Some updates

I feel like this blog is becoming another thing on my to do list. I don't know why? I used to LOVE posting things on here, but now it feels more like an obligation. I hope I get over this. I love keeping everyone up to date, with out having to chit chat on the phone. Maybe when things get back to normal, it won't feel so.....hmmm, I'll have to think of a good word to describe this....

So we got back on Tuesday afternoon after a LONG flight home. Well it wasn't any longer than normal but it seemed that way since it was packed full. Usually the days I pick to fly are not typically busy but for some reason this trip the going and the coming were both full flights. Results? Jackson ended up sitting on my lap the entire time. It wasn't bad, just he will not sleep when you hold him so it was 2 hours of non-stop entertaining my boy. Not complaining, mind you, just had to humble myself and be completely silly in front of some very professional looking folks. The ladies were smiling and commenting on how good my little guy was, some the guys were giving me funny looks. Maybe this was a glimpse for them as just how much work their wives have put into their own kids. :-)

We had a great 2 weeks in Wyoming. Like I said, Wyoming is a trick state in the summer. Makes you want to pack up and move back. I told Travis when I got home that we should think about moving back. He quickly reminded me of my past few trips to Wyoming, dealing with the howling cold wind. Man if only the nice summer weather lasted a little longer.

We took Jackson camping the first few days we were there at the lake. It was so much fun! He also went on his first boat ride. I thought he would throw a fit about having to wear the bulky life jacket the entire time, but he didn't mind at all. He kept smiling and making his engine sound. Another thing we discovered at the lake is just how nice it is to have our family's help. Travis and I were able to go on several boat rides, ride the jet ski's and even go watch the fireworks from the boat while my grandma baby sat. A girl could get used to that.

When we got back to Casper we stayed with Travis's mom and dad for the 1st week. We had a huge brunch on Sunday with all of Travis's immediate family. I was pretty fun to see the little cousins together again since Christmas and I always love spending time with his family.

I had a birthday while we were there...the big 2-9! My mom got a cake and had a little party for me at my grandma's house. Scott & Arliss (my brother and sister-in-law) came with the 4 kids and all their energy. Jackson loved Auntie Arliss taking him outside to play with the kids. He just loves being around bigger kids, you can tell he just wants to run and play with them so bad. He did get in the grass and crawl around after them, but you could see it in his face how he wanted to run so badly.

The fair and rodeo was in town the last week we were there, so I took Jackson to the parade with some friends (parades actually are not too bad if you have some friends with kids to go with you). Then later in the week we took him to the fair to see the animals. He was so cute! His little hand would fly up in a kind of "what is that?" motion. I think his favorite was the steers. He was in awe at how big they were. A sheep that I was petting tried to lick his hand, but Jackson didn't want to have any part of actually touching these beasts. I'm sure next year we'll be wrestling him to the ground to keep him out of the animals pins.

Update on the house.....Pork Chop Hill went to a higher bidder and someone who could close faster. We have decided to still sell our house, but we are going to do FSBO. Save us a little cash in fees. I have found another house out that direction of Pork Chop Hill on McDaniel Rd..It is so beautiful and the kitchen is AWESOME! But like Travis says, it's all God's will so don't get too excited. Thank goodness he keeps me grounded sometimes.

Well here some pictures to enjoy. Jackson is 9 1/2 months now and starting to walk a little more. I think in a few weeks he will be all over the place.


Got my life jacket on!!
My first boat ride!!
Making my motor sound as we're cruising along on our boat ride
Going into the canyon on Alcova Lake.
Looking at the formations on the side of the canyon walls
Mason trying to come in the trailer soak and wet.
The big cousins at the lake
Alcova lake is so beautiful and cold. The water temp was only 66 degrees when we were there. But since it is so cold you can see the bottom till a good 12-15 feet out. The lakes in Wyoming are deep too. I think some spots at Alcova get over 300 feet deep
Splashing in the bucket bucket of water, with daddy's help, at the lake
Swimming with Jackson's cousin, Sarah

Giving mama some sugars after a swim
Jackson & Sarah riding in the red wagon
Jackson's littlest cousin, Erica. She turned 1 on June 30

Jackson, Travis & Uncle Bob from Sheridan
My in-laws back yard with a view of the mountain
Travis doing some target practicing out back at his mom & dad's. I love my God-fearing, arms bearing, fun-loving republican husband!
Another butt shot
Sitting at the table in a booster seat. He prefers this over a high chair for sure
The older cousins. From left to right...Sophia, Kaitlyn, Trenton & Mason
With Auntie Arliss and Uncle Scott. I don't know what it is about these 2, but Jackson would love and kiss on them all day if he could. Maybe it's because they have 4 kids.

Playing the organ with Grandma. I think the only reason she keeps this around is for the kids to pound on

Sitting with Papa Mike
Getting mommy some coffee
Staring out the back doors at Grandma's. He was wanting to go out and play so badly, but it was a chilly 42 degrees out that morning.
Jackson with the beautiful Dye girls
Jackson's 1st bath with a girl!! Tara's littlest. I think Taelyn was more traumatized than Jackson