Disneyland

Back in October we decided to take a last minute Disneyland trip. Justin has been looking for a new job for about a year now. He was offered one in October so we decided before we did not have a lot of vacation time we should take advantage and run to California. We are so glad we did.
We decided to drive, but we were a little worried to be in a car for 10 hours with how active Jack is. We drove for 7 hours then decided to get out at an outlet mall. Once we got there Jackson went nuts! He could not stop running and literally diving into clothes. The only thing that stopped him is he finally missed the clothes and took a nose dive. After that we thought that maybe we went a little too long.
When we got to the hotel we were so excited we could hardly stand it. Jack on the other hand kept on sniffing and saying "it stinks bye bye home." The kid has such a strong sense of smell. He often lets people know that their home stinks, or if a woman nearby has perfume on he makes sure to let everyone know that it stinks. Sometimes being to mom of a toddler can be embarrassing.
The next morning we went to Disneyland and it was so magical. Justin and I love Disney but to take our son with us this time was a million times better. The first ride we took him on was the Matterhorn. This is when having a really tall two year old helps. Jackson is a little thrill seeker so of course he loved it! By the end of the day I was exhausted but Jack and Justin we still running strong. We spent two more days in Disneyland and the third day Justin's parents met us there. Jackson was is heaven showing them all the new things he had been doing.
We wanted to wait until Jackson was a little older but we could not help ourselves. I am so glad we went. The memories from the trip will be ones I cherish forever!

What Gives Me Joy!

We finally got a new computer that will actually let me download pictures! We have been busy this fall with the fair, pumpkin patches, Halloween, and a quick trip to Disneyland. I will get all of those posted soon.
Lately I have been feeling very grateful I guess it is with Thanksgiving coming up. Two weeks ago at church we had a lesson in Relief Society where we all got up and shared one thing that gave us joy. It had a big impact on me. I think so many times it can be so easy to look at the the things we want in our life, and not the things that we have. Here are just a few things that give me joy.

- I love when we ask Jackson what his name is he will say, "I don't know." But if he looks at a picture of himself he will say, "Jack."

- My Dad has always called Jackson J.J. and recently Justin's dad has been calling him J.J. too. Last night we were all in the kitchen and Jackson said "J.J. Pa" (he calls his Grandpa's Pa.) So Justin asked him if he likes J.J. or Jackson better and there was no question. Jackson belted out J.J. so all night he walked around the house saying J.J. I love how much he adores his grandparents it is one of my greatest joys.

- Getting phone calls from my sister just to chat.

- When Justin gets home from work, walks in the door, and gives us both a big hug and kiss.

- How Jack always reminds us to say prayers no matter where we are.

- Our bedtime routine with Jackson. We brush teeth say prayers and then he give both of us a big hug and a kiss on the cheek, and he milks it so he doesn't have to go to bed yet. We milk it a little ourselves, you can never get enough hugs from your kids.

- I love date night. We don't do it often enough but I love spending as much time as I can with my hubby.

- I love to sit down and read blogs. Home decor blogs, food blogs, photography blogs, craft blogs you name it. Time wasting on the computer does give me joy.

- I have so many good friends that give me support, love, and joy.

- Sunday's. We go to church then either hang out at home all day as a family or go visit grandma and grandpa.

- I love a clean house. I am not a very organized person but when my house is clean I love it!

- Good food. I love to cook and have Jackson "help" me. If I could be in the kitchen baking and cooking all day I would.

- Jackson is waking up and yelling mama so I better go. Hearing that little man yell mama is one of my greatest joys. There were a few years that we weren't sure we would ever hear those words. Man I am one lucky mommy.

Jackson's 2nd Birthday Party!

I can't believe my baby is 2! He had such a great time running around with his cousins and friends. Thanks so much to everyone that came we seriously have the best family and friends.

Lazy days of summer, more like crazy days of summer!

This picture sums up our summer! We have been running non stop. Between all the camping trips, firework shows, BBQ's, and getting approved to adopt baby number two(which we should finally be officially approved in a few weeks) I feel a little like Jackson myself. So tired I can't even get my eyes closed before I fall asleep and forget about washing my face first. We still have fair season which my parents are very involved in and Jackson's 2nd birthday party coming up, I am also trying to complete an adoption blog in the next two weeks. Which means I should stop blogging and go do something productive.

Photo bomb of our crazy summer!

Poor little guy is allergic to everything. Thank goodness for children's Allegra!

Dancing to his own beat!

our 4th in pictures

Family, friends, good food, fun, and fireworks. It was crazy busy but I can't think of a better way to spend the day!

just what we needed

When we woke up last Monday morning Justin had the idea to drop everything and go camping. He had to talk me into it a little but by 10 a.m. our car was all packed and ready to go. Jackson was in heaven.
When it was time to go to bed Jackson was so excited he could not sleep. We kept on telling him to lay down and close his eyes so he would for about 10 seconds and then he would just giggle. I was so tired I finally rolled over and before long I felt a tiny little body quietly reaching over me lifting up my eyelid and then a loud "boo mama." All we could do is laugh. The next morning Jackson was so tired and grumpy but it was all worth it! I love summer days!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Fathers Day
To the Dad who's little boy is sure he hung the moon!
To the Dad who loves his son's mommy and always puts her first.
To the Dad who is never too busy to stop everything and play hide n seek.
To the Dad who provides us with our every needs.
To the Dad who gets up in the night when his son has a bad dream.
To the Dad who is so patient and never raises his voice.
To the Dad who tells us he loves us one hundred times a day!
Happy Father's day babe!

Justin I could go on forever on how you are an amazing father all the way from our journey to finding Jackson to all of your future plans for him. It would never really express how grateful I am that you are Jackson's and our future children's father. I love to see how Jackson adores you. Thank you for loving us like you do!