First Day of School

Jackson's first day of school is here!! He had a good night's sleep (in his own bed!), ate a yummy fruit loop breakfast and got ready to attend his first day of school.

He chose his lunch (lunchable, yogurt, grapes and wild cherry capri sun) and got all his things ready to take with him.

Being a power lifter just like the bulldog on his silly shirt.

When we got there, he put his nametag around his neck and then found his bear on the poster.

He was playing with toys as Lila and I walked out the door. Such a good boy!

Then we went across the hall to welcome Maddie to school, too. She was so cute--when she spotted us she came running all the way down the hall and gave me a big hug. Such a sweet girl.

I love her smile in this pic--it just says it all. We can't wait to hear all about their day. I'm sure it was fantastic. I am so excited about both of them going to this school now. Jackson will go to Music and Library on Mondays, Computer and Chapel on Wednesdays and then PE and group sing on Fridays. He is going to love it. And that makes me happy.

Harley girl and boy

A few weeks before or after Lila was born (not exactly sure) Jared and Jackson went on an outing to our local Harley dealership. They came home with a blue Harley t-shirt for J and a pink Harley onesie for Lila.

Since it's a 6 month onesie it was hard to imagine her wearing it anytime soon.

But alas, how time flies. Today Miss Lila debuted her outfit! It says "My Daddy Rides a Harley."

Seems like that's pretty funny stuff:)

I love these two so much and so does their dad. Thanks, Daddo!

Bienvenidos a Mexico!

The Hubdog and I just got home from a fabulous trip to Mexico. We had an amazing time and would definitely recommend this resort (Secrets Silversands) to anyone looking for a great all-inclusive trip.

Toasting to the start of our vacation--bring on the Mexican beer and Margaritas!

We went with two other couples--Danny & Kelly and Jenny & Dusty.

The main pool had the swim-up bar. There's just something so fun about this concept. We frequented it quite often, except when it was easier to get poolside service from our waitress. The resort had great service everywhere:)

After dinner the second night we went to the "American Way" show. It was a dancing show set to American music. This was the first number and we almost bailed because it was a little much. However, I'm so glad we stuck with it, b/c it really was good!

One morning Jared and I went to heaven. We had a massage on the beach and it truly was divine. There was a great breeze blowing and the sound of the waves was so relaxing.

After that it was time to hit the pool again. Tough, I know.

This day there was a live band playing 80s and 90s rock. I felt like we were in the middle of MTV except there weren't any crazies around. There is a picture of me on Jared's shoulders (which was so fun!) but I just couldn't bring myself to share it on the wide world web.

While this resort isn't known for the beach, we had to check it out a little bit. Still a pretty good way to spend an afternoon...

as was being able to hang out at the oceanside pool.

We would go in around 5:00, get showered and dressed for dinner and then meet back up with everyone else. We went to four delicioso restaurants: Italian at Portofino, French at Bordeaux, Japanese Hibachi at Himitsu and Mexican at El Patio. They were all good, but I think El Patio gets my vote--maybe it was the fun mariachis who were there to serende us. Either that or the bananas foster prepared at our table.

We are already planning our next couples vacation...Mexico 2012 here we come!

Things I missed

We went to Mexico for 4 days and it felt like we had been gone a month! I missed our kids sooooo much it was crazy. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed myself, but my heart just could not wait to hold and kiss them again.

While we were gone Lila learned a few new tricks:
1. She can now roll over and over in a row and get across the floor quick.
2. She is reaching out for my face now, as well as lots of other items that catch her eye.
3. My favorite - she gives me kisses!!

Jackson didn't really learn any new tricks, although I'm sure he's picked up a few new sayings from my dad, but he was super sweet when we got home. He ran up and hugged my neck and then let me give him about 10 kisses. I love those two kids more than anything on earth. I think a few days away helped me to savor the little moments that come with raising kids. It's so easy to get caught up in all the household chores, discipling, meal preparation, potty training, the list goes on, and let it wear you out. But it's worth it 1000 times over just to be able to cuddle with them and have their face next to yours. There is just nothing sweeter.

4 month check-up

My best helper and I took Lila to her 4 month check-up today. Jackson was an awesome big brother and made sure that Lila wasn't scared at all. She did great. Dr. Betty was very impressed with all of her new skills. She can roll over both ways, knows and responds to her name and can grasp objects (like her paci) very well. Her ears looked good and didn't have a trace of infection left from a few weeks ago. She also seems to have mastered eating and growing quite nicely.

Her stats speak for themselves:

Weight: 14 lbs. 6 oz. (50 - 75%)

Height: 26 1/2 inches (97%)

Head Circumference: 17 inches (90 - 95%)

Adorableness: Cute as a bug!

No more hiccups

"Look, Mom!"

I live with a certified goose, so when he told me he needed to lay down upside down in the recliner yesterday, I thought it was just another one of his antics. When I asked why he needed me to assist him in getting into this precarious position he replied, "because Ruby did it to get rid of her hiccups."

Turns out he does learn things from cartoons. Ruby is the girl on Max and Ruby. So glad he's getting something out of those shows!

Twins

Before all of you have a heart attack, no, I am not pregnant with twins! However, Lila does seem to have one. I've posted pictures of her and her look-a-like. See if you can tell who's who.

Jackson at 4 months? Could be...then again, might be his sis.

Lila wearing blue to fool all of you?

This one kind of gives it away.

Ha! Who knew brother and sister could look so much alike?

4 months!

Well, it's happened again. Our little girl is another month older! Lila had her 4 month birthday this past Sunday. She's all smiles about it, that's for sure!

She's sitting up so well in her chair these days and really enjoying some new toys.

Her favorite books are "Fuzzy Bee" and "Squishy Turtle"

She also loves being on her tummy. We go for her check-up next Monday and will report back with all her stats after that. I wonder if she'll still be off the charts in height? Stay tuned...

Circus Circus!

The circus came to town again this year, so of course we went to see it! It's becoming a summer time tradition and is always lots of fun for the whole family. This year we went early and got to meet some of the performers. Jackson enjoyed hanging out with this goofy clown.

He was super nice and even let J wear his black hat.

Then this clown taught Jackson how to do a cool trick.

He successfully balanced a spinning plate with one finger!

Maddie and Circus Girl both modeling their brightly colored tutus. She was a cute girl, so Jackson jumped in the pic, too, sans tutu.

We also got to see these juggling clowns before the show began, as well as watching lots of other acts perform. Then it was time for the big show!

Jackson got his big ol' bag of popcorn and was ready to rock.

I'm not sure what was a bigger hit with Maddie...popcorn or the show. The girl ate popcorn for a solid hour!

The tigers were one of our favorite acts...

as were these high-flying jugglers.

Ticket to the Circus: $15

Popcorn and Coke: $20

Light-up Circus Toy: $22

The look on Jackson's face during the show: Priceless

Before we knew it, it was time for the finale.

We can't wait to go back again next year!

Just plain goofy

J found these three wrist rattles this morning and decided that his baby sister should wear them all. At once. One on each wrist and one on an ankle.

I think Lila agreed--great idea, big bro!

And the little one said...

roll over!

Miss Lila can now

roll over

both ways!

Good job, little girl!

Too much

Jackson thought he could hang all day without a nap. Turns out if he goes all the way to 5:45 without a nap and then sits down on the couch to eat some popcorn, he will fall asleep. He was still talking to me saying, "mom, I need some more popcorn" with his eyes closed and eating his popcorn. I think he fell asleep mid-bite. It looked like someone just unplugged him!

Also notice the fashion disaster he's got going on with his feet. For some reason he asked me to put on those khaki socks with the black tennis shoes. He also wore a gray fleece jacket around for a little bit, too. He definitely wins the "most wacky" award in our house:)