Blessing Cora June

Sunday December 6th was a special day. We cracked open the big cedar chest and pulled out the white blanket my mom brought me from Bethlehem when I was a little girl, and the white dress I was blessed in. Parker gave Cora a beautiful blessing. Then we ate donuts.
My heart could explode I love being a mom so much. And Parker. I love Parker so much too. I am so thankful my kids get him as their dad.

All the frills shoved into the carseat. Cora was not impressed. 

This is what all of our family photos look like right now.

The Retirement Party - After Party

My dads retirement party at his office was last week. But the after party with just my family was better because we had matching t-shirts, root-beer floats and pizza. My dad was so surprised when we all showed up. We are all so proud of our dad. So excited to see what life holds in store for my parents in this new phase. I love this big crazy chaotic family of mine.

Parents- you did good. 

Jack and Cora

These two. Cora is already such a little sister. She loves to be in Jacks personal space. He is not a fan. Although he is warming up to her. We've all been sick and hanging out on my bed a lot. Jack was rolling around and accidentally smacked Cora in the face.  She started screaming and you should have seen the look on Jacks face. He sat down and kind of backed up. Parker told him "Jack you have to be careful around your sister. You better give her a kiss better." Much to our surprise Jack leaned down and kissed Cora right on the forehead. Whaaaat?? It was awesome. 

Also Jack loves to "read" to Cora. It melts my mama heart every.single.time. 

Gingerbread Boy

While learning my way around the grocery store in my new neighborhood I picked up one of those gingerbread house kits. I try to stick to the list and this was totally an impulse buy but, I have to say it was nine dollars well spent. Jack built the house, decorated the house, took all of the decorations off of the house, played with the candy pieces like they were toys going around the house for over an hour then suddenly decided he was done and took the whole thing apart. It is the most fun I have ever seen anyone have with a gingerbread house. I love this boy and how seriously he takes everything.

Thanksgiving 2015!!

This Thanksgiving we were extra thankful for all of our family who helped us move the day before! Great day with great food and great people.

Celebrating Granddad

Jack and Cora,
This past weekend we loaded you both in the car and drove out to Southern California to celebrate the life of your Great Granddad. You'll hear a lot of stories about him as you grow. You'll hear them from your Grandpa Chief. He will tell you what a good man Granddad was. You'll hear them from your Grandma Shel. She will light up when she talks about him, she always does. You'll hear them from your dad. Dad will love to tell you about how he could hear Granddad's voice from the bleachers during his basketball games yelling "Jump Parker! Jump!" and how Granddad would pretend to be asleep while he was driving.  And kids tonight I am going to write down my favorite Granddad memory.
Your dad and I were engaged before I had met most of his family, so we went on a road trip just before Christmas so I could meet Granddad and your Uncle Nash and Aunt Julie. First impressions have never been my strong suit. Go ahead and ask the Chief about it. I was really nervous to meet Granddad. Your dad had talked about him nonstop for most of the drive and I knew how important Granddad was to him.
As soon as I met Granddad I quickly realized there was no need to be nervous. He put me at ease. He made me feel like we had been friends forever, from what I can tell he made everyone feel like that. But my favorite thing about him was how much he loved your dad. All he wanted to do was talk about how awesome your dad was, which happened to be one of my favorite things to do as well. For a couple hours we swapped our favorite Parker stories over really great pizza.
Kids from that time on it became clear to me how much of an influence your Great Granddad had on your dad. There are a lot of people who helped shape Dad into the person he is but Granddad played a significant role. Among so many other things he helped your dad build confidence and a great sense of humor. So kids as you go through life enjoying having such an excellent father you should know that part of that is thanks to your Great Granddad.
Jack Vincent you won't remember the time you were able to spend with your namesake and Cora June you didn't get to spend time with him in this life but, Granddad will be a part of both your stories. Your dad already sings you songs Granddad taught him. I know he will teach you to peel your bananas from the bottom. Dad will make sure that Granddads memory is preserved in you kids. You are part of his legacy and lucky to be so. You are blessed to be the great grandkids of a truly great man.

Life with Cora June

We sure love our little Cora. She sure has shook things up over here. She loves to be held. She is so wiggly all the time. When she lays on your chest she will wiggle and dig until her face is on your skin. Her little smile is so adorable. Or as Parker would say "acorable." Her chubby cheeks and squishy fat rolls have us all heart eyed. She is a little firecracker. She loves to be held and lets us know when she is upset. She is super strong and already holds her head up for long stretches. She is super alert and loves to watch her crazy big brother. Little rebel is already breaking rules and sleeps on her belly.

Cora June you keep us on our toes and we love you more everyday.  You are exactly what our family needed. You have wild hair and curious eyes. You look grumpy when you first wake up and you smile super big when we talk to you. I love it… I love every little thing about you. 

Better Late Than Never… Halloween 2015

The day before Halloween Parker's office had desk to desk trick or treating. Jack went as a minion and Cora went as Parker. She looks so much like her dad she just needed a beard! Jack loved running around with all of the other kids in costume. And we got to eat lunch with dad which was pretty awesome! 

I loved having Halloween be on a Saturday! That morning we painted and carved pumpkins. 

For trick or treating Jack was Daxter. We found a Scooby Doo costume, but Jack just thought he was Dax. It was incredibly cute watching him play with Daxter in his costume. I tried to get pictures but they were all blurry go figure. It was kind of chilly out so we put Cora in warm puppy pajamas and threw some puppy ears on her headband. Next year we will get her a real costume! 

Holidays are better with kids, especially Halloween.