Kinsey Grace: Getting too big!

Kinsey's Army Crawl

Trip to TH

We went down to TH on Saturday night so I could go to Jacci's baby shower on Sunday. Jackson got to go "swimming" in the hot tub with Papa. And he had "papa"corn (popcorn) while relaxing on Grammy's new red chair.

Searby Visit

We were SO excited to have Jen, Joel & Evan visiting with us over lunch today! I tried to snap this quick picture before Evan tried to get away : ) Thanks Searby's for stopping by . . . . it was GREAT to see you!

He is watching . . . .

Sometimes you wonder if your kids pick up on things . . . . boy, we certainly learned this evening that Jackson has been watching us (well, me anyway). Check this out!

PS. Potty Training Update: Jackson went #2 in the potty!!! WOO-HOO! : ) You know your a parent when you get excited about bathroom activity.

Play Date with Grammy, Claire & Blake

Jackson & Claire Dancing Mary Poppins Style!

Morning at the Park

Fun Weekend

We had a fun weekend. . . . there was a Family Fun Day on Saturday. Jackson got to ride a pony with Nathan for the 1st time (he wasn't sure about it until he got going). He also had SEVERAL snow cones : ) There was a petting zoo (cows, goats, rabbit, baby ducks and wild baby turkeys) and inflatables. We all had a great time! And Jackson didn't want to leave . . . he cried all the way home! He wanted to go back and see the Mommy and Daddy cows.

Jackson also spent some quality time with Daddy . . . they went fishing and golfing.

Zaccheus!

I have been meaning to post this video since right after Blake's birthday party. Jackson was extremely shy at the party (which is very out of character for him), but on the way home he was a chatter box and singing all kinds of songs. So here is a little Zaccheus for ya . . .

PS. Potty training is going MUCH better today! No accidents at all so far : ) HOORAY!

Potty Party

Well, today began our potty training adventure. It was a trying day, but we did have a few bright points (so I have to hold on to those to keep me positive). I don't exactly gush with patience, so it took everything within me to get through all of the puddles and wet undies. He is a sweet boy, so that keeps me going too : )

In some of my reading, it suggested using a bear to help show the child the steps. So here is Mr. Bear with Spiderman undies! (David cracked up so much when he saw this little guy sitting on the potty chair). We also have been watching Potty Time with Bear in the Blue House on loan from the library (Thanks Michelle). Jackson LOVES it! A little positive peer pressure is never a bad thing . . . . and if it brain washes him a little, that would be ok too!

Arts Conference at Willow

David and I had the privilege to go to the Willow Creek Arts Conference "Arise". It was a fantastic time to recharge and get some much needed inspiration. We enjoyed excellent speakers that were insightful and challenging as well as some amazing art.

Here are a few highlights . . .

Session 1 Opener with an AMAZING Drumline
Session 3 Message with Brian McLaren
Music by Robbie Seay Band & Kendall Payne
Breakout Sessions with Ross Parsley from New Life Church
and Joe Horness from BayPointe Community Church

Potty Training Advice

OK, all you moms out there . . . . give me your best potty training advice! What worked, what didn't work . . . . I need the 411. I have been reading a few books that have given me some helpful advice, but I really would like to get input from moms who have really been there! I am hoping to get started in a few weeks . . . let the fun begin : )

Blake Turns 1

Our nephew Blake (my sister's youngest) turned 1 on Thursday and we celebrated with a Cardinal's party on Friday night. The weather didn't exactly cooperate for the backyard party, but we survived. He LOVED the cupcake . . . no big surprise there!




Big Sister Claire ate her weight in watermelon . . . seriously, she had 7+ pieces : ) She also made many costume changes during the party (she loves to play dress up).














The kids and Daddy were all decked out in the Cardinal's gear. Claire and Ellie Young were enjoying their cupcakes.

Kinsey Grace-7 Months

Kinsey Grace turned 7 months on Friday.

Playing at the Children's Zoo

Jackson had a BALL playing in the water . . . . it was perfect on a hot day like today!

Day at the Zoo

The kids and I went to the St. Louis Zoo today with our friends Cheryl and Kiley. It was a long day, but a lot of fun. Jackson really enjoyed it this year! And Kinsey was a pretty good girl too . . .






We also went to the Children's Zoo where Jackson got to brush a goat, play in the water effects and even found out he is as tall as a River Otter (who knew). . . . : )

Time Together

David took Jackson over to the golf course tonight to let him "hit". He didn't destroy the greens too bad : ) HA! He actually does pretty good when he takes his time. Kinsey and I enjoyed just watching : )



Just last night, Kinsey started sitting up on her own well. Here she is being a big girl! The goofy look on her face is new too. . . . she sucks her bottom lip in and makes a funny smile.

David and I celebrated our 7th Anniversary on Monday. We went out for dessert and the new Narnia movie. WOW how fast the last 7 years has gone by!

Warner Visit

Courtney, Claire & Blake came to visit our new house on Tuesday. The cousins loved playing together . . . .







Aunt Courtney with Kinsey AND Claire and Jackson playing tag.

Backyard Fun

Our Week

We have really enjoyed being able to get outside this week. Lots of walks in the wagon and stroller, playing at the park and in the backyard, and even going to the pool. Kinsey LOVED the pool! She just floated around and didn't mind that the water was a little cool. Jackson did NOT want to get in the big pool. So he played with some toys in the baby pool, until right before it was time to leave. Then he finally decided he wanted to swim in the big pool (maybe a stall tactic, but oh well). David was so excited so we let him jump in and swim around for a few more minutes. He wears a swim vest and an inter tube, so he was swimming around everywhere and didn't want to leave! Surprise, surprise! Hopefully it won't take so long for him to warm up next time! (Which we hope will be again VERY soon!)
We also had some friends over tonight for dinner (Craig, Cheryl and Kiley). Kiley and Jackson loved chasing bubbles and playing in our fountain. They were both SOAKED and worn out by the end of the night!

Memorial Day

We headed back down to TH for the holiday. It was a little cool for the kiddie pool, so Papa lowered the temp on the hot tub. It was a HIT! Kinsey and Blake didn't get in on the swimming, but they still had a fun time with each other.

We visited with Great-Grandma and Grandpa Jackson on Sunday night and went over to see Great-Grandma Mary on Monday morning.

Such a happy boy! It is crazy to think that Blake will be 1 already on the 5th! It was so funny listening to him crack himself up . . . . and he is getting so fast at crawling. He could walk if he really wanted to, but he can get everywhere faster crawling so he doesn't bother with it.