What? Mom's in a picture??

Since I am the one usually taking the pictures, it is rare to actually see me in any pictures. And, seeing as how I rarely find time to change out of my workout clothes or my pj's and only fix my hair and put on make-up for special occasions, that is just fine by me.

Well, last night seemed like an exception to the "no mom in pictures" rule.
All three kids and I were sharing a recliner and some popcorn when Jason decided to snap a few shots...




...and I'm glad he did.
After all, moms deserve to be in some pictures too!

Big kids need naps too!

Jackson is down to about 3 naps/week. Jessica, however, still needs to nap every day. During the summer months especially, when our family has a lot going on, it is sometimes difficult to "fit in" their naps.

Jason and I are usually ok with them not sleeping during the day because they go down for bed around 7:30, leaving us quite a bit of adult free time.

Of course, not napping also translates into potential melt-down city at our house between the hours of 5:00 - 7:00p.m..

But, on this particular day, Jason and I were willing to chance it.


Jessica, however, was not...


...she didn't quite make it...passed out on the basement couch and gave into sleep--after she dressed herself in these winter clothes (which I had laying around in the basement and have been sorting through in preparation for our rummage sale).



And, here is a picture of our son at 2:30 that afternoon...

Although he did not sleep, by the looks of this picture (he is sitting at the computer playing computer games), he definitely could have!

Baby tent.

Best money we ever spent...

Well, technically, we didn't spend our money on this tent; it was a gift from Grandma Chris and Grandpa Bob.

Ok, so, best gift we ever got...

This baby tent:

It is completely enclosed and keeps Lia protected from the bugs and the sun.

And, she loves it!

Such a happy girl:


Unfortunately, I cannot tell you the exact item name because my mom and Bob bought it at a rummage sale (without its original box or papers); however, I can tell you it is Fisher Price brand name. It sits up elevated a few inches from the ground, zips to open and close completely, and folds up very nicely for storage.

In my opinion, a definite "must have" for families with a newborn baby who enjoy spending time outdoors.

Answer to "Who's who?"

Jessica
Jackson
Lia

Only two people (my sister and a friend of mine) did not confuse the pictures of Jackson and Lia...
The two diaper shots were of the girls, and the one that looks like a baby in a dress - that's my boy!

And, btw don't feel bad, Lia and Jackson DO look absolutely identical as babies.

Who's who?

Ok grandparents, let's see if you can tell them apart...

Everyone is always comparing the looks of one child to their siblings, so I thought it would be fun to post pictures of the kids when they were all about 2 months old.

Can you tell them apart?

Jellystone, 2010

Our annual family trip to Jellystone turned out to be a big hit with the kids this year. Jackson and Jessica have developed quite a liking for water parks and pools. They wore life jackets pretty much the entire time, which helped boost their courage in the water and gave mom and dad a little peace of mind.
The kids had a blast! And, when the kids have fun, so do mom and dad. We had a great time swimming and playing with the kids. The weather was absolutely amazing, which added to the enjoyment of the trip. Also, the cabins we stayed in were completely re-furbished (due to park being under new ownership) --huge improvement from last year.





Although I did not get any pictures of our family roasting marshmallows and eating smores (like we had "practiced" at home), we did do that and the kids enjoyed it.

*Word to the wise* - DO NOT attempt to use the "Giant Roasters, Campfire marshmallows."
These marshmallows, although they look very cool and exciting, are actually just a big mess.
It is impossible for an adult, much less a 2 and 4 year old, to roast and/or eat these giant marshmallows.
If only I could have gotten our marshmallow mishaps on video (I was too busy cleaning marshmallow goo off my kids, my kids clothing, our camp chairs, myself, my clothing, Jessica's hair, Jackson's shoes, etc.)...AFV would have been proud!



Jessica LOVED Cindy bear (a.k.a. Shindy bear:))!




Lia stayed with Grandma Chris and Grandpa Bob (at their home in La Crescent) for the fist day and night of the trip. This allowed for Jason and myself to spend some one-on-one time with Jackson and Jessica. It will be a few years until Lia is able to enjoy the trip for herself.
Sorry Lia, mommy promises to get some pix of you at Jellystone next year.