A Trip to the Fire Station

This week was Fire Prevention Week, and the North Logan Fire Station put on an event where people could come learn about fire safety and prevention.  The kids got to use a fire hose and loved the fire trucks.  They had a trailor set up to look like different rooms of a house, and Jaxton got some hands-on learning about fire safety.  At one point they had a mock bedroom set up and filled the room with "smoke".  Jaxton practiced rolling off of the bed and crawling instead of walking.  The fireman did it with him so that he wouldn't freak out.  He practiced staying on the ground, under the smoke, to feel if doors were hot (and they were!) and learned that if he can't go through any doors, then he has to go out a window... which, of course, he also practiced doing.  The fact that he had to do all of that in actual smoke scared him a little bit, but he did so good, and I think it really got the point across about the seriousness of a house on fire.  This was not thrilling to Kayla and there was complete refusal of participation from her.  She stayed glued tight to her Daddy's legs.  This was not a surprising reaction.  Jenna could have cared less about all of the smoke and was very interested in what Jaxton and the fireman were doing.  There was also a car accident scene set up which, of course, terrified me.  We all got to see them cut up a car to get people out.  There are no pictures of that, as I was not a fan.  It is just testament as to why I am completely terrified of the road.  All in all it was a good event.  Jaxton learned a lot and the kids had fun.  I think the part that they enjoyed the most was shooting the fire hose.

Can I Lick the Bowl???

Jenna had her first baking experience, and as every kid is, was very excited to lick the bowl.  First I have to say that my kids don't actually lick the bowl.  That's just a figure of speech in my house.  They use spoons and fingers.  Jenna has now set a new standard in my house.  A spoon is just not good enough...

Let the Fundraisers Begin!

Well it's official.  I am the parent of a school-aged child.  A few weeks ago I gave my first donation to my own child's PTA fundraiser.  Jaxton was very excited that we donated enough to win "the bright green T-shirt prize".  And he got to wear it to the fundraiser run at the high school track.  He felt very big.  He actually did a really good job.  He ran 3/4 of a lap on that track before he broke down in tears from a side cramp.  After we took a rest and got some water, I convinced him that it was ok to walk.  He had a hard time coping with that until he saw his teacher walking, too.  All was ok after that and he walked 3 more laps.  His teacher was so nice and walked with Kayla and Jaxton the whole last lap so that I could take a break and sit on the sidelines with Jenna.  I welcomed the break and enjoyed just watching him.  I can't believe how big he is.

I love how Kayla is trying so hard to stay in step with them.

IT'S A BOY!!!

Well I haven't really had time to blog these days so I'm super late on every post, but I just wanted to share some exciting news that I got a month ago...

IT'S A BOY!!!

Here is a profile picture.

His face is on the right, and he's looking left with his chin resting on his elbow.

I was prepping myself for the feeling of disappointment I would have if it wasn't a girl, but I was really surprised at how happy I was when they said (and we saw) that it was a boy.  The face of pure happiness that Jaxton had when they said the word, "boy", was so cute!  He wanted nothing more than a little brother, and I'm so happy that he got his wish.  I know that another boy will be such a good balance to our family.  Kayla was in denial for just a little bit that it wasn't a sister, but it didn't take but a couple of days before she got used to the idea that it was a little brother.  The kids couldn't be more excited, and they can't wait for January to come!

1 Year Old!!!

Jenna is one year old and I can't believe it!  This year went by so fast, I can't even explain.  She is so physically little for a one year old, which makes it even harder for me to believe that she's so old already.  She's so smart, though, and has no problem keeping up with her brother and sister.  This girl keeps us on our toes.  Here are some pictures of my sweet one year old...

First Day of Kindergarten

Jaxton started Kindergarten in August and I can't believe that he is already that big.  It was a hard day for me.  I didn't really know what to do with myself.  It was too quiet while he was gone.  It didn't take long before I got used to it, though.  He absolutely LOVES Kindergarten!  He adjusted with no problem and I'm so happy that he's doing so well.

 Jaxton and his teacher, Ms. Richardson

Gone Fishin'

We took Jaxton and Kayla fishing for the first time and it was so cute to watch Jaxton get so excited!  When it came down to it, he was a bit disappointed that catching a fish didn't happen very quickly.  Having to leave the line in the water and wait didn't really suit him very well... so he turned it into an opportunity to practice his casting.  He thought the live worms were amazing and was very insistent that I dig my own worm out of the dirt bucket.  I hesitantly did and it was gross.  I even got up the nerve to hook my own worm.  That was pretty gross, too.  Ah the things we do to make our kids smile.  He thought it was amazing.  Kayla really wanted to care about fishing but it didn't work out so well.  She occupied her time walking in the water, once she decided that it wasn't scary.  And we had plenty of food to keep everyone happily occupied when fishing and playing just wasn't enough.  We didn't catch any fish by the time we left.  At one point there were a lot of people moving in around us to play in the water, so there was too much going on.  Mitch said he thought that the water was too shallow too, so I think we were doomed to be fishless from the start.  It was a really fun day though.  It was fun to watch the kids enjoy themselves so much.

 Mitch is trying to teach Kayla how to cast her line in the water.  It worked for about a minute.  Then she moved on to entertaining herself without the fishing pole.

Kayla's walk in the water.

Jenna loved the sand and rocks.  Keeping it out of her mouth was an almost impossible task.

Jaxton with his sticks.  Everywhere we go, this kid finds sticks.

'Here Mom, have some sand.  It's yummy.'

Jenna LOVES to share.  She shares everything.