mirror found - part 2

I have been trying to teach Jackson how to kiss. I guess he figured it out.

mirror found

We have this really BIG mirror in our dinning room. I hate it. The kids LOVE it. I had a feeling Jackson would LOVE it too. He has really loved it the past little while but I can't seem to catch him checking himself out...he can see me coming. I did manage to catch some very typical Jackson faces. (Can you see how dirty his knees are...guess I need to wash my floors more often.)

8 months

Jackson is 8 months today. He is growing up too fast. Here are a few facts about Jackson today:

As of today he has 3 1/2 teeth. He is crawling around everywhere and getting into everything he can get his hands on. His favorite toys are paper and electronic devices. If we sit down to the table and he is drinking a bottle then he is done with the bottle and wants what we are eating. He is crazy about his Dad. He still is the best baby. He really just goes along for the ride. He is starting to pull himself up to thing while on his knees and even got onto his feet yesterday...ahhhh! He says "OOHHH" when he sees something he likes. His blue eyes attract attention where ever we go. We love him like crazy around here. Don't know what we did before him for entertainment.

3 kids on a swing

Found all three kids swinging on the swing the other night. I love that they all love being around each other. You should see the way Jackson's face lights up everyday when Anne and Andrew get home from school. It's my favorite part of the day.

the chess tournament

So I have one well rounded girl on my hands. She does ballet, baseball and chess. Anne had her first chess tournament yesterday. She did well. She really loves playing chess. Sometimes though I catch her playing "house" with the pieces. Jackson and I had fun watching her hold her own against 6th graders.

Just thought I would throw in a picture of this cute boy. He was so happy the whole tournament.

DC

We lived in DC five years ago. We had to get back to remind the kids of where we started. It was a added bonus to have the chance to visit the temple while there. Off we went. I was so worried that the kids would have a hard time "doing" DC because it is impossible to see DC without walking a ton. Zac had faith in them though...in his words..."don't worry, I have been building up their endurance." (Zac takes the kids on REALLY long walks in the park near our house) He was right. They were awesome. The walked and walked and walked...kind of like the pioneer children.

This one didn't walk but was so amazing. It was hot but he didn't complain. He just chilled in his stroller and enjoyed the ride. Here he is chilling on the grass along the National Mall. Both the kids were confused why there wasn't any stores at this mall...

Isn't she beautiful?

OK...I have to explain the look of sheer excitement on Andrew's face. One of his favorite movies is Night at the Museum 2. When he found out we were going to the Lincoln Memorial he went crazy with excitement. When we were walking up the side walk to the memorial he was so excited. We ran to the top of the stairs and he ran to the front and just stood in front of the statue. He ran back to me and said, "Mom, when is he going to come to life?" Andrew was convinced that Lincoln was going to wake up and talk to him. He insisted that I read the Gettysburg Address to him too. After I read it he asked, "Mom, is President Lincoln the prophet?" No, I told him but a wise man. So thank you Hollywood for getting my little guy so excited about history.

It was so HOT that day.

WWII Memorial...the kids were cooling their feet.

Jefferson Memorial...we were exhausted by the time we got here. Zac was nice enough to walk back to the car and then pick us up.

After seeing how big the White House was, Anne wished that her dad was the president.

The real reason for our trip. It was so nice to go to the temple. Zac did a session while I stayed in the hotel with the kids then he took them to a park while I attended a session.

the BIG day

What a beautiful day is was. Everything was so perfect. We all awoke early to get ready. Zac went down to the church to fill the font. Grandpa Howie took Andrew down to the park for a baseball game. Jackson took a really good nap and the rest of us got ourselves ready. I wish I could say I was running around doing useful things but do to an unfortunate incident with the front porch stairs I was ordered to sit on the couch all morning with my foot up. So hard to do on such a important day. We all drove to the church and arrived with just the right amount of time to take pictures and prepare. The whole program was so perfect. Grandma Darlin gave a talk on Baptism then Anne was Baptised. I love that she was able to wear the dress I wore when I was baptised. It brought back such sweet memories for me. After Anne quickly dressed she and I sang "The Baptism Song" then Grandma Sweetheart spoke on the Holy Ghost. Anne then received the Holy Ghost and made sure to give everyone in the circle a hug. She was so happy and sweet to everyone and we are so glad she made the choice to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I can already tell that she is trying to make good choices.

another first

Little Man's first time riding in the stroller. He had a hard time sitting up the entire time but I think he enjoyed himself. I loved having my little guy right there instead of in his baby seat.

the white dress

I knew that Anne's baptism day would be so busy and crazy so I took her to the park the Saturday before and took a few pictures. I realized two things. One: I am not a good photographer. Just because one has a good camera doesn't mean good pictures. But I am learning...slowly. Two: My little girl is growing up way too fast. Look how big she looks! She is such a good girl. So helpful and sweet. I can't believe I have been lucky enough to be her mom.

I would be ungrateful if I didn't thank my wonderful friend Lisa for helping me in my first attempt at making a dress. She was so patient with my slowness even when I insisted on not following her directions...thanks Lisa!

Anne insisted on some silly pictures...these crack me up.

Anne - 8

This not so little girl just turned 8. I can't believe it! It seems like just a little while ago we had her 1st birthday. And here she is 8 and making such good choices. For her birthday we celebrated with spaghetti and meatballs - Anne's choice. Then we sent her on a treasure hunt for each of her presents. That was fun. She was so gracious and thankful for each present (even the new underwear). Of course there was cake and ice cream. I think the highlight of the day was the mystery gift that was left by the front door early that morning. She was thrilled to find leis (she is wearing them all in the above picture) and the makings for a lot of balloon fun. We suspect our wonderful neighbor but I guess we will never know. We love our Anne!