Proof I've been doing my yoga

Complete with a snazzy outfit, Jackson shows off what he learns each morning as mom does yoga.

UPDOG

Back extension (he is all the way up on his head) Leg extension -if only I had this kind of flexibility!

Thanks for being my yoga buddy!

When cousins come to play

Dayton came to visit for a couple of days (yes, JUST Dayton). He and Jackson had so much fun together! (Even if they hated each others guts periodically and had "MINE!" yelling wars. We enjoyed the farm together

and riding the horsey . . .

Since the video where the two boys were making each other laugh hysterically was tragically erased, Dayton will HAVE to come again and create even more memories! Thanks for sending your boy!

Southern Utah . . again . . . and again . . . and again!

We headed to Southern Utah 3 weekends in a row!  First we went to a Shields Family reunion at Ponderosa ranch.  We felt really lonely as only 75 of the 100+ relatives were able to make it :)  There was excellent swimming and family time, but Jackson was a terrible sleeper (only slept from 12-5 am!)

Next weekend we went to a condo in St. George.  It was a great get-away to have some time with just our little family.  It was HOT but we did alot of swimming, some shopping and game time.  We also visited the local historical church sites (not a great idea with a 2 year old that wants to touch everything).  We were so glad to relax together for a few days!

The Dixie narrows (narrow enough that our new little baby almost couldn't fit through!)

St. George Temple

Finally, we got to hike the infamous "subway" in Zions.  We have been trying to do this hike since right after we met (Dave did it without me the weekend after we started dating because I already had plans).  It has never worked out and we were worried that being 18 weeks pregnant might thwart our plans again, but thanks to a helpful husband we were able to complete this incredible hike. 

Learning delights

I don't know if a parent can explain to a non-parent exactly why they tell stories and experiences of their little one and the things they learn and do.  I think the non-parent is usually always bored by these stories.  Yet, these stories are the very thing that fill our days with joy and happiness.  To watch a child learn, grow, mimic, be silly and show their personality is so exciting!  This is the latest thing Jackson has learned.  Look at that concentration!

I am amazed at how exactly he has learned to place his hands on the knife and fork and even change hands when it is time to put the food in your mouth!  What a smarty pants (and he can even convert it to his own "left-handed" style!)

We're thinking . . .

We're excited for a new addition that will change our thinking dramatically!

Thanksgiving point fun

It had been so great to live close to Thanksgiving point and have so much to do there this summer.  WE had the opportunity to go with many friends and many more times with just Jackson and I.

Peacocks at the farm

Riding a tractor with his backpack

water erosion table at the dinosaur museum

Our most recent event was PIG DAY at the farm.  I was so amazed at how fun it was.  I finally have a kid who is almost able to do some crafts and get excited.  We made a pig costume (Seen below), frosted and decorated a pig cake, ate a plate of whip cream like a pig, rode a wagon, and had a great time with lots of people around.  Jackson can't get enough of showing off his costume and saying "oink,oink"

Yellowstone and Jackson Hole

In July we took a 4 day road trip with our small family.  We took the trip up slowly, stopping at my cousins to let Jackson try to murder a kitty with a head lock.  Then we stopped in Idaho Falls to see the temple and enjoy the falls (despite having grandparents live there my entire childhood, I didn't remember the falls!)

We camped in West Yellowstone right next to a beautiful lake.  Jackson was so excited to be in a tent.  Despite going to bed 2 hours after bedtime, he couldn't hold still or lay down, but once he finally fell asleep he slept until 7:30!  He was thrilled to wake up in a tent and right next to mom and dad.  "Hi, MOM!!" 

Yellowstone was beautiful!  It has been years since Dave or I had been there so it seemed all new to us.  Dave was a good sport to carry Jackson in the backpack for a long hike everyday.  This was 365 steps to see the lower falls . . . gorgeous.

I'll be honest, I thought there were much cooler sights than the geyers, but geyers make the most impressive pictures, so that is what I included.  I love the paint pots, the clean hot water and the steaming bubbling caves (namely Dragon's cave and mud caldron)

We enjoyed driving next to Yellowstone lake and then camped in the middle of the park.  It was much colder so we all slept in the same bed and Jackson was up by 6:30.   A nice warm 6 min. shower was so nice!

We saw pretty much all there was to see in Yellowstone and hiked up to Mystic Falls and a great overlook (just in time to see Old Faithful) and then dip our feet in the water Firewater River.  We drove down to Teton Park.  I was amazed by the stark difference in the beauties of the 2 parks.  The sharp mountains and flat land made the Tetons incredible. 

We went to a chuckwagon for dinner and a show.  Bar J was a place my grandpa took us and I had great memories there.  The food was good, but it was much more difficult to enjoy the show when Jackson was 100% uninterested.  Dave and I took turns watching Jackson run and explore.  He spent most of his time Riding the 'horsey' seen below.

We took a shuttle across Jenny Lake and then hiked to Hidden Falls.  We let Jackson hike 1/2 mile all on his own (he didn't want us to touch him at all).  He was slow and distracted by everything, but we made it! 

After another beautiful overlook, we hiked 3 miles around the beautiful lake and Jackson fell uncomfortably asleep for 30 mins.

We have wanted to take Jackson to his namesake since before he was born.  It was fun to see his name all around us. . . not to mention our initials JH all over.

Forgetting my purse in Star Valley and a screaming kid for 45 mins made the trip home interesting, but we are glad we got the chance to see the beauties up north.