 15 months old this week and he is becoming more like a little boy each day and less like my baby. He is talking so much now and we are actually able to understand some of it. He is still selective about when he uses words and when he grunts and points. Either way, he makes his needs known! He has been barking like a dog lately when he sees a dog; either real, stuffed or in books. It is pretty cute!
Davis still has a great appetite and would eat all day if you let him. He runs everywhere and climbs things Carter has never attempted. Have I mentioned that he has NO fear?! He has this look he gives when he knows he is not supposed to do something but wants to test the limits. It's almost as if you can see him weighing the options on whether or not to risk it. He is a stinker! But, so darn cute that I can't help but smother him with kisses and hugs every chance I get. We love you, Davis! You are such a joy to everyone who knows you...that sparkling little personality will get you far, son.

Meet Us in St. Louis...

We made a trip to Sean's hometown last week and had such a nice visit with his parents and three brothers. His sister and her family were the only ones missing. We were able to do several fun things while we were in town and Sean's mom had everyone over for a big meal on Sunday. The boys enjoyed playing with 10 of their cousins and we enjoyed catching up with everyone.
On the plane ride home, I asked Carter what his favorite part of our trip had been. He paused for several seconds, then said "Getting to see Grandma & Grandpa." It was so sweet. Thanks, Mom & Dad B. for a great time and the wonderful hospitality. We love you both!

Our ride is here!

The boys waiting for our plane.


Helping Grandma Pat make a cake.

Sean modeling his t-shirt from a recent Vegas trip. It was a little much for breakfast, I thought.

St. Louis Zoo

We had a great time exploring the St. Louis zoo while we were in town. It is amazing...and, free! We got a late start so in no way saw the entire zoo, but the highlights were the train and the penguin exhibit. I'm hoping we can make it an annual outing!

Here comes the train! Four stops throughout the zoo and it goes under a waterfall...

In the background, you can see the dark-colored aviary that is one of the few (maybe the only, I can't remember) original structures from the 1904 World's Fair. How cool!

Five Beilmans on a train

Having a blast with Grandma Pat

The tigers were a favorite, of course!

The penguin/puffin exhibit was very cool...as in frigid. It was chilly and very smelly in there, but one of the nicest zoo exhibits I've ever seen.

The Magic House

Sean had fond memories of going to the Magic House as a child, so he was pretty excited to take our boys for the first time. The museum did not disappoint. It was at least double the size of our local Children's Museum and had so many cool exhibits. We felt like we only scratched the surface when we finally left. It was a great day!

We just got lucky and happened to visit while the "Bob the Builder" exhibit was in town.

Each alphabet letter lifted up to reveal an object that started with that letter. Carter would have been happy to stay at this stop all day.

Foam pit for the little guys

Gears, gears and more gears!

This was the coolest water table I have ever seen.

Carter working the Pizza Parlour. Davis was kind of upset to find that the pizza was plastic. That's when we decided it was time for lunch.

Carter climbing the three-story beanstalk.

Those balls are just out of reach...

and it's making me angry!

Grandma & Grandpa got us these cool hard hats!

Fixing the car with Daddy. Just like at home!

Can I offer you a ride?

Too pooped to party.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thanks to all of the grandparents, friends and family who sent cards and surprises, our boys were feeling the love this Valentine's Day!! We have been getting over Strep and fighting off colds so we spent the day inside baking cookies and watching Pinocchio (from Cupid). We love you all and hope you had a wonderful day with your Valentine!

The boys had so much fun getting their cards out of the mail box and "reading" all of them. Davis even sampled a few. :-) I think they looked better than they tasted.

We LOVE Elmo!

Cards, cards & more cards!

So serious...

Silly Boy

This boy is one cool dude. Need I say more?

And, Davis took it upon himself to climb up into Carter's desk to sit and enjoy his morning bottle today. He was just chillin' with his elbows up on the desk, propping his bottle and waiting for breakfast. Too funny!

More Soccer

Today was picture day at soccer practice, so I (being either really cheap or really ingenious, not sure which) decided to snap a photo of Carter's "team" before the photographer. We have yet to see much athletic ability come out in these weekly meetings, but he does seem to enjoy running around and sort-of playing soccer. Needless to say, I was happy with my free amateur photo and didn't find the need to purchase the $50 team and individual package...maybe next year.

M-I-C-K-E-Y...

"Mickey's Magic Show" came to town, so Carter and I went to see some of our favorite characters LIVE on stage! It was 90 minutes of singing, dancing and wonderful Disney magic. I think I enjoyed it a little more than Carter because when I asked him what his favorite part was, he said "Riding in the glass elevator." (in the parking garage).
We were at a dinner party the other night & all the other dads were telling Sean how much fun it is to take your kids to Disney World for the first time. I think we will probably wait a couple more years for that, but that conversation and seeing this show made me super-excited for the day when we take the boys to Mickey's house (DW). I'm sure no elevator ride will be able to top that!

Checking out the stage with my new Mickey binoculars! (Yes, mommy is a sucker for souvenirs.)

Ready to go home for a nap.