Trolley Ride

Today the historical electic trolley was operating. We have never riden on it, and now that we have a train fanatic we decide to take the plunge. The Motorman gave us a tour of the trolley barn that holds other trolleys, only one that still works. Then we (and only we) hopped on board for a short ride. The inside was very beautiful, made around 1913.

Has Summer Arrived?

Today was in the 80's and I thought I was going to pass out! Oh, am I in for a long summer! The boys and I filled up the pool before naptime so it could warm-up a bit. I must have felt great as JJ played in it for almost 3 hours!
Jackson decided it was more fun to try and jump down the slide. He said it didn't hurt, but I wouldn't be surprised if he has a sore bum tomorrow! This was Jacob's first try with the kiddy pool. He mainly stayed on the outside since his first impression was falling in from a bump from the Flying Jackson.
This picture is a true sacrifice of a mother! We got a 3 pack of goggles from Costco and J wanted to take a picture of us wearing them. I am posting this 1) because we had fun and 2) I love JJ's no-nonsense football face and Jacob's pure look of admiration for his brother. Too bad he doesn't always look at him like this!

Trip to Spokane

We headed to Spokane this weekend to have a Mother's Day/Grandma's Birthday/See Uncle Kevin from Ohio dinner with a bunch of Marc's family. We first stopped at a park to visit a friend of mine from college and her daughter before heading to dinner. Here is JJ posing once again!

Jacob was loving the pure sugar frosting that Aunt Stacie was feeding him!

Jacob has recently decided that drinking is much more fun with straws. This kept him busy for quite some time before I stopped paying attention and half of it went in our laps! I am not thrilled with this picture of me, but for those who have been asking how much hair I cut off...there you go! (Not a good hair shot either, oh well!)

My baby is looking more like a little boy! Sad.

Here is the gang that could meet for dinner. This is only about 2/3 of the crew that assembles for family functions. So even though we seemed to have taken over the restaurant, they should feel lucky we weren't all there!

Beautiful Spring!

The weather has been so nice lately. I am trying to take advantage of it before it becomes scorching hot! Those who know me, know I don't like it above 72! I think I might be running out of time soon. Anyways, here our just some pics I have taken recently in our daily fieldtrips to the backyard!

Marcus is worried I am creating another coffee addict! Don't worry, I only let him have the last sip. I wish the lighting on my camera was better in this pic. It was great in person.

JJ has recently started to enjoy the camera. Until now, it was hard to get him to smile. Now he wants his picture taken!

Chugga-lug, Baby Boy!

My little monkey

Jacob loves being in the baby swing. He will even get mad at me if I get him out too early. I should enjoy this while I can, considering I get about 30-45 minutes of "free-time".

This is one of Jacob's newest games. You can show him a pout and he will copy you and then giggle. One night he was so tired playing this game he didn't know if he was actually mad and let out some cries in between.

Sweet Mags is even enjoying our being outside. She will be 4 tomorrow, but stills acts like a 10 year old!

Jackson's First Day of "School"

Now that Jackson is 3 he is able to come to school with me when I sub. He knows and loves the Childcare teacher from church, so he has been waiting for this day to come. This was also a great incentive in potty training, as you have to be trained to come! He is not actually in school yet, but they do many preschool activities in childcare that it is pretty close!

These pics are actually of his second day. The day before I got called to come cover for a teacher going home sick. I was in such a rush that I forgot MANY things and it was only for the afternoon. So, for nostalgia's sake, this is his first day! Here he is, dressed and ready earlier than he normally gets up. Like the cheesy smile?

His teacher, Mrs. Boyd, tried to get a picture of him plugging his ears during music time. He told her that he didn't like music, which is a total lie! He always turns it on at home for Jacob and him to dance. Later he told me he was tired and didn't want to sing.

Like most kids, recess was one of his favorite activities. But unlike most kids, he was always in anticipation of the bell (could this be because of his train infatuation?) and the whistle. He told me many times that the bell "says" it is time to go inside and the whistle says, "Come line up!"

He was pretty attached to Mrs. Boyd. In fact, he had a few meltdowns if she had to leave him for a minute. Jackson has known her all his life and has always called her Bridgett. She told me on the first day during nap that she kept hearing a little whisper saying, "Bridgett." She responded with, "Mrs. Boyd." To which JJ kept responding, "Bridgett." She tried hard not to laugh.

He is so proud of the caterpillar he made.

So is Mom! Hey, Grandma Mary, check out the placement of the eyes, nose (little hard to see), and mouth! He will point to each facial figure, but then also wants to know what the squiggly line above the nose is! Could we have a perfectionist on our hands?! Or maybe a Picasso?
Overall, it was a success start to "school", even though he was very tired each day, is learning how to walk in a line, and had a few "I want my Mommy" meltdowns. I got many good comments from teachers and the kids seemed to take him under their wings!