We Found Nemo!

Jack thoroughly enjoyed Halloween this year... the Trunk-or-Treat and the impromptu trick or treating. We were a little worried he wouldn't wear his costume, but he seemed to love it once he saw all the other kiddos in their costumes.

Fall Activities

A couple of weeks ago we decided to take Jack on a hike through Torrey Pines State Reserve. Jared and I did this while we were dating and neither of us remembered how long this hike was or the lack of shade. Poor little Jack was a trooper in his backpack though.

He was sure happy to see the beach though and thoroughly enjoyed splashing in the water and squishing the gooey sand between his fingers.

October also means an obligatory stop at the pumpkin patch and boy did we ever visit the pumpkin patches of all pumpkin patches this year. It was a bit of a drive east where there are still farm lands in Southern California, but definitely worth the trip. This was more like a fall carnival. We will plan to spend more time here next year.

We also were treated to have grandma come out to baby sit Jack for a few nights and days while Jared and I did some things together. We especially appreciated getting a evening to celebrate our anniversary. It was great having the world's best baby sitter here for a week. Thank you, Shauna!

A hunting we will go

So Jared thought he was sad about not drawing a tag for a rifle hunt this year, but he had no idea what was in store for him on a bow hunt. Yep, we will not go hungry this winter--our daddy got us an elk! Way to go, Jared; we're so proud of you!

While he was out being one with nature, Jack and I headed north to be one with my family:) I got to introduce Jack to one of my favorite childhood events, the Puyallup Fair. When growing up we would actually get out of school early to attend the fair!

I introduced Jack to some real deep-fried fair food and my favorite, the Krusty Pup. He loved it!

Jack was a little small for most rides so he just watched Max and Cooper have all the fun.

Jack took his best nap while at the fair (2 1/2 hours). Maybe he just liked sleeping next to Cooper.

The rest of the week was spent chillin' and relaxin' with the family, and I didn't take many pictures. I do, however, have to make one plug for the best toy to buy your toddler. Jack fell in love with the Cozy Coupe as have all of my parent's grandchildren. Can you believe the little car Jack is playing in below was purchased for my nephew, Josh, 20 years ago and has endured all 20 grandchildren. Way to go Little Tikes!

Jack Had a Birthday, Shout Hooray!

Well we all survived a year together, and I think all are pretty happy with each other. I know I feel like I am very blessed to have Jack and Jared with me:)

Jack sure enjoyed the packages that were arriving for him all week.

We started Jack's special day off with a few errands and lunch at Mimi's Cafe. We then headed home for a nap and to decorate the house. When Jack woke up he was in love with all the balloons and banners and chocolate cupcakes on the table. He's so sneaky... he tried pulling the runner on the table down so the cupcakes would come tumbling down too. Luckily I caught everything before it all ended up on the floor.

I was so excited to let him open all his gifts because I was sure once he had more toys he wouldn't go to the stairs leading down to the front door and whine to go outside. So we let him him loose ...

He waited very patiently while we put his toys together ... and even wanted to help. Maybe for Christmas he will get a tool set!

We topped the night out with some cake, and Jack LOVED it:)

Happy birthday, Jack. We are so glad you are part of our family and we look forward to spending many special days with you.

... and the day after his birthday he still wanted to go outside all day. Maybe for Christmas Santa will bring him a big house with a big backyard!

A Day with the Monkeys

We've been keeping busy lately with introducing Jack to new things. For Labor Day we stayed local and took Jack to the San Diego Zoo. He loved it! He especially enjoyed the petting zoo. He wanted to be right in the mix with the animals.

He chased the goats,

and he tried to dine with them.

He and dad took some fun pictures with a flower backdrop

and played in a helicopter.

Probably Jack's favorite part was the skyline ride across the zoo,

or maybe the chocolate ice cream! This kid loves sweets:)

Look at Me Walk!

So I've been experimenting with iMovie. I still need a lot of practice, but I need to get Jack's first steps out to the grandmas before he runs up to them!

Attaboy!

Like everyone else, I've been lazy with blogging in the month of August, but we haven't been light on news.

Congratulations to LT, I mean LCDR to be, Taylor. Yes, Jared received news that he was selected for promotion to Lieutenant Commander. Looks like the Navy is shaping up to be a great career for Jared, and we will be staying in the military for the the final 10 to retirement.

On the Jack front, he is growing up. He has almost mastered walking and we will be sure to post some good video of him soon. He took his first steps in church two weeks ago. He was on a mission to attack a plant. Since then he has been practicing every day and looks so cute waddling around the house.

While you wait for his walking videos check out how he would prefer to spend most days ... naked!