The Heinleins

New Post...Finally!!

2010-04-03T17:52:00.001-07:00

Well, it's been awhile since I've been able to sit down and write a new post. This semester has been extremely hectic with Kurt's play, me teaching dance, and Sutton back in school, that it's been near impossible for me to keep up with our blog. So, here is what we've been up to since you've last hear from me.

Kurt finally finished writing, directing, and producing his play that he was working on for the past two years. It was a wonderful performance and such a great achievement...I couldn't be any prouder!! Since his play was about the vanishing wetlands in southern Louisiana, he was able to take the entire play, cast and crew, down to New Orleans for three different showings. The girls and I were able to tag along and we had the best time ever!! Sutton is obsessed with the movie Princess and the Frog so, she referred to everything in the French Quarter as Tiana's restaurant or Tiana's palace...it was cute!! Here are a few pictures from our trip. The weather was gorgeous!!

In other news, Leighton has just turned 7 months old!!!! I know I always say this but, I really can't believe how fast time is flying by. It seems like yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital and now, she is almost through with her stage 2 baby foods, says "ma ma" and "da da", sleeps through the night, has four teeth, crawling, and is even started to pull up!!! Here are a few photos from her 5th and 6th months. Enjoy!!!

Love to all,
Courtney

Leighton 5 months

2010-02-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

Wow! I can't believe that Leighton is now 5 months old!! Everyone told me that time just seems to fly by with the second one and they were right. It seems like only yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital and I was dealing with every two hour feedings, no sleep, and total first few months anxiety:)

Now, so much has changed!! Leighton has finally switched to the bottle, is sleeping through the night, rolling over both ways, sitting up, and is almost done with all her stage 1 baby foods. All these milestones really bring back tons of memories from when Sutton was this age. I really can't believe how fast time really does go by. This summer I will have a 4 year old and a 1 year old. Me!! It's hard to fathom how much has changed in my life. How much older I'm getting and looking:) But one thing is for sure, I wouldn't change one second of my life!!

Here are a few pictures from Leighton's 5th month...Enjoy!!

Love to all,
Courtney

Snow!!

2010-01-18T19:33:00.001-08:00

I know this is a little delayed but, things have been crazy with Kurt and I starting back at work!! Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, Kurt, Sutton, Leighton, and myself returned from a very wonderful and exhausting trip back East. We were so excited to be home but bummed to have seen no snow (it snowed in Springfield the entire time we were back East). However, to our surprise not two days after we returned the temperature dropped to single digits during the day and negatives at night with snow off and on for 8 days!!!!! It was extremely cold but very beautiful!! We ended up with a foot or more of snow on the ground for an entire week! It was so much fun sledding and playing in the snow with the fam. So, now I've had my snow of the year....bring on the SUMMER!!!! Enjoy the pictures!
Love to all, Courtney

Christmas in the Palmetto State

2010-01-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

For Christmas Kurt, Leighton, Sutton, and myself, made the long trek back to the East Coast. We stayed in South Carolina for a week during the Christmas Eve/Christmas holiday.

During this time we decided to get Leighton baptised by the same priest as Sutton and in the same church and gown as Sutton, my sisters Hannah and Rachael, my brother Jimmy, and I wore for our Christening. She was such a big girl (no crying) and did really well throughout the whole service!! Sutton was really well behaved during the service as well, although, she did try to run towards the front of the church, where there was a children's nativity scene set up, during the sermon!:)

Later in the week a group of my old high school friends, that are now spread out from West to East Coast, gathered for a wonderful surprise birthday dinner. It was so great to see everyone and talk about how much we've changed and laugh about how much we are still the same!

Christmas, of course, was extremely exciting for our little Sutton. From the decorations, to the movies, songs, books, and presents, every part of Christmas was one big joyous time. There is nothing better than experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a 3 year old!!

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful and happy holiday! Enjoy the pictures!

Love to you all,
Courtney

Family Photos

2009-12-07T07:37:00.000-08:00

Since it is impossible to get an infant and a toddler to smile at a camera, let alone pose for one, Kurt and I decided that we would try our hands at taking our own family photos. It was a long day filled with bribes, frustration, and even a few tears but, all in all we ended up with a few pictures that we really loved. I think next year we'll bite the bullet and hire a professional:) Enjoy!!

Love to all,
Courtney

Leighton's Photoshoot

2009-11-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

About a week ago, a local agent approached Kurt about putting Leighton in a regional commercial. Of course, with Kurt's background in the industry, we jumped at the chance! However, in order for Leighton to be considered, we had to submit a variety of photos. So, this past weekend, we dressed up our little model for her first photoshoot. I think the pictures turned out to be precious but, I'm a little bias:) Enjoy!!

Love to all,
Courtney

Zoo Spooktacular!

2009-11-03T16:18:00.001-08:00

This past weekend the Heinlein family celebrated Halloween at the local Zoo Spooktacular. Every year, Springfield turns their Dickerson Park Zoo into a family friendly Halloween festival complete with Trick-or-Treat stations, life-size animated cutouts, games, and rides. It's always a wonderful, safe experience that Sutton just absolutely loves!!! Here are a few pictures from the evening...Enjoy!!

Love to all,
Courtney

Miss Leighton

2009-10-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since my last post. The girls and I headed back to South Carolina for a nice two week long break. I have tons of pictures that I still need to upload from the trip, but in the meantime, here are a few new pictures of little Miss Leighton...I can't believe she is already 2 months old!!!! Enjoy!

Love to all,
Courtney

Fall Festivities

2009-09-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Kurt and I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and take Leighton and Sutton to a few local Fall festivals.

The first festival was held at a local farm (Rutledge-Wilson Farm) that has been converted into an educational facility with animals and crops. Sutton had a blast feeding chickens, picking a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, going on a hay ride, milking a fake cow, and visiting with the livestock!

The next festival was in the nearby town of Fair Grove. Kurt and I love this festival!! We have attended every year since we've lived in Missouri. They have all types of crafts, music, food, and horse rides. Once again, Sutton had a wonderful day and even scored a ladybug face paint.

All in all it was a wonderful weekend!! Enjoy the pics:)

Love to all,
Courtney

Lordy, Lordy, Kurt's 40!!

2009-09-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

Today is Kurt's 40th Birthday!!! So, this past weekend, while my Mom and sisters were in town, I threw Kurt a surprise 40th birthday party. It was a lot of fun but, extremely difficult to pull off such a stunt with a toddler and an infant. Thanks to my wonderful family and friends it was a successful and wonderful party. Enjoy the pics!!

Love to all,
Courtney

Leighton Catherine Heinlein

2009-08-25T07:03:00.001-07:00

On August 20th at 8:41pm, Kurt, Sutton, and I welcomed Leighton Catherine Heinlein into our family. After 7 hours of labor, with no complications, Miss Leighton came into our world at 7 lbs. 15 ounces and 20 inches long. We are all so blessed and happy to have such a healthy beautiful baby girl! Here are a few pictures that we've been able to take. I will post more once a more stable routine has been established. Enjoy!!

Love to all,
Courtney

Leighton's Room

2009-08-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Finally, here are some pictures of Leighton's new room. As you can see it is still a work in progress (even though she might be joining us any minute now!) I ordered some gorgeous window treatments through the mail that have yet to arrive and we still need to hang a few pictures. So, as soon as everything is complete I will post more pictures (Leighton will probably be in them).

It's funny, with Sutton I believe I had her room up and ready months before my due date. With the second one you have so much other things going on (like chasing after a 3 year old) that things get done last minute. Oh well! The most important thing is that Miss Leighton is healthy and happy!! Enjoy the pics!

Love to all,
Courtney

Blogging Delay

2009-08-14T14:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,
Sorry it's been awhile since I've posted a blog. I actually have a lot of new pictures of the nursery however, I've seemed to have misplaced the cord that will allow me to upload the pictures from my camera to the computer. So, as soon as I can get to the store and purchase a new one, I will be sure to post all the pictures of the new nursery. Hope all is well!

Love to all,
Courtney

Sutton's New Room

2009-07-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the arrival of the new baby, we have begun to turn the house upside down with all types of renovation projects. One of the things we decided to do is have Kurt and I move to the larger guest room downstairs, give the baby Sutton's old room, and put Sutton in our old bedroom, (we figured that with all her new toys and "big girl" bed she would need more space then her sister). So, after four days of painting, riping up carpet, and decorating, we finally completed Sutton's precious new room. Now it's on to the baby's room:) Enjoy the pics! I'll be posting the nursery pictures in the next week.

Love to all,
Courtney

She's 3!!!

2009-07-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that yesterday we celebrated Sutton's 3rd birthday! It seems like only yesterday that we were bringing her home from the hospital. She is growing up so fast and turning into such a wonderful, bright, and beautiful little girl.

Since, Sutton is obsessed with "The Little Mermaid", we decided to do an all out princess party at exciting Chuckie Cheese. We invited a few of her friends and had a blast. We had pizza, an Ariel cake, presents, and played tons of games.

By the end of it all we were all exhausted but, it was all worth it just seeing the smile on Sutton's face.

Enjoy the pics.

Love to all,
Courtney

Fabulous Furballs!

2009-06-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

Our little Sutton is obsessed, to say the least, with animals. So, when we heard that the Springfield Zoo had summer educational programs for her age, we immediately signed her up.

The first class we attended was called, "Fabulous Furballs," and if you could guess by the name, it had everything to do about mammals. The children were introduced and allowed to touch the various mammals they had on hand. Hands down, this was Sutton's favorite part!! She was so patient, waiting with her one little finger up,ready to touch any animal that passed by.

Next, they took the children into the classroom where they had tons of learning activity centers. There was an arts/crafts station, puppets, books, and sensory table. As you can see from the pictures, Sutton enjoyed the painting.

All in all it was a wonderful day and we are looking forward to the next session, "Big & Tall, Large & Small."

Blog Update

2009-06-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! Sorry it's been awhile since I've posted any new information. Sutton and I went back to South Carolina for 17 days and we just got back into town. Once I have all the pictures downloaded I will be sure to post all that when on during our trip. Hope all is well.

Love to all,
Courtney

Fun, Sun, and Family

2009-05-29T12:52:00.000-07:00

Just recently, Kurt, Sutton, and I made a trip back East to visit family in Maryland. It was a lot of flying and driving but, completely worth the time and energy spent.

The first few days we decided to take some time for ourselves and head to the beach. So, we stayed in an amazing beach front condo in Bethany, Delaware (which is only a few miles north of Ocean City, Maryland) and did nothing but relax and play in the sand.

The last days of our trip, we headed inland to Baltimore where we celebrated Grandad Heinlein's 80th birthday, spent some much needed quality time with family, and played around Baltimore's inner harbor.

Sutton had a blast playing with all her cousins and it was really great to get back to the East for some beautiful weather and some wonderful seafood. Enjoy the pics!!!

Love to all,
Courtney

Rolling Down the River

2009-05-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

Forever, Kurt has been talking about purchasing a kayak or canoe. So, when the local outdoor store was having a huge sale, we decided to go down to check things out. To our surprise they had a large pool set up so people could try out the boats they wanted to purchase. Of course, Sutton, being a water lover, immediately begged to get in a boat. We didn't end up buying anything today but, we sure got a couple of cute pics. Enjoy!!

Love to all,
Courtney

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T05:08:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms and Moms-to-be. I hope your day is full of joy, laughter, and wonderful memories. I love you all!!

Love to all,
Courtney

She's A Big Girl Now!!

2009-04-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah!!!! I can officially say that after months of stress and worry over the potty training issue, Miss Sutton has decided to finally wear her "big girl" panties:) All of a sudden she decided, on her own, that it was time for her to stop wearing diapers and start using the potty. We have now been accident free for two weeks and we couldn't be happier!!!

Love to all,
Courtney

It's A.....

2009-04-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

Girl!!!!

Today Kurt and I found out that we are going to be blessed with another little girl. Kurt couldn't be happier knowing he will have two little princesses. Of course, we would have been ecstatic either way but, having another girl will be familiar, not to mention it means that we don't have to buy too many new things. Again, once I copy the ultrasound pics I will upload them to the blog. Hope all is well.

Love to all,
Courtney

Here Comes Peter Cotton Tail

2009-04-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

This Easter was wonderful!! Sutton's Omi, Pops, Uncle Jimmy, and Aunt Hannah all came to town to celebrate the holiday. We had a fun (although it was cold and rainy) day starting with Church and an Easter Egg Hunt, then on to Bass Pro for a delicious lunch. Sutton is loving all these new visitors and of course, all the attention. I hope everyone had as wonderful a holiday as we did. Enjoy the pics.

Love to all,
Courtney

Zoo Trip

2009-04-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

This past week Grandaddy Fitz came to visit. We had so many fun outdoor adventures planned however, the wonderful Missouri weather brought us a week of rain and cold. We only had one sunny day out of 7 and so we decided to take advantage, even though it was only 58 degrees and windy, and go to the zoo. Sutton had a blast feeding goats and giraffes, and, telling anyone who would listen, about all the animals. Although is was a rather windy day we managed to get a few cute pictures. Enjoy!
P.S No making fun of the preggo pictures:)

Love to all,
Courtney

Update

2009-04-01T12:24:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the lack in blogging. Things have been really uneventful around here. Just staying busy, taking Sutton to school, working part-time, and getting our house ready for visits from Grandaddy Fitz, Omi, Pops, and Aunt Hannah.

I went to the doctor a week ago, got my prego belly measured, and heard the heartbeat. All is well with the me and the little one. I even made the appointment for THE ultrasound. So, April 13th I will send out a blog letting everyone know whether we will be welcoming a girl or a boy.

I hope all is well with all!!

Love to all,
Courtney

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

An Old Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

Love to all,
Courtney

Meet the Newest Heinlein

2009-03-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Kurt and I decided that our lives weren't hectic enough so, we went out and adopted a 3 month old white Lab mix named Ladybug (Sutton's doing not ours). As some of you know, we already have a 5 year old black Lab named Green. Well, ever since our German Shepard died about a year ago, Green has been very lonely. So, we brought Lady (as Kurt and I call her) into our house hoping she would be a great companion for Green. Of course, as with all puppies, we are having the potty training issues but, I know with time that will pass and Ladybug will become a wonderful edition to our household. Besides, Sutton LOVES her!! Enjoy the pics!

Love to all,
Courtney

6 More Weeks of Winter!!:(

2009-03-02T18:48:00.000-08:00

So, I woke up Sunday morning to find that the groundhog was right. Apparently, overnight, we received 3-5inches of snow!! I was so depressed, I mean it's March and we are still getting temperatures in the low 20's. I'm so ready to leave this Winter behind and welcome some beautiful, warm Spring weather.

Although, I was not happy about the snow, Kurt and Sutton were ecstatic and immediately ran out the door to play. All I have to say is, thank goodness I can no longer fit into my snow pants...it gives me a good excuse to stay inside where it's warm:) Enjoy the pics!

Love to all,
Courtney

Yup, There's A Baby In There!

2009-02-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

I went for my 3 month visit this past Friday (I can't believe I'm already 3 months!) and I was able to hear the baby's heartbeat:) It was at 150 beats per minute which is perfect! You know, it never really sinks in for me that I'm pregnant until I hear that first heartbeat. Now, I can say that I'm truly excited and anxious to find out the gender of our new bundle of joy.

I will definitely continue to keep everyone updated as the doctor's visits commence. I was even considering posting some 3 month prego pictures but, I'm really feeling self-conscious about my prego body this time around. So, unless there's a really great picture y'all are going to have to deal with just the blogging:)

Love to all,
Courtney

One Sick Winter!

2009-02-17T18:36:00.000-08:00

So, I have to apologize for my lack of blogging this past month. It seems that as soon as the "real" cold weather hit and Sutton began school we have been battling one sickness after another. Poor Sutton has suffered a stomach virus, two ear infections, and croup and of course, what she has immediately infects Kurt and I. Last week, Sutton and I were both confined to the couch for two days with fevers of 101. The good news is Sutton went to the doctor and has been on antibiotics for all her various illnesses. The bad news is, being pregnant I can't do anything for my illness except take a low dose of Tylenol and pray for the best. All in all we are slowly getting better and hopefully we have seen the worst of this winter's illnesses. I will make sure to post more blogs when something more exciting happens. Take care and stay healthy!

Love to all,
Courtney

I've Been Tagged

2009-02-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged...
Here is what you do:
1. Go to your 4th folder where you store your photos.
2. Select your 4th picture (no exceptions)!
3. Post the picture with an explanation and link it back to your tagger
4. Tag 4 people (or as many as you want) to do the same!

Here is a picture of Sutton (24 months) playing in the ocean at Myrtle Beach! She is my little Summer baby:)

Love to all,
Courtney

Indoor Snow Day

2009-01-28T14:54:00.001-08:00

Last night, Springfield was blanketed by a beautiful 6 inches of snow. Gorgeous fat flakes began to fall on top of an inch of ice and the hopes of being out of another day of school was quickly confirmed. Kurt, Sutton, and I went to bed excited about the day of sledding and building snowmen that lay ahead.
However, this dream quickly turned into a nightmare when at 5 a.m. I was awoken to the sound of my daughter gasping for air! I rushed into her room and found Sutton unable to breath and turning blue. For a parent this is your WORST nightmare!!! Thank goodness we live a block away from the hospital, we grabbed Sutton, ran to the car, and speed to the hospital in all the snow and ice. Immediately, she was given breathing treatments and steroids. In minutes her breathing was back to normal and everything was looking better. After a series of X-rays and a complete physical the doctor discovered that Sutton had a severe case of Croup. So, after a few hours we were final released with a large dose of steroids and a breathing machine to take home and administer every few hours. All in all everything turned out alright and Sutton is doing much better. So, we just have to enjoy the beauty of Winter from our windows! Enjoy the few pictures I was able to take.

Love to all,
Courtney

9 Weeks and Growing!

2009-01-23T18:59:00.000-08:00

I went to my first prego visit today. Everything went well!! The doctor performed the first ultrasound of our little shrimp...at this point in time they look like shrimp!! I saw the heartbeat, the head, and it's little bumps where arms and legs are growing. So far all is well, the baby is growing, I'M GROWING (it happens a lot faster the second time), and we couldn't be happier. As soon as I scan the ultrasound pictures I will post so you can all see the peanut.

Love to all,
Courtney

First day of school!

2009-01-14T17:15:00.000-08:00

Off to her first day at school!!

Brushing her teeth for the big day!

Already a bookworm:)

Today Sutton went to her very first day of Preschool!! Kurt and I decided that Sutton would greatly benefit from going part-time two days a week. For those of you whom know Sutton, she is very shy and physically timid so, we thought some exposure to other children would help her come out of her shell. So, this morning I made Sutton's favorite breakfast, waffles, picked out the cutest outfit, packed her bag, and we were off. It was everything I could do to hold back the tears and the entire drive I wondered how Sutton would handle the drop-off. Well, as soon as we got to the classroom door Sutton bolted for the first toy and never looked back, not even to say goodbye. What can I say...she's independent. When I picked her up this afternoon the teacher said she did wonderful and to top it off, we have our first preschool finger painting for the Fridge:) Enjoy the pictures!!

Caribbean Cruise 08-09

2009-01-07T12:02:00.001-08:00

Here is a slide of photos from the cruise. They start off with our visit to the Tampa Aquarium which, was a lot of fun and a great start to the vacation. Then we have our first day at sea with Sutton and Daddy relaxing on the sun chairs:) Next, a beautiful day on the Grand Cayman Island beach with my cousins, Dad, brother and his wife, and Kurt. Then a fun filled day of shopping and eating in Cozumel. Beautiful sites of Belize, where I got the best deals on some fabulous Coach items:) Then finally, my favorite, Honduras, where we went to a beach/botanical garden and played with monkeys, macaws, and swam in the clear water:) Enjoy!!

Love to all,
Courtney

Back in the US of A

2009-01-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Kurt, Sutton, and I have just returned from our wonderful 8 day Caribbean cruise! On our trip we visited the Grand Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Belize, and Honduras. The weather was an amazing sunny and 85 degrees everyday, the food was delicious, and the sites were beautiful. I will be posting pictures within the next few days so, be on the lookout!

Love to all,

Courtney

Santa Has Left The Building!

2008-12-25T17:40:00.000-08:00

This year was a very low key Christmas for the Heinlein Family. Instead of draging our 2 year old all over the East Coast, we decided to take it easy this Christmas and stay in Springfield. It was a very nice, simple, and quiet Holiday, which is a complete 180 from every other year:)

Sutton was really excited about Santa and even helped bake cookies, write a note, and put out carrots for the reindeer.

As far as presents, Sutton racked up!! She got an activity/train table from Grandad Fitz, a wooden Noah's Ark from Omi, blocks, a build-a-bear, food for her kitchen set, and a tea set. All in all it was a wonderful day. Enjoy the pictures.

Love to all,

Courtney

A Christmas Surprise!

2008-12-19T11:38:00.000-08:00

It seems that Santa is brining more than just presents this year. Kurt and I just found out that I am expecting!! The new little one is due August 25th and though, I'm not thrilled about another pregnancy during the hot summer months, we could not be more excited about this news. I will keep everyone updated over the next nine months so, be on the lookout for pictures and info. I miss you all and wish everyone a happy and wonderful holiday season.

Love to all,

Courtney

Better Late Than Never!

2008-12-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Kurt and I realized that Christmas is just around the corner and we had not even begun thinking about sending out cards or taking new pictures! However, since it is impossible to get Sutton to sit still and simultaneously smile at the camera, we decided to save some money and take the photos ourselves. So, 1 hour and 30 photos later we ended up with just a few, but very cute, choices for this years Christmas card. Enjoy and I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season.

Love to all,

Courtney

Need Cookie Recipe!!

2008-12-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

I am attending a cookie exchange party this next week and I need a really easy and delicious homemade cookie recipe. It doesn't necessarily have to be Christmas themed but that would be nice. I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks!

Love to all,

Courtney

Turkey and Tigers in South Carolina

2008-11-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Sutton and I made the long trip back to South Carolina. We had a wonderful time visiting with family, friends, and stuffing our faces with some of the best "southern" cuisine:) Sutton especially had a blast being entertained by two of the craziest aunts in history! The best part of the entire break was my Clemson Tigers putting a beat down on the lousy Chickens 31 to 14....Go Tigers!!!! I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving!!

Love to all,

Courtney

Turkey Day and Flying Home

2008-11-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to wish everyone an early Happy Thanksgiving Day! Also, for those of you whom live in or around the Rock Hill area, Sutton and I will be arriving tomorrow around 4pm and staying until the morning of the 3oth. I would love to catch up with as many people as possible!!

Love to all,

Courtney

Eat, Pray, Love

2008-11-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

Last night, I just finished the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, and I have to say that it's wonderful and a must read for everyone!!! Usually, I am only interested in books dealing with darker subjects of serial killers and mind-bending plots however, there was something about the storyline of this book that reeled me in. Eat, Pray, Love is an intense and moving memoir of self-discovery. Dealing with a terrible divorce, deep depression, and a midlife crisis, Elizabeth Gilbert decides to take a yearlong, life-altering journey to "find" herself. Within this year she spends time in Italy, indulging in the pleasures of life, India, searching for devotion and deeper connection with God, and finally, Indonesia, where she studied balance and found love. This is such an uplifting story that I feel we can all connect to in one way or another. Please, if you love reading as much as I do, take the time and you'll be amazed how much it will influence your own outlook on life.

Love to all,

Courtney

Goodbye Fall, Hello Winter!

2008-11-10T11:33:00.000-08:00

It is apparent, by the weather here in Springfield, that Fall is coming to a close. The days that were bright, sunny, 65 degrees, with beautiful folliage, are now overcast, windy, 40 degrees, with dead leaves covering every inch of the ground. However, before this drastic change, Kurt, Sutton, and I were able to get out and enjoy one last gorgeous Fall weekend. Enjoy the pics!!

Love to all,

Courtney

P.S Don't you LOVE how Kurt failed to tell me that Sutton had a runny nose!!!

Fun with Paper!!

2008-11-07T18:12:00.001-08:00

Sutton and D-Addee were having fun making paper animal cutouts after dinner when they realized it was much more fun to make confetti and throw it around the living room. Sutton loved screaming "Making Mess!!!" as Daddy threw the pieces in the air. Sometimes the best fun is the messiest.

Love to all,

Courtney

VOTE!!

2008-11-04T10:37:00.000-08:00

As you all know today is Election Day so, please do your part and VOTE!!!! It is an important right and privilege that we all possess. If I can drag a 2 year old to the polls at 7 am to vote surely you can spare some time:)

Love to all,

Courtney

Barack the Vote

2008-11-01T21:58:00.000-07:00

Tonight was one of the most memorable nights of my life! Kurt, Stacy, Sara (two of our friends), and I went to see Barack Obama speak at a rally here in Springfield. The doors opened at 6pm and Obama was going to speak at 9pm so, we figured that if we got there at 5pm we would be early enough to get great seats. However, to our surprise, when we arrived at 5pm we found that the line to enter the stadium was over a mile long (no lie) and at least a few hours wait. So, we made the trek to the back of the line and after 3 hours of waiting and hanging out with all kinds of wonderful people, we finally made our way into the field. I must say that it was every bit worth the wait. Over 30,000 people standing around chanting, cheering, and coming together for one reason...HOPE! Barack Obama is such an inspirational speaker and even more charismatic in person than he is on T.V. Needless to say it was an experience that I will be telling my grandchildren one of these days!
Love to all,
Courtney

Zoo Spooktacular

2008-10-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

Tonight we spent our Halloween at the Springfield Zoo Spooktacular! It's a pretty neat concept! On Halloween night, they decorate the zoo all spookylishious. We saw Max and the Wild Things, Elmo, and lots of great pirates, skeletons, and more jack-o-lanterns than we could count. We all took a train ride around the Zoo Lake. Sutton was thrilled to ride the "Zoo Train" while we passed The Smurfs, Snoopy, The Madagascar gang, and best of all...Dora and Diego. On the way back to the car The Mad Scientist made Sutton a special concoction. When we got home Sutton was excited to read her Halloween books for the last time...until our next Spooktacular Halloween.

Love to all,
Kurt and Courtney

Halloween in the Halls!!

2008-10-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

Today Kurt and I took Sutton over to the Missouri State dorms for some early trick-o-treating. It really took me back, seeing all those disgusting dorm rooms, to the good old days of Wofford hall at Winthrop!! Sutton really had a great time and was able to actually participate in some trick-o-treating festivities. Enjoy the pictures!! Also, if you couldn't guess, Sutton is dressed like a Fairy:)

Christmas in Branson and Fall at Busiek

2008-10-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

It was such a beautiful fall day here in Springfield and so, Kurt and I decided to take a drive through the Ozarks down to Busiek State Park and Branson Landing. The trees were amazing with all their bright colors, the weather was a perfect 70 degrees, fall was all around us. The walk at Busiek got us really in the mood for the upcoming Halloween festivities....getting us excited to carve pumpkins, bake pies, and go trick-or-treating. However, when we arrived in Branson it was a totally different experience. Everywhere you turned there was garland, snowflakes, tinsel, and ornaments. Christmas music was blaring from surround sound speakers and there was a ginormous Christmas tree in the square. I couldn't believe my eyes! Here we are a week away from Halloween and already the Christmas shopping has begun!! All in all it was a very beautiful but surreal day. Enjoy the pics:)

Love to all,

Courtney

Clifford The Big Red Dog!!

2008-10-24T12:05:00.000-07:00

This morning Clifford (and what seemed to be 100 toddlers) gathered at the local Barnes & Nobles for reading time. It was a half an hour packed with excitement, stress, and tears. When I told Sutton that we were going to the book store to meet her favorite red dog, she was ecstatic! All morning she wouldn't stop talking about Clifford, how much she loved him and wanted to hug him. After about 20 minutes (which seemed more like an hour) of patient waiting, Clifford finally appeared! All the children laughed, cheered, and clapped. We all listened, even Sutton, intently to the story that Clifford read and once it was over it was time for a quick hug and a picture. Sutton couldn't contain herself...she was practically ripping my arm off to get to the stage where Clifford was sitting. Finally, we arrived, it was our turn to shake Clifford's hand and get a great big hug and kiss. So, what does Sutton do? After all that waiting and excitement she flips out, starts to cry, and runs away scared as can be! Kids, I will never understand them:) Enjoy the pictures!!

Love to all,

Courtney

Alligators, Crawfish, and Swamps, Oh My!!!

2008-10-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Just recently we took a business/family trip to Louisiana. Kurt is working on a Grant project dealing with Louisiana's vanishing wetlands and so, Sutton and I decided to tag along for the ride. I've been to Louisiana (Baton Rouge & New Orleans) on many occasions with Kurt to visit friends and of course, go to Mardi Gras. We've always had a blast but, this time, traveling with a two year old was a totally different experience!! It was still a lot of fun...I really love the culture, food, and music in Louisiana and I LOVED that Sutton was able to experience new surroundings. However, instead of partying on Bourbon street till 2 a.m or hanging out at the Thirsty Tiger in Baton Rouge, our days were filled with swamp tours, zoo trips, storyland, and bedtime at 8 p.m. I guess that's what happens when you have children. Life, and the idea of fun, take on a whole new but wonderful meaning! Enjoy the pictures!!!

Love to all,

Courtney

Greetings

2008-10-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends to the exciting life of the Heinleins! Let the blogging begin:)

Love to all,
Courtney