Uncle Toddy and Aunt Jessie's Shower

We no sooner came home from our first vacation to the Outer Banks, then we loaded the kids in the car to head to Uncle Toddy and Aunt Jessie's wedding shower. It's hard to believe, that after 7-8 years, they are FINALLY getting married.

It's obvious to see how loved they both are, because there were tons of friends and family there.



Jessie's family did a great job of creating a beautiful setting, and my mom did a wonderful job of adding special touches, such as beautiful centerpieces and scrumptious cupcakes!

Emma had a wonderful time swimming in the pool,


eating cupcakes,


hanging out with two of her favorite men,



and hanging out with her favorite cousin and best friend, Ellie.



Jackson loved soaking up love and attention from two of his favorite grandparents.



The family was together, and we all had a great time celebrating an obviously happy couple! We love them both and can't wait for the big day!

I love this picture...this is Emma's beautiful cousin Ellie.

4 Months

Dear Jackson-

Today you are 4 months old, and getting soooo big!! I can't believe how fast time flies. You are doing so many new and wonderful things, such as:

• you can hold your head up without any problems. When I fly you up in the air, you hold your head as straight as an arrow.
• you watch everything and everyone. One of your favorite people to watch is your BIG sister...I don't think you love anyone more than her.
  
• the last time I weighed you, you weigh 15 pounds...my oh my, how time changes someone:)
• you are able to hold things in your hand and bring them up to your mouth.

• we no longer swaddle you, and you LOVE it!! Since we started, you are sleeping through the night. One night, you slept from 8:15-7:45...WOW!! Since you are not swaddled, you do a full tour of your bed at night.
• you started eating oatmeal (baby) and you like it.
  
• napping in your swing is still a must. If I nap you in your crib, you only sleep for 30 minutes. In fact, we travel with your swing.
• traveling is not so bad. You do cry some of the time in the car, but I think (hope) you are getting better. We are going away for Uncle Toddy's wedding on Saturday, so time will tell.
• belly time is still not a favorite. Every time we put you on your belly, you spit up.
• you can still roll from your belly to your back, but you do not yet have the back to the belly.
  
• smiling and laughing is what you do most of the time. You have the best smile and the most contagious laugh!!!

• you are in size 6 months clothing. Daddy even put a new onesie on you today that was 6-9 months. According to him, it fit perfectly.
• choppys...you got 'em!! They are so cute and kissable!!
• your hair is till red, and your eyes are still blue!!

Jackson, you are the best baby!! You are a joy, and everyone loves you. People tell me all the time what a great baby you are!! I do not think anyone loves you more than your sister, and I do not think you love anyone more than your sister. We love you both!!

Short Trips Away

We always love taking mini-vacations to Mimi and Pop's. I consider it a vacation, because my parents, and brother included, always help with taking care of the kids. Whether it is doing meals, taking them in the morning so I can sleep in, or playing with them, it is a GREAT BIG help!!

For Emma and Jackson it is a vacation, because they get to do many things there, that they don't here at home.

The first night, we went to Auntie Jessie's house to go swimming and feed the horses.

Jacks loved the swimming part.



Em loved the horses part.






It was funny because while we were there, 4 teenage boys were swimming and jumping out of the playhouse. Well, you-know-who, who has no fear, wanted to do the same thing. We had to say, "No!!"

Pop and Uncle Toddy always take Em up to see the cows. Emma insists on driving the Mule.. She loves all animals, and especially farm animals. We all say that she is going to join the 4-H and FFA.



She loves showing me the "Big Cow" and I loved showing her the "Baby Cow."



Ellie was fortunate enough to have feet big enough to fit in cool shoes. Em's feet are now growing, and she is proud to show off her (Ellie's) cow boots...hot stuff!


Like Pop, like Emma.


Ride 'em Cowboy!



The night before we came home, we took the kids to the local fair. July starts fair season for us. Last year, we went to fairs all the way in Southern Lancaster County...we are fair goers.

Jacks and Em loved the fair.


From the animals...


...to the rides. She LOVED riding the rides with Mimi. Mimi is lots of fun!!






Jackson always gets to do the fun stuff...watch.


The funniest part, was when we were walking through the goat section and the goats were Baaing at Em, and she did it right back. She is a hoot!!


We left the fair, and all anyone could say was how great the kids were. I am told on a daily basis how great my kids are!! I would have to agree.

Overall, it was a GREAT time!!! We love going to Mimi and Pop's.

Another Festival

This weekend was spent at yet, another festival. I don't think we would have spent so much time, if there was not a pony. Emma LOVES pony rides. Between Friday and Saturday, she rode the pony 4 times.

She insisted on riding the pony without someone walking next to her.



She played games, some organized, some not. The unorganized one, involved her running through the water sprinkler they had set it. She got her hair and clothes all wet.

We couldn't leave without getting her arm painted...for the third time.


While Emma enjoyed the activities, Jackson enjoyed the sights.



The evening concluded with Emma putting a flip-flop key chain on her foot...go figure. She loves flip flops!!

Fun Times

We are all about fun times in the Smith house...Saturday mornings provide the perfect opportunity to do so.

Tommy was away at basketball, so it was Em, Jacks, and mommy time. I had Em upstairs because Jackson was waking up from his nap, and I needed to feed time. This meant Emma was on her own. We always close the doors to the rooms where she can't be, and she does a good job of knowing what she can and can't get into.

Daddy's hats, were one thing she figured she could get in to.


She had a great time trying to put all the hats on her head. She succeeded with two.


After she played with the hats, she joined Jackson in his crib. To date, she hadn't been in, but is always trying to climb up on it to look in at him.

They had a great time laying next to each other.


Sitting next to each other.


And doing their own thing.



We are very lucky to have two wonderful children!!