Family Time

We had some visitors this weekend. My parents and sister came to play with us for a few days. It quite a drive to get to our house so the visit is usually short but we love the company, especially Jax. He loves all the extra hugs and loves he gets. We went out to dinner to celebrate (belatedly) Luke's birthday, played some games, and went for a walk to get some ice cream. Both Luke and Jax weren't feeling too well so we kept things pretty relaxed but still had a good time.

I was also able to attend the first ever Women's Conference with my mom and sister. There were very good talks and beautiful music. It was a nice spiritual experience. 

Fun Saturday (after Luke's Birthday)

(Written by Luke) Saturday morning we went to breakfast at Fat Boy's with the Howells after cleaning the church. They serve some rather unhealthy but tasty food. Courtnie got a cinnamon roll the size of a dinner plate with her breakfast. Brandon got battered fried bacon.

Then we all went and played at the pool, the water temp was just right. Not like the previous time when all the babies' lips turned blue.

 

I was trying to get Jaxon's attention and he thought he should blow me a kiss. He is so cute and was distracting all the life guards waving and smiling at them.

He had lots of fun playing with his friend Julian who is only 4 months younger than Jax.

Julian was happy mostly staying in one spot while Jaxon ran laps around him with all his fun energy. 

 He also liked to bite the pool noodles and splash us.

After getting all cleaned up from swimming we took a family walk to the playground. Jaxon and Baxter both love having space to run.

 Jax was brave enough to go down the small slide by himself.

Here is Courtnie taking him down the biggest slide with her. I love this picture with their big smiles and Baxter in the background watching. Baxter isn't brave enough to go down any slides. He would run up the stairs with us and then run back down.

After a few turns each taking Jax down slides we headed back home. When it warms up more we will spend more time out there, but it is still too cold and windy to stay out very long.



Luke's Birthday

Its my birthday!

I had to work but we planned a fun party for after work.

It started with dinner and presents with the family.

Courtnie got me some Muck boots I wanted for bird hunting and a rifle case which Jaxon helped me test out.

Some friends came over for cake and ice cream and games. Emmett wanted a front row seat to watch the candles being blown out. We enjoyed party food and played some board games and video games. I loved it.

Handsome Little Man

I really wanted to get some professional pictures done for Jax's first birthday with a cake smash.  We also did some in his Easter outfit. They turned out great. Thanks to StefanieCPhotography. He is growing and changing so fast I can't believe it! These are some of my favorites. I love this little guy so much and am to grateful to have him in our lives!

I love this one where you can see his curly eyelashes. 

 He was too cool to smile or sit still for most of them but this one is perfect. Shows my smiley happy guy on the move.



We're Walking, We're Walking

 We are loving this warmer weather! Jax, Bax, and I have been taking walks almost everyday enjoying the sunshine. Jax likes to play in the rocks and go down the slide over and over, Bax enjoys running around, and we all love to get out of the house. Springtime is here :) Jax is a mover and doesn't like to sit in his stroller very long so its a good thing this playground is close to our house. More time for running around.

Pi Day

March 14th was Pi Day (the mathematical symbol that I can't figure out how to write on the computer) and apparently the way to celebrate is to eat pie. I like any excuse to eat pie so I made us an apple pie to enjoy on Pi Day. Before we got to the pie the power went out. we got tired of waiting for it to come back on and decided to eat by candlelight. It was a fun and unexpected end to the evening.

Jax Sits in Things

Lately Jax has been climbing and sitting in things. Drawers, bowls, pots, footstools, etc.. He is always so proud of himself when he finds out he fits. Here are just a few:



Birthday Boy!

One year ago the most amazing little boy was born. We are so blessed to have Jax in our lives! We had a pretty low key party with cake and presents and no theme (gasp!). We invited a few friends to help us celebrate and had a great time with the birthday boy.

 As you can see I didn't get fancy with the cake. He didn't dig right in but started carefully sticking his fingers in before he finally tasted it. The blue showed up great though.

 We laughed when he rubbed it all over his head and made his hair blue.

 Our friends brought their kids who all played with Jaxon's toys in the living room while he ate his cake.

 Jax wasn't interested in unwrapping the presents so he got some help from the big kids. They loved opening the presents.

 This was the present Luke really wanted to get Jax. Its called a strider bike that teaches balance and has no pedals. Its a bit too big but as soon as we got it put together he jumped right on and wanted to be pushed around. We have a little dare-devil on our hands.

 This is what I really wanted to get Jax. He loves to go hide in corners and under blankets and play "Where did Jax go?" then he'll poke his head out and laugh. He has had a great time playing in his tepee so far.



 Sweetest birthday boy ever! Can't believe how fast this year flew by and how much happiness we have had with our little guy.

Reading Time

Jax has developed a love of reading. He will bring us books, climb up on our laps and we will read them several times before he jumps off and gets another book and we start all over. It is the cutest thing. I also love when he reads to himself. He will sit on the floor with a book and talk to himself as he turns the pages. I love watching him explore and grow. He is the cutest little boy and I am so blessed to have him in my life.