SunShine

Jackson has a new love. The swing. Everyday we lather on the sunscreen and head to the park for a fun filled afternoon on the swing and in the sand.

the weekend

On Sunday afternoon we decided it was time. We packed Jackson up on Joel's back and went for a hike in the foothills of Boulder. Ahhh... the smell of pine trees. We have definately missed our weekends spent in the mountains. But we're back...just at a little slower pace than before:)

He pretty much had this little grin on his face the whole way up. I think he felt like it was cool to be on dad's back.

Milk Break.

It tired us all.

saturday mornings

The smell of french toast, the sound of jackson squealing, and an empty day ahead are just what we need after a LONG week.

Maybe Im more like my mom than I thought.

We've found this blog to be quite inspiring: http://www.becomingminimalist.com/ It is written by one of my youth pastors from high school. I wouldn't ever consider Joel and I to be minimalists at the present, but we are definitely starting to see some of the benefits. Minimalism is defined as being stripped to the essentials. I like the idea of having a home that is clutter free, organized and rid of things we dont use. Joel likes the idea of saving money and not buying things we dont need :) So, even though our motives for possibly becoming a bit more minimalist are completely different, I think we can learn to meet somewhere in the middle of this process.

The above blog talks about starting with a room in the house, minimalizing it, and moving on to the next room. So we've started. It has been completely surprising to see the things I keep around for no reason other than "I might use it someday". Everything from empty boxes to plastic jewelry I never wear. We started with the bedroom and have moved onto the basement. Here are some pics of the junk we are selling/giving away that has now given us so much more space and freedom! I realize it sounds boring, but it has actually been quit interesting.

Keep in mind we just went through the whole "getting rid of things" 7 months ago when we moved. Still we were able to find this much junk!

My nightstand drawer....a stuffed animal from when I was born, tanning glasses (which I dont plan on ever needing again), the kind of pacifier Jack spits out, and a dead battery. All so useful!

What the little man thinks of all this.

P.S. I will try not to bore you anymore with our saturday cleaning stories.

sit, stay, heel.

So there are a LOT of things Ive done since having a baby that I never thought Id do. One might think I would learn my lesson to never say never ever again, but here goes anyway....I will never put my kids on a leesh. Not at the mall, grocery store, or anywhere. So there it is. Now you can all hold me accountable if Im ever tempted.

Iowa to Minnesota.

Whew! What a great vacation we had. It started with a few days in Okoboji and ended in Minnesota for Sarah and Caleb's wedding (joel's sister). We had an amazing time and now that we are back home things seem extra quiet :( It was fun taking Jackson to Okoboji and showing him all the places I have come to LOVE. Maybe someday he will appreciate it as much as I do. The wedding was also incredible. Everything from the beautiful reception venue to the fun photo booth party favors, made it the perfect wedding. Jackson got to wear a tux, stay up late, and be held by numerous people....all that on top of no nap, made for an interesting evening :) We had a great time and I think even Jackson would say he misses everyone. Im pretty sure he is going through "pick me up/hold me" withdrawal right now because he doesnt have grandparents, aunts, and uncles holding him and playing with him every second he's awake. Im trying to entertain him, but the pile of laundry is practically up to the ceiling....a fun time had by all of us.

Mary Poppins

1st time for Jackson in the lake...kinda scared me, but it didnt seem to phase him.

Rehearsal Dinner for Sarah and Caleb-Downtown St. Paul

Great Grandpa H.

My baby.

Time for the tux

Putting on the shiny black shoes that I drove all over Denver to find. They stayed on his feet for a whole 5 minutes. not kidding.

Seriously mom...when can I get back into my onsie?

The little boys. Only 2 weeks apart....

A beautiful bride!

We miss kyle so much.The party favors. SO MUCH FUN.