A Utah Weekend Away!

My older sister Georgia had her baby at the end of January and I just had to go meet him while he was still teeny tiny! He is absolutely gorgeous & precious! If Jack were just a little older I think you could talk me into having another one! I felt like Dug in the movie UP when he says "Hello. I have just met you and I already love you!" Welcome little Andrew Jacob Raymond....you are too cute!

Jack was such a joy to have all by himself! We flew and he did great on the plane. He got a lot of attention from everyone and was so happy and smiley the entire trip! He also was a champion sleeper. There must be something about a cool dark Utah basement! I sometimes feel like because he was such a hard infant we didn't get a lot of quality bonding time. This trip more than made up for it! He kept looking around wondering where those other 2 kids that are so demanding of me were. I think we loved having each other all to ourselves!
We had Sunday dinner at my parents and there are so many babies in my family I'm afraid we are not much help to each other. "Here I'll hold your baby if you hold mine!"

In 5 days I ate out 7 times! (I am going to need to kick up the walking!) I got to spend lots of time with my mom and sisters. My sister Melanie was in town from Idaho and I spent one night with my sister Emily and her girls while her husband was out of town. I also went out to lunch with my girlfriends from high school Marilee & Sarah. I went to visit my old neighbor & dear friend Veena and see her beautiful new home. Plus I got to see my sister in law Keri and my mother in law Dottie! Lots and lots of big girl bonding time (plus Jack!)

A special thanks to my wonderful Mom & Dad who were the greatest hosts! Thanks for all the yummy food and late night cards! You are the best parents a gal could ask for and the coolest grandparents on the planet! Jack sends hugs & kisses!

As for Hannah and Nick.....don't feel too bad for them. They got left behind with their completely awesome father! (Thanks honey for making this possible for me! You truly are the best!) They went to a hockey game and a movie and ate out way too much as well! When I got home the house was clean, the laundry was done and dinner was made! I am spoiled rotten! What a fun Utah weekend away! Anyone want to join me and do it again soon?!?

My Nutwinkles!

These are the 3 little people I love most in this world! Sometimes I am not always good at remembering that so this post is a little tribute to them!

I love blogging because it is such a great way to keep family and friends updated on your family! Here are updates on my 3 little nutwinkles!
Hannah earned her orange belt in Tae Kwon Do last weekend! She received a gold medal for doing the best on her forms and kicks. Way to go Hannah! She has really found her talent and is excelling in her class! She has lost 2 teeth and has one more really loose! I hope she doesn't end up missing all 4 front teeth at the same time! (Can you imagine trying to eat like that!?!) I think Hannah is very mature and grown up for her age. I sometimes think she is 6 going on 16. Maybe that's what you get with an oldest child. She loves Kindergarten and is becoming an excellent reader and writer. She also is a beautiful artist! Keep up all the good work Hannah!

Nick is loving preschool and goes 2 days a week. He is starting to learn his numbers and letters and he draws some hilarious pictures! He also is in a playgroup with some friends in the ward that meets once a week! He is going to start playing soccer in March. We spend a lot of time together while Hannah is at school and Jack is napping. I love him so much! He often makes me laugh out loud (and sometimes he makes me cry too!) He can be quite the charmer and has a fabulous imagination. When Nick is playing or excited he yells out "Yeehaw Cowboy!". Not sure where he picked that up but it is very funny! Love you Nick!

Jack is doing great as well! He is almost 9 months! Can you believe it? He still has his helmet and will probably have to wear it for 6 more weeks! But we hardly notice it anymore...it's just become part of who he is! He is down to only 1 physical therapy session a week and is showing great improvement! He is at this beautiful stage where he can sit and play with toys on the floor forever but can't go anywhere. I call it the "golden stage of babyhood"! He loves table food and is probably a better eater than Nick! Jack makes this adorable clicking noise with his tongue when you give him a kiss or tell him "I love you". I swear it's his way of saying "I love you too"! Hip hip hooray for Jack! We are so glad you are part of our family!

Now for my biggest nutwinkle of all! My sweet and adorable husband! He is so good to us! He works so hard to provide for our family! He is the greatest Dad! He is also the bestest friend and husband a gal could ask for! I never dreamed that when he dragged me to Vegas nearly 4 years ago we'd still be here but now I know that home really is where ever he is! The other night Jack woke up while I was out walking with the ladies. When I got home I found this.....my boys vegging out on the couch watching football! They had this guilty look on their faces like they had been caught doing something naughty! Like staying up way too late!

I'm so grateful to have these 4 nutwinkles in my life! They are the reason I am such a nutwinkle too! I love and adore each and every one of 'em!