February/St. George

Jackson has taken full advantage of Carter being gone half the day by playing in his room as much as he can.  He loves to read books on Carter's bed and play with his Legos.

Jackson also discovered how good spaghetti can be.  I have been trying to convince him for a long time about the goodness of noodles.  It took him quite awhile but once he finally caved and tried them, he couldn't get enough.  It is a very messy meal when he does:)

 He loves to copy things that Carter does and has decided that he wants to brush his teeth "all by myself."  So we compromise and he brushes first and then I finish for him.

All his hard work paid off at the dentist.  No cavaties and things look perfect.  This was the first time that he got to sit in the big chair in the real room.  Our past 2 visits have been in a closed room, while sitting on my lap.  I was so nervous for him but he acted like he came here every week.  

 Having the movie on the ceiling and headphones sure never hurt anything!  The only part he didn't like was when she flossed his teeth.  It made me gag, a lot.  He has a pretty sensitive gag reflex and is very nervous of new things in his mouth but he really did awesome.

Not to forget Carter....He started out the month by wanting to be in charge of picking out his outfits for school.  His first choice was a doozy........Luckily he really only has jeans for school and it's hard to mess up jeans and some sort of shirt.  But these play pants sure do keep things exciting.

Towards the end of the month we headed south to Sunny St. George for a 4 day weekend.  Carter kept telling us that he sure could move to St. George.  No one was hating the sun and 65-70 degree temps.

My boys sure take after Neil and love everything outdoors, rocks and dirt.  They could climb rocks all day if we let him.

Jackson has no fear or hesitations about climbing and exploring things.

Steep climbs didn't even phase him.  Neither did the coming down part.

Carter, being our more cautious child, still needed some encouragement when things got a little high or steep.  But overall, he did great.  

We all made it to the top.  If you look closely to the right you can see the St. George temple in the background.  

 Jumping off anything and everything!

My friend Kristen and her little girl Mara joined us for some of the weekend.  Mara should wished she could run and climb on all the rocks.  

 Long days outside made for good sleepers at night.  This was Jackson's first experience without sleeping in a crib or the pack n play.  He did awesome.  Never fell out of bed and slept great.

Always time for rice and snacks before a big hike.  

 Carter never turns down a snack either.

 With the Olympics going on during this time, and watching them frequently, the boys got in to the competitive spirit and had many running races.  Down in their ready positions...

Jackson takes the early lead over Carter.  Both boys energy these days were amazing.  They rarely walked on our hikes.  They alternated running and jogging.  Hardly ever walking.

Best Friends.

 I convinced them to slow down long enough for a picture.  

 More climbing in Snow Canyon.

 Carter was always first, helping Jax in the front with Neil supervising from behind.

 After some hiking and rock climbing in Snow Canyon we headed over to the sand.  Both boys were in heaven.

Enjoying some digging in the sand.

Our friends Tammy and Dave joined us for the sand part and Tammy dug a hole for the boys to climb and play in.  

Another part of the weekend included the Parade of Homes in St. George.  Surprisingly, it is not just me who enjoys a good home show.  Neil, Carter and Jax all love to come as well.

The boys were really fixated this year on the walk in showers.

 The second night we were there, Carter got brave enough and let me pull out his first loose tooth.  He was quite nervous but it basically fell right out when I touched it.

 He was so excited to leave his tooth for the tooth fairy while in a Hotel!  Tooth Fairy didn't disappoint and left him $2 since it was his first tooth.

 One afternoon was spent at the local indoor pool that had slides, a lazy river, and hours of fun.  They had an adult water slide and both boys loved it.  Carter was super nervous at first and didn't love going down by himself.  We finally convinced him to go again with one of us, and then he was sold.  Jax needed no convincing.  He loved being whipped around those corners and went time after time.  The biggest tantrum of his life happened when it was time to go.  He could have stayed at the pool for the next week.

 First time at the park this year.  Daredevil Jax making me nervous by climbing anything and everything in sight.

Vitamin D is just what the doctor orders for Jackson and St. George delivered on that!  Jackson is suppose to be in direct sunlight each and every day for 30 minutes WITHOUT sunscreen.  And then a little sunscreen to prevent Cancer.  

 Carter loved playing with Mara and sure wishes he had a baby sibling to play with.

After all our adventures, both boys were starving.  With the busy weekend, restaurants were packed so we ended up at Red Robin one night.  It is a family favorite and both boys ate their body weight in chicken and fries.  Jackson now eats enough to warrant his own kids meal.  No more sharing.

Carter was able to spend the last morning in St. George golfing with Neil and Dave.  He loves to do anything his dad does.  

 We were able to break up the trip with stops at Great Grandma and Grandpa's house each way.  The boys loved playing with them and they are always so sweet to them.  We love them.

When we got back to Logan we decided it was time to bust out the scoot bike for Jackson.  Carter and Neil enjoyed some mountain biking in St. George, and next year maybe Jax can join them.

He had no fear and although he started slowly, he made quick progress and loves being on his bike going exploring.  We are already planning our trip to St. George next February!