The First Haircut

We gave Payton his first haircut a few weeks ago. I was so proud of him. He wasn't scared at all. He just sat there and held really still and just smiled at us. I really thought I'd miss his long hair, but he just looks so handsome all clean cut like his Daddy.

The draw back to cutting off all that scraggly little baby hair is that they instantly look so much older.

CALIFORNIA!!!!

Well we're finally feeling settled into our new home! I can't believe we've been here almost 2 months. Nate is stressed out 90% of the time. School is pretty intense but he is doing well. The boys and I are having a great time. Jackson finally has a big yard to play in and he's been helping me pull weeds and plant flowers. We go for long walks every day and just enjoy looking out at the ocean.

Payton is developing the cutest little personality. He already has a great sense of humor. He's starting to talk and he's really close to walking.

He's a sweet little boy, but I can see that I've coddled him. He refuses to hold his own bottle and he won't feed himself. He'd rather not eat than have to feed himself. He's a little squirt and we can't get enough of him.

Jackson has loved meeting new people and having playgrounds so close. We have 3 great playgrounds within walking distance so that has been really nice. His coordination is improving and he's getting better at facing his fear of heights. He's just a big boy now. He tells me that every day. "Mommy I'm a big boy, don't boss me around." Unfortunately for him I'll be bossing him around for years to come!!

We're loving it here and everyone is happy and healthy. Payton just had his 1st birthday party. I was looking forward to him smearing chocolate frosting all over himself, but considering that A) he doesn't like to feed himself and B) he doesn't like to be messy, my dreams of taking the traditional "messy kid on his first birthday" did not come true. But he had a great birthday none-the-less.

Big Boys

Payton is trying so hard to be a big boy like Jackson. Jackson has patience with him and lets him follow him around trying to copy everything he does. Payton really studies what Jackson does and is interested in all his toys. I can't get him to play with baby toys. He only wants to play cars with Jackson. I love to watch them together. Moments like this one are priceless.

Payton just started waving. It's funny how those totally normal things are so adorable and exciting when a baby does them.

Nate made it to California. He hasn't started school yet. I think they're just keeping him busy for a couple more weeks doing in-processing and stuff like that. I'm not real sure though. We don't know yet when we'll be moving but I hope and pray that it's very soon. I've already started packing. I'm just so eager to see Nate and be a whole family again. The boys really miss having their Daddy around.

Jackson's prayers

Jackson was saying his prayers last night and said the most adorable thing. He said,"I'm thankful for my family. I'm thankful for Jesus. I'm thankful that Jesus died and hurt his hands. And I'm thankful that I saw stars in the temple." I'm always amazed at the things he says and the sweet spirit he has. When he's running around being a wild 3 year old I forget how close to the spirit he really is.

Sometimes his prayers are more on the funny side though. After Grandpa got his knee replacement surgery Jackson said this in his prayer, "Please bless Grandpa, and his Doctor, and his Butt." It still makes me laugh when I think about it. I'm so lucky that I get to be at home with my kids and be here for all the amazing things that they do. I am truly blessed.

The First One

Jackson and Payton are good friends and get along so well! Payton is a sweet little baby and Jackson is such a big helper. Nate and I are so lucky to have such wonderful boys. Being sealed to each other and to the boys was the most wonderful experience. It was the best day of my life and I'll never forget how sweet it was.

Nate called yesterday! He had just finished his big "excursion." They spent 6 days and 5 nights "playing" war. He said that it was grueling but he learned so much and he actually did enjoy it. It is hard for me to hear about the things that he goes through, but it makes me so proud of him to know that he is so brave. Joining the National Guard has been a really great thing for him. It has been a huge sacrifice to be apart, but there have been so many positive changes in all of us.

Nate graduates on Friday the 8th and the next day he will fly out to California. We won't know for a while when we can go out there and be with him, but hopefully it'll be soon. We are ready to get out of the snow and see the ocean!!