19 Months

Somewhere between our travels to and from WA, our baby turned into a little boy.  He even has hair on his head!  Jack's language skills have exploded and now most of what comes out of his mouth are words and phrases that make sense.  What a relief to be able to understand what he needs and wants.  We are getting to see that his real interests are in trains, garbage trucks, fire trucks, and airplanes.  

But at the same time, there have been some challenges to this new phase.  Whoever came up with the term "terrible twos" was probably just forgetting what it's like to have a 1 1/2 yr. old.  Jack seems to throw a fit so many times throughout the day because he doesn't get his way.  It is exhausting work to try to help him understand situations and to discipline him when he needs it.  Echoing through my mind multiple times a day is the verse about not becoming weary doing good and I press on and keep trying to be as loving and as firm as possible.  Veteran moms promise that my consistent efforts will eventually help shape Jack into an obedient little boy who is able to cope with everyday disappointments and I hang onto this promise.  

Since being home from WA, Dave has been on an ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) surgical elective and has been able to be home almost every afternoon.  Not only that.  After a week of work, he was able to take an entire week off for vacation (as if we needed it).  We thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take a road trip to the Grand Canyon.  Dave had never been and I had never hiked down into the canyon so we were both up for a great time.

Camping with a toddler is a bit of a feat, but we came prepared and were, in the end, surprised by how well everything went.  Our first night in camp was a little rough because of some loud neighbors, but the next day and night made up for it.  We were able to hike down into the canyon on the South Kaibab  Trail to get a taste of the canyon below the rim.  God's handiwork at its finest!  

Taken from Ooh Ahh Point

Our night temps got down to 28 degrees which made for some pretty cold hands at breakfast time.  After some yummy eggs and sausage, we made up for the cold hands with some frosted doughnuts as a special camping treat.

What?  Do I have something on my face?

Our dear friends Casey and Chelsea loaned us this awesome monkey backpack harness for Jack to wear.  I admit that I used to judge parents when I saw them with their kids on a leash.  I can guarantee that there were people looking down their noses at me too, BUT I'd like to see them take their rambunctious and speedy toddler to the Grand Canyon without one.  Seriously, what a lifesaver.  Jack was free to explore and we had the peace of mind that he was tethered to us at all times.  A win, win!

Jack standing guard as we put away our gear

Jack still wants to be outside every hour of everyday

We don't blame him, especially since it is in the mid 70s in March

The best part of being home is spending time with our friends.  

Here is Jack with four of his besties taking a ride down the street

We call them four men and a little lady

Our friend, Katie Shoepflin is an extraordinary photographer 

Seriously, check out her website: http://katieschoepflin.com/

She graciously shot Easter photos of all of our kids one day at the park

Jack was being a pill but somehow, she found magic.  

Next Sunday is our 5th annual Panther Easter Sunrise Service and Brunch.  We host 20 of our closest friends for an early morning worship service and then fill our bellies with yummy food before heading off to our own churches.  Last year, Dave and I BOTH got terrible food poisoning the night before and had to cancel so we are even more excited for this year.  I've even got a small easter egg hunt planned for the kids which should be fun.

Check out this awesome video:

1) Party in my crib - What happens when you put five toddlers in one bed?
2) Hop on pop - self explanatory
3) Dance Party - our keyboard comes with loads of preset classical music.  This is Jack's favorite piece to "dance" to.