Book Club

I have been a part of two book clubs. The first one we would discuss the book for about five minutes then just chat. It was really just an excuse to get out of the house once a month. The book club I'm in now is much more dedicated. We spend over an hour discussing themes, etc... and usually have a treat to go along with the book. This month we read All Creatures Great and Small. Its about a veterinary surgeon and his adventures with the animals and people. For a treat we had pigs in a blanket and cupcakes that looked like cats. I enjoy getting together, talking with a great group of ladies, and reading books I might not have read otherwise.  

Luke saw this picture and said the Big Bad Wolf finally got the Three Little Pigs. 

Jaxon scolds the dog

(Written by Luke) Jaxon is imitating us more and more. We read books about animals and he makes some of the noises. He is really good at the elephant and waves his arm up like the trunk as he makes the sound. When Baxter misbehaves, like eating Jaxon's food or barking at the neighbor dogs, we say "No" to get him to stop. Sometimes it is more of a sentence like "Baxter No barking, No." Jaxon doesn't understand the words but he has clearly picked up on the intent and will shake his finger at Baxter and say "blah blah blah." It makes us laugh a little and wonder if we should scold the dog differently.

  Today when I got home from soccer practice I took Jaxon for a walk to go get Baxter from our friends who live down the street and have a dog that Baxter plays with. Jaxon was walking next to me and some dogs in the back yard of a house started barking at us from their fence. Jaxon immediately turned to them, shook his finger at them and loudly said "blah blah blah." I laughed to myself and tried to get him to keep going but as long as the dogs were barking he wouldn't move, he had to tell them "No barking." So I picked him up and we got Baxter.

Flat Stanley

My cousin asked us to help her son with a school project called Flat Stanley. Apparently you send this little paper guy to different places and take pictures of your area. So here is our contribution.

 Flat Stanley with the drill and the Wyoming Cowboy

Flat Stanley with our family

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.