Best Buds

Sam Sierra spent some time with us last week and we all really enjoyed it. Jackson loved having someone to pal around with. They did lots of fun things. Sam was a fan favorite, that's for sure!

Snack time -goldfish are always a big hit.

Sam thought that Lila was sad because she couldn't eat the yummy goldfish. So he ran right over and planted a big smooch on her!

Jackson taught Sam "how to be a caterpillar,"

and how to mow the grass.

They really did play so well together...and our yard has never looked better.

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!