Snow White

Lauren got this dress up from her Grandma and Papa North. She absolutely LOVES it. It came in the mail as a belated birthday gift. She was so excited and now is learning all about all the princesses.

Lauren

We have been "potty training" for several months. It has been a long, rough road which started with complete and total refusal to use the potty. Things have improved or so I thought. Today after Lauren had an "accident" in the carpet she started crying. I asked her what was wrong and she said, "I don't want to go on the potty anymore!" I asked her why and she said,"I'm just going to pee in my pants forever!" I guess we are not making as much progress as I thought.

Loss

I found out that Molly and Vic lost their little girl Lucy. She had a tragic accident and passed away on Thursday. My heart aches for them. Death is so difficult and it is hard to put into words how they are feeling. It brought back feelings from the losses we have experienced in our own family. It makes you grateful for each day you have with those you love. Our thoughts and prayers are with this family.

Rain

It rained today. Landon ran outside and said, "Who turned on the rain?" I said, "Heavenly Father." He said, "How'd he do that?" I said, "It's a science thing." I think I will go back to the library and get a few more books for him. He is obsessed with space and how the human body works so I have found all sorts of books and documentary type videos to teach him. I am grateful there are other resources to help him learn because I am realizing I don't know very much.

Preschool Graduation

Landon graduated from preschool yesterday. He got the award for wisdom because his teacher said he continually enlightened the class and gave detailed explanations for lots of things. He has learned a lot, had a good year and is anxious for the fall to start the pre-kindergarten class.

Project

This is the current project Jerry is working on. He loves his job and says if he didn't like us so much, he would never come home. We are glad we are liked! We are grateful for the job he has and for all he does to provide for our little family.

Five Months Old

Everyone says my kids all look alike so I thought it would be fun to post a picture of them all at the same age. Avery top, Lauren in the middle with Papa and Landon. You can definitely tell they are related. Avery is 5 months old now and is such a joy. She is so happy and smiles continually without prompting. She is slobbering a lot and sucks on her fingers constantly. She is playing with toys and learning to hold them better. She is actually trying to look at what she holds. She hasn't been rolling much but is definitely using her feet to push and is wiggling. She loves her Dad and he loves to see her when he comes home from work. We are so glad she is in our home!

Grand America

For those of you who have not been to this amazing hotel, I cannot say enough good about it. We had several major events this weekend.....

1. I drove to SLC by myself with all three kids. We had to make one stop but other than that, things went relatively well. A huge accomplishment for me.

2. Lindsay and I finished at least ONE conversation. I spent the whole day with her and I think we may have actually completed a conversation. I love being with her and talk incessantly, we just never have enough time to cover everything.

3. Rod and Shelby came down from Shelley to stay with us and help with the kids. We dined at the downtown Olive Garden (Jerry and I ate there shortly before we got married while stranded with car trouble in SLC) and thoroughly enjoyed our meal and the company (Andrew a classmate from the burg and also co-worker of Jerry's). Uncle Rod proved again he is their "favorite uncle" by bringing Landon a monster truck and Lauren and Brooklyn a Dora van. They have not stopped playing with them yet.

4. We stayed and ate at the Grand America which is like the nicest place ever. The food is amazing.....we had prime rib for "brunch". Jerry and Andrew thought this was pretty sweet. Amber also joined us which enhanced the trip greatly and even spent time with the kids and I which included cleaning up a chocolate ice cream cone that Landon dropped on the ground at Hagen Daas (sp?) and also an early morning shopping trip to a Smith's grocery store with an escalator. Great times. We also found out if you walk around the lobby you are offered bottled water and warm chocolate chip cookies and oh yeah, around 6pm they come and turn down your bed and bring you a box of really good chocolates AND the maids dress in REAL maid outfits the black ones with the white aprons. Jerry thought this was pretty cool.

5. It was confirmed that Jacobsen is an amazing company and provides their employees with great perks. The brunch, breakfast and hotel accommodations were fabulous. We also received a gift basket in our room full of all sorts of goodies. Jerry is doing so well and I was so pleased to hear about his work and accomplishments.

6. Shelby and Rod went to the sad ending of the Lakers and Jazz game. The Lakers were staying at our hotel. Shelby meets and poses for a photo with Zeek from High School Musical while waiting in the lobby to meet the Lakers who never came back after the game.

7. Kevin, Brooklyn and Britton swim in the most amazing outdoor pool and somehow Britton doesn't climb off the stairs and drown. He actually just stays there and after swallowing water because he goes down too far, climbs back up. Amazing.

8. Landon and Lauren jump into the pool without any swim aides....obviously, Mom was not there. Jerry confesses he could "live" in the locker room at the GA. Apparently there was fresh fruit and water with lemons and cucumber. What more could you ask for?

9. We have a great afternoon with Brent and Jill watching really funny made up news shows and eating brisket. They are the best friends and highly entertaining.