More about my little man...

It seems Mason is growing by the minute. Every time I turn around he's doing or saying something new.

*When I'm in a different room than he is, he'll poke just his head around the corner and say, "I see you!"

*He has 5 favorite books that we usually have to read one or all before nap time and bed time. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Goodnight Baby, Pat the Bunny, I love You, and Old Mac Donald. He got Old Mac Donald for Christmas from Great Grandma Jones. Thanks to this book he's learned the chicken, horse, dog, cat, duck, pig, sheep, donkey, snake, and owl sounds.

* Sometimes when he's playing by himself I'll hear the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star coming from his little voice. If I'm quite enough, I'll go watch him make the little "twinkling" actions with his hands. It's so cute and makes me tear up!

*He also sings the ABC's to the best of his memory.

*He looooves to take a bath! He'll stay in the tub a good 1/2 hour playing with his toys. That is the time I usually take to clean the bathroom, or get ready for the day. It works out perfect!

*He likes to say prayers before we eat. He absolutely does not like to say them before bed because he knows it's night night time after that. I think we need to change up our bedtime routine.

*He know who Jesus is and will point him out of any picture.

*He loves babies (he doesn't realize that he's still kind of one himself) and loves to just watch them. Sometimes he'll touch them really soft and point out where it's eyes, nose, mouth, etc...are. He doesn't get that there is a baby in mommy's tummy but judging by the way he is with other babies, I'm not too worried.

*He is obsessed with choo choo's and trucks. He has a little train set that we set up daily. On Monday Mornings when the garbage truck comes we have to stand by the door and watch.

*His current favorite foods are chicken nuggets, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, tomatoes, apples, craisins/raisins, pears, oranges, and grilled tuna and cheese sandwiches (I've found that if I put peas and carrots in with the tuna he'll still eat it. Anything to get a toddler to eat veggies eh!?!

*We're in the process of potty training. It's still a little early for it, but at least he knows the potty is there. We have had a small number of success stories, and a large number of not so great stories. I'm just excited he wants to sit on his potty!

*He loves to color. If you ask what color he's using, it's blue whether it's green, red, orange, or yellow. He has an obsession with using his teeth to tear off the paper around the crayons. I had to break down and buy the crayons that are in the plastic casing and you twist them up.

*I made play dough the other day and he didn't quite know what to do with it. I think we'll try it again in another couple weeks.

*He's officially out of the highchair. We bought him a little table and chairs from Ikea and he looooves it! I make it a point to sit and eat breakfast with him every morning. We talk about Lady dog, how yummy our breakfast is, if we had a good dreams, and what we're going to do that day.

* I take him to music class every Monday. On our way there we sing the primary song, Sing, Sing, Sing, so our voices are all warmed up for the class. His favorite songs are Tick Tock and Clean up (we sing that when the kids put the instruments away).

I love my little monkey so much! His little light shines so bright and he's such a happy boy! I can't believe how fast he's growing and learning. I thank Heavenly Father every day for such a perfect baby boy. I love you Mason!

Happy Birthday Bowen!

Happy Birthday to Bowen! It's crazy to think that together we've already celebrated 4 birthdays of his. This birthday was low key with just a couple presents and a yummy birthday cake that I made from scratch. I've never made a actual cake from scratch, just a box. How pathetic is that? Oh well. It was delicious! I'm so grateful for my wonderful husband! He is my best friend and companion. I don't know what I'd do without him! Love you Bowen!!!

I was going to put the camera away when Mason looked up at me, crossed his arms, leaned to the side, and said, "cheese!" He actually posed for this picture all by himself! It was so funny!

Christmas and New Years 2009 Part 2

Christmas Day Brad and Sara came over. They were headed out of town early the next morning, but were nice enough to stop by and visit for a couple of hours. It's always fun to catch up with friends. Even Chasey, Lyndsay, and Rylee popped in for an hour or two. Mason and Rylee were so cute playing together. He tried to poke her eyes out, but she would just scream (out of excitement) at him, startle him enough that no damage was done :)

The whole group that night

Cousins

The next morning we went to breakfast with Chase and Lynds before they flew back to Utah. Mason stayed home with Grandma Melinda, so that was a nice break. Thanks! We went to this little restaurant on the beach that had unlimited pancakes. They were huge and I barely finished my first plate. Afterwards we walked out by the water and Lynds took some cute pictures of Rylee playing in the sand. All to soon we decided it was time to head back. It was so nice just to visit with them and catch up!

After all that partying and Christmas festivities we all needed to recuperate! But, Bowen was itching to get out on the boat and go fishing. So, that's what we did. It was fun for the adults (Mom, Coach, Bowen and I), but Mason absolutely did NOT want to wear his life jacket. Plus it was pretty cold ( I know. Florida, cold? I didn't know that was possible!) And he was totally exhausted! Finally after fighting it the whole time we were out there, he fell asleep for the last 1/2 hour. What a stinker! Even though we didn't get so much as a bite, the water was glassy and the sunset was beautiful!

Me looking beautiful with my windswept boat hair. Ha ha!

In between Christmas and New Years it was a blur of activities. Popsi had driven down from Alabama. What a treat! It was so good to visit with him. Thank you, dad, for making the long trip to see us! We were able to go out to dinner with him one night. We tried to get in as much time as possible because we don't get to see him all that often. I guess it's time for another trip for him to come out to San Diego...eh? One night we went with Carl and Mariah for sushi. Yummm! It was a good break from the kids too! Another night we went out with them and Popsi which was so much fun. And another evening we went out with them and Margie, Stu, and Marley. I was CRAVING Sweetberries so after dinner Bowen and I headed there. On our way Mike Oneal called Bowen to see what he was up to. It just so happened that he was already at Sweetberries so we told him to wait and we would be there in just a minute. Mikes parents were there and so were a couple of other guys Bowen had grown up with. It was like a mini reunion! We ended up going back to Mikes place to watch to hang out and watch a movie. It was a good night!

I knew there were lizards everywhere, but I hadn't seen any that I could catch. Mason had never seen a lizard up close and I wanted him to experience one first hand. We had already played with it for while before Bowen filmed this, so Mason was pretty much over it.

I think I ruined my chances of him ever trusting me again.

One very important event that we were able to go to while we were there was Carl and Mariah's family being sealed together as a family for all time and eternity in the Orlando temple. What a wonderful day it was! Carson and Amelia were so adorable! It was a beautiful ceremony and I think everyone there shed a tear or two. After we all went out to dinner then headed home. Popsi and Margie had graciously volunteered to watch the other kids while we were in Orlando. Thank you to them for giving us the opportunity to go. When we got home that night Mason was sound asleep. Just the way I like it! Ha ha!

All to soon New Years rolled around. Mariah and Carl had a HUGE party at their house. There were games, toys, even a bouncer for the kids; a giant inflatable screen that people were playing the wii on; and tons and tons of food! Also, whenever Bowens family gets together, there must be a ping pong match. My skills aren't what they used to be, but Bowen put up a pretty good match!

Mason was obsessed with the slide, the choo choo's, and an inflatable chair. It's so funny what catches a kids attention! I made my mango salsa which was pretty much gone by the end of the night (I think Bowen had a lot to do with that) What a night! One of the most important things going on was the football game of course! There was so much going on that Mason would absolutely not go to bed. So he stayed up the entire time. We all got together for the countdown to midnight..3,2,1, a kiss to ring in the New Year, then bed!!! It was a really fun night. Needless to say, I think everyone slept in the next day.

I think it was the day before we left, mom took us out to lunch at Panda then we drove around for a bit and ended up at De Soto National Park. It was nice to learn a bit of history about the area and walk off our lunch. Mason loved just being able to run around! It was pretty chilly and we didn't stay too long, but it was a fun afternoon.

Even though we were there for almost two weeks it seemed like not enough time. We had such a fun time being with all of our family and friends. Thank you to all!!!

Our plane ride home was...well...lets just say Mason and I were in tears a time or two. Bowen didn't know what to do with us. I felt so bad! But we made and recuperated from the flight. Now I want to go back!

Christmas and New Years 2009 Part 1

This Christmas was our Florida year. Both Bowen and I couldn't wait for a vacation! We finally flew out the morning of the 23rd. Mason was, well, let's just say not the most pleasant to fly with. Next time we fly he'll definitely have his own seat. Mom and Coach welcomed us (especially Mason) with lots of hugs! I think we were all relived to be there and on the ground. We had to hurry back to Bradenton to get to Aunt Jenny's for the annual progressive dinner. It was so good to see everyone and catch up! Aunt Jenny made her amazing cheese soup and it was just delightful! Everyone decided to take a walk outside to see all of the horses. Mason didn't quite know what to think of them but he was definitely intrigued.

After an hour or so we headed to Mariah and Carl's for the salad portion of the meal. Their home is so beautiful. They had done a lot of work on it since the last time we had seen it and it looked amazing. Carson and Amelia were very kind to share all of their toys with Mason and the rest of the kids. Honestly, the back yard was like a country club for kids. Mason did NOT want to leave when it was time to go, but Grandma and Grandpa were waiting for us, so we headed out.

Grandma had prepared so many yummy dishes including her amazing prime rib. It was all so good and by the time it was time to go, you could have rolled everyone out the door!

While we waited to eat, Mason read Grandpa Jones a book. I love this picture!

Oh look and these lovely ladies!

Grandma Bette is such a gracious, lovely hostess. Her home was beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. I definitely felt at home there!

Our last stop was dessert at Moms. Ice cream sundaes to top it all off! I must say, it was a relief to finally be at our last stop. I know everyone was tired, but from traveling all day we were exhausted! Don't worry, of course I had enough room for some ice cream, more visiting, and taking in all of moms decor. I hope that by being married into this family some of her decorating skill will brush off on me. Seriously! Mason had already warmed up to all of his cousins. No surprise here, he's such a little social butterfly. All of the kids kept each other entertained which was sooooo nice!

Little Mi Mi looked so cute in her Christmas outfit.

Ethan, Carson, and Mason playing some sort of game...oh boys!

It was Chasey and Lyndsay's Florida year too. Of course Lynds and I had enough to talk about and I'm sure Bowen and Chasey did too. Their baby, Rylee, was absolutely adorable! She is such a happy baby with cheeks that you just want to squish!

It was such fun night with all of our family and friends. Thank you to all who put it together and prepared all that yummy food. Needless to say, I literally fell into bed that night and didn't wake up until 11 the next morning. Thankfully, neither did Mason.

Christmas Eve day was spent recuperating from the previous night. If I would've posted this blog earlier I would've remembered more, but I have pregnancy brain and can't remember anything anyway, so that's the way it is. Sorry :)

Christmas was a blast! After Downey, Mariah, and Margie's kids had opened their presents at their homes they all came over to Moms for lunch and more presents. Ethan and Jackson brought some of their new toys to play with outside. It was so beautiful out that we all sat out for a while too.

Aunt Margie supervising the kids with their new toys.

I can't believe how grown up Caitlyn and Marley are getting!

After everyone had arrived and settled in it was finally time to open presents. When I say everyone got a lot of presents, I mean EVERYONE got so many presents! You couldn't even see the floor, not from wrapping paper, but from all the gifts everyone received. I was spoiled as well. I had set a spending limit for Bowen and I, but as I expected he went over. Since we've been together he's given me Tiffanys every year for Christmas. I knew he couldn't break that habit, but I'm not complaining in the least! I also got a really nice surger from Mom and Coach. I've been sewing a lot lately and that was on my wish list. Thank you, thank you!!!

After cleaning up a bit, you guessed it, we ate some more. Honestly, I ate more on this trip than I did the previous month. They say the average person gains 10 pounds over the holidays. Now that's a lot! I didn't gain that much, but it definitely felt like it!

What a fun, beautiful day to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ!

Surprise!

This is Bowen as he walked in the house and didn't notice the sign behind him.

This is what it said...

This is him after I asked him to shut the door because it was cold. He saw it, paused to read it, turned around laughing and a had big smile on his face and asked, "Are you pregnant???" "Yep," I said. "Alright!!!!!", he said, and gave me a big hug and kiss. We're so excited for this little peanut to join our family! It's still pretty early, we don't know what it is or anything, but it's too good of news not to share! Woohoo!

On a side note, this is how lovely our parenting skill are. This is Mason when he watches the Simpsons. He loves them! I know, it's awful.

Not so HO HO HO

Last night was our ward Christmas Party. They always have such nice decorations and yummy food. The highlight for the kids is that Santa comes bearing gifts and treats. As you can see, Mason was not impressed at all by Santa. In fact, he was down right terrified! Oh but this picture was so worth it!

All he wanted was his daddy to comfort him after the Santa experience

Happy Thanksgiving!

We were so lucky this year to have my family drive out here from Utah for Thanksgiving! They arrived at our house Wednesday evening and we were sooo excited to see them. From the time they arrived, Mason had all the attention he could get. Everyone was a bit weary from the drive, so we just took it easy for the rest of the day. Mom, Chellese and I did have to make a last minute stop at the grocery store though :) We woke up bright and early Thanksgiving Day to start the cooking. Bowen went and played flag football with some other guys from the ward. I was so excited to "host" my own Thanksgiving dinner! Everything turned out amazing! I was so scared I was going to dry out or burn the turkey, but even it was so delicious and falling off the bone! Yesssss! I moved the table outside because nobody in my family has ever had a warm enough Thanksgiving to eat outside. Needless to say, we were stuffed!

Mason was thrilled to make a complete mess of his dinner. He did eat pretty much everything though

Even Lady was excited for the leftovers
Lady popped Masons favorite blue ball. He wasn't very excited about that. I guess Chellese needed a creative outlet so she decided to style Masons hair much against his will. After she was done she asked what I thought. I started laughing because he looked like Kate Gosslin from the John and Kate plus 8 TV show.

That night we went and saw 2012 at the theater. It was pretty good. The graphics were amazing!

The next day we went downtown to Seaport Village. We spent a couple hours there walking around and shopping. It was such a beautiful day. We could've spent all day outside.

Grandpa Kurt with his favorite grandson :)

After that we went to Fashion Valley mall. It was insane! I guess that's what we get for going on Black Friday.

That evening Bowen and I went and bought a fire pit. Mason is such a little pyro. We enjoy some yummy smores. Mmmmmm!It started rain a bit so we put out the fire and headed inside. C.J. had stepped outside a little while later to talk on his phone when he started yelling, "Shaelyn, there's a thing on your fence...a monster." "What?" I yelled back, "a cockroach?" "NO," said C.J. "A POSSUM!"

I forget that there's no possums in Utah. It was pretty funny when the whole family came outside to take a look at it. C.J. being the hunter man he is wanted to kill it, but I wouldn't let him, so he opted for poking it with a stick until it jumped off the other side of the fence.

When we woke up Saturday it was pouring rain. Booo! Thinking it was going to let up we decided to head to the Wild Animal Park for the day. Well, the clouds got darker and the rain fell harder as we got closer, so we ended up not going. We all went to Red Robin to eat then walked around the mall a bit. Good thing too, because I found Bowens Christmas present. Woohoo!

When we got back to the house, Mom wanted to go walk around La Jolla so just she and I went. It was nice to get a break from babies and boys. Poor Chellese, we left her there to fend for herself. We did have fun going into all the little boutiques and stopping at Starbucks to get my new favorite drink, Soy steamer with hazelnut. So good!

Even though we didn't do a whole lot that day, we were exhausted. I felt bad we didn't get into the Wild Animal park so we made arrangements to go the next day.

I had never been there before. It was so much fun! Mom said she liked it better than the SD zoo. We walked around a good portion of the park before we decided to get something to eat.

Mason and Chellese in their "cave"

The view of the park. Another view...if you look hard to the left you can see the giraffes roaming the African Pride lands of the park.This was probably one of my favorite parts. There was a little aviary call Lorakeet Landing. You could buy a little cup of nectar and as soon as you walked inside of the cage all the birds would come and land on you to try and get a drink of the sweet nectar. Mason was a little nervous when the birds would fly over his head, but he looooved it!
Daddy helping Mase. I think Bowen had fun in there too!

Another great exhibit was the gorillas. Mason was a bit nervous of them. I don't think it helped that Bowen kept telling him that we were going to let him stay with the gorillas. There was a display where you could push a button and it would sound off all the sounds gorillas make. Mase was nervous of that at first too. He kept looking for whatever was making that sound. I think he figured it out when he was courageous enough to push the buttons himself.

Daddy and Baby Gorilla

Bowen, C.J, and Dad

For the last part of the park we went on a 4D motion ride and the petting zoo. Mason couldn't get enough of the deer. I got some food pellets so he could feed them and he liked that too.

When we were done with the park we said our goodbyes. They headed back to Delta and we headed back home. It was sad that they left and I hope they had a good time while they were here! Thanks for making this such a fun Thanksgiving! Love you!!!