Christmas in Boise!

My camera arrived, and I have downloaded the pictures I took over our Christmas vacation. We had such a fun time! We spent about 10 days there. I swear it seems like we're there only a short week. Jake was loved on the entire time we were there. He was so spoiled. He followed Dylan everywhere! Dylan is the best. He played so much with him. And when Dylan's friends would come over they'd all play with Jake too. He was so happy to be playing with the "big boys".

This was the first year I'd spent in Boise over Christmas without snow. It was cold, but not too bad. There was snow one morning, but it quickly burned off. The boys were able to play golf a few times, and us girls were able to get our coffee's, massages, lunches, and even some shopping. It was nice and relaxing.

We went to a nice church service and even went back and met with our pastor there. Pastor Tom is great! It was nice to catch up and tell him all about what we've been up to. We even talked about dedicating our next son over the fall. It's nice to have someone to talk to about things that are going on, and have someone pray with you. I just wish we could attend his church more regularly. Who knows what the future will bring, right? ;)

Well, after those 10 days, it was time for us to head home. Grant needed to get back to work, and I needed to get myself and Jake back on track. After spending that time with my family and seeing Jake play with another boy, I'm so excited to have my next son. I know that the 17 month age difference will be hard, but I know that they will be best friends. I'm so happy to be having another boy. I love watching him play, and get into things. The exploring is so exciting for him... it makes me a little nervous at times... but, I'm never too far away.

Thank you mom, dad, grandma, and Dylan for making our trip so fun! It was one of the best Christmas's to date! In fact, this year as a whole has been so fun! Every holiday just gets better with having kids and a full house. Thank you each and every one of you for making 2011 so memorable. Cheers to a new year full of blessings!

Here are some pictures of our trip:

 My dad gave him a few gifts to open on Christmas Eve.

 The family came down to this... my mom is so talented! She needs to be an event planner! Maybe we'll do something in Boise next year??? ;)

GORGE!

 Our family of 3... or 4 actually! 

 Getting help with all of his presents.

 Jake got so many toys! I had to leave most of them... and ship the others!

 Silly boy.

 Jake was so spoiled by his grandparents!

 Hugs!

 On way to a family breakfast in downtown Boise.

Our favorite... GOLDY'S.

 Grant and his boys.

 Pop Pop and Ya Ya with Jake.

 On a walk around the city of Boise.

 Pop Pop carried Jake everywhere!

 Inside the Capital of Idaho. My stylish little dude.

 My little brother Dylan. Isn't he cute?

15 month check up.

Jake is actually 16 months tomorrow, but we've been traveling visiting my parents. I wanted to at least post a little update on Jake.

Jake had his 15 month baby well check last week and he's doing great! He's growing like crazy. He's in the 90th percentile for weight, and over a 100th for height. He's 28 pounds and 34 1/2 inches. The doctor checked his height twice just to confirm. I guess they see me and can't believe how tall my little man is. Then I remind them that my husband is 6'8, and it all makes sense. ;)

Our little guy is talking like crazy. Mainly lots of chatter. And then he has his core words. It's so cool hearing his new words. He loves to point at things so I can explain what they are. He's very inquisitive.

He's running all over and climbing on everything. He is so much fun to play with. He loves to play outside and hang out with older kids. He's not too interested in younger kids or babies. Just the older ones. Perhaps because they are more his size and are playing actual sports. While he's been in Idaho he's been kicking around the soccer ball, throwing a football, and playing basketball. My little sports fan. Next time we are here he'll be on the golf course with his uncle! :)

Here is a video of this silly monkey:

I will post about Christmas, and our vacation soon! Hope everyone has a wonderful New Years!

4th of July and Boise trip. (part two)

I got home from Boise on Tuesday evening and realized I forgot my laptop. So, I had to have my family send it to me. I just got it this afternoon. I'm so behind on pictures and posts. So, let me get right to it.

The 4th of July was so much fun! We hung out and ate lots of food! Good wine, laughter, and lots of fireworks. My parents backyard is pretty much on the 11th hole. It's beautiful. Grant set off fireworks in the back and so did all the other neighbors. You could see fireworks from 3 other surrounding cities. It was so beautiful. Another thing I love about Boise is that the sun doesn't set until 10pm. So, you can stay up and out longer. It's great! 

Jake did great with his sleep schedule. It didn't bother him at all. He adjusted to the time right away. He's so wonderful on the plane too. He cuddles up to me and sleeps the entire time. What a trooper! He's getting so big though. Like I said in a few blogs ago... The baby carriers are done. My back is usually so sore after I walk around with him in it.  Now, I just carry him or put him in the BOB stroller. I have the whole baby travel thing down packed. I never over pack and it's just the right amount. 

Grant and I have a little family vacation planned in August. We're going to Scottsdale, AZ. I haven't been in years. So, I'm excited to be taking a trip just our family of 3. :)

Here are some pics:

We made smores on the fire pit. This picture was taken at 9:30pm!

 A few pictures at Indian Creek Winery on the 4th of July.

Ya Ya with Jake.

 My grandma bought Jake a baby pool to stay cool in. We made Dylan get in too! ha! 

 JAKE LOVED IT!! He loves water.

 Such a happy baby!

Cheers,

Jake's Dedication and our Boise trip. (Part one.)

This trip was especially special to Grant and I. Not only having family together, but getting our son dedicated. We decided to have the pastor that married us in 2009 dedicate our son. He has prayed for us and continues to pray for us. He is an incredible man. A man that Jake will look up to. When I am in town we go to the church on Sunday's. This is a special church to Grant and I. My parents, my grandma, and Grant's mom where all there as well. It was so special. I cried 8 times during the service. Tears of pure joy! So proud of my little man already! He is such a good baby. He looked right at the pastor and smiled at him. Not scared at all. Smiled on the stage to all the people looking at him. 

This has been a trip to remember! So many wonderful things have been going on. I'm so thankful for everything in my life. I know I say it a lot... but, I feel truly blessed. I'm so happy! :)

Here are some pictures from our trip so far (I'm actually still here):

Great Grandma Hodges.

10 MONTHS OLD!

Little scratch never hurt no one! ;) My little toughie!

Jake's play area at his grandparents house. 

The boys! Getting ready to golf.

LOVES the most random things!

Grandmother Stone and Jake.

Sheriff Jake in town! 

Grant throwing the football to the boys in the front!

My little family of 3. :)

4 generations.

Pop Pop with the boys.

Pastor Tom praying for Jake. 

The guys have been playing golf everyday. The girls have been shopping, cooking, sitting outside, and site seeing. We've even hung out with friends that moved here from college. It's been very relaxing. I love it here. Sitting in my parents backyard, music playing, laughing, and staring at the golf course! It stays light until about 10pm! Seriously, it really does! Jumping on the golf course at any hour to hit some balls. Yes, please! So fun!

Grant went home last night. I was sad to see him leave. I come home this weekend. It will be sad to leave, but I know another trip will be in the making!

More pictures to come! I still need to download the 4th of July and other pictures.

Cheers,

Road trip/Flight #4 (Part two)

Part 2 of our Idaho trip will be a little shorter. After Jake's 2 trips to the urgent care he started to feel better. I ended up in the urgent care after. I started taking medicine, and then I came down with the flu. SERIOUSLY. Anyhow, I wasn't really up to taking pictures feeling as sick as I was. 

Before I got the flu I did have a lot of fun days! Over the weekend my dad, grandma, brother, Jake, and I went on a few drives around Boise. It was pretty cold and rainy so it was fun to pick up coffee's and cruise around the town. We stopped for lunches, and ate at some good restaurants! Ever heard of Diners, Drive In's and Dives from the Food Network? Well, they've been to Boise more than once! We went all over. Boise is such a great city. Have you ever been? If not, I recommend it!

We got back home after over 2 weeks in Boise. I feel like a broken record, but, I hate leaving my family. It's so hard to be far. I HATE IT. My family is so helpful and loving. I'm so lucky. I wish I could just drive over for dinner or for my family to watch Jake while Grant and I have a date night. It's nerve racking finding someone to watch your precious baby! I was happy to come home and see my husband! Grant was a busy little bee while I was gone! He is so darn thoughtful! He bought me a PreCore elliptical machine and a food processor! I have been complaining about not being about to get to the gym and that I wish I had one... and also that I wanted to make sure I was making all of Jake's food while we were home... presto! Now, I have both. :)

It's been a tough transition for Jake in the last 72 hours. Jake got home around 11am on Wednesday evening and didn't really remember our house. He didn't remember his room, and the things he once loved. I know it was late and he was really tired. Imagine waking up in Boise (after over 2 weeks), then getting on a plane, falling asleep, and then waking back up and brought into a new home. He didn't want me to put him down. He didn't even really want to go to Grant. I told Grant not to get upset. Jake fell asleep on me and laid next to me the entire night. Yesterday he woke up and things were much better. Today he was even better. Still doesn't like when I walk out of the room, and only wants me to hold him.  Any advice? I read that it takes a few days when you've been gone as long as us to get back into the swing of things. Poor thing. We're going to Oklahoma in a few weeks... will it start all over again?

Since I've been gone... Jake is crawling, and even grew! I can't leave him anywhere! How do you take a shower? Where do you put them? I have to take the crib mattress down, and put together the high chair Grant just bought yesterday. This little guy is mobile!

Well, enjoy the Boise pics. Jake turned 7 months today... I will post his 7 month pictures later today! 

pop pop with Jake.

On the freeway heading to downtown Boise.

Love the trees in the town area.

The Capital.

Jake with his pop pop. He had so much fun playing with him!

We were feeling better, so we all went to lunch!

Dylan saying good bye to Jake at the airport.

Cheers,