The Adventures of an Arlington 'Resident'

 My how time flies! We've been here in DC for over a month and a half and have had so many adventures! Here are a few:

-Jackson and I have gone downtown to meet up with Grant for lunch.

-Jackson and I have visited about 12 parks in Arlington (he loves the swings!).

-We have been reading lots of books and going to the library every week. Jackson loves books ('He' got me a gift card to Barnes and Noble to get him books! See picture...)

-Just about every Sunday we've gone to dinner at someone's home or had someone over from the ward... Lots of catching up to do!

-Jackson's 6 month shots. I include this because I was so proud of him, he barely even whimpered for a second!

-Jack has developed 2 teeth- bottom front and center. It makes him look so much more grown up!

-Lots of metro riding. And people are obsessed with Jackson when we're in public! I think really they just don't see babies as much as people in Provo UT see babies, so he gets lots of attention, and just recently he has become quite bashful!

-We took a trip to Duxbury, MA to visit my aunt, uncle, and cousins. It was SO much fun and very relaxing. It was mr. J's first time putting his feet in the ocean!

-We celebrated my 26th birthday (eek!). We had a blast, and I'm still enjoying the lovely lilies my husband got for me!

-I met up with nearly all of my old roommates: Rachel Cam, Rachel Ras, Erin, Allie, and Meg. Rachel Cam and Allie traveled in for the occasion, and Erin, Rachel Ras, Meg and I all live somewhat close to DC currently. We toured the Capitol together and enjoyed a nice lunch and dinner. It's been about 5 years since we all were roommates together in the Pink House! 

-Jackson's just about crawling! 

-Jackson has begun clapping nearly every time I sing a song (because I almost always clap when I sing!). It's too adorable.

We're enjoying every minute as we begin to feel the humidity make a move on our summer!

Roommate Reunion

My boys on the hammock

Jackson trying to impress uncle Nate with his tooth brushing skills

Ivy and Jackson on a date at the Zoo!

2 Year Anniversary

Fun at the National Children's Museum

Mother's Day gift card from Barnes & Noble from Jackson that is supposed to read: "More books for Jack. Please Mama". He even added authentic scribbles. 

Duxbury, MA mud flats

Jackson and Emily!

Jackson loves Aunt Laney... I think she's a favorite Great-Aunt!

Plymouth, MA

Jackson and cousin Kim reading

Texas Roadhouse. He's ready to eat STEAK.

Birthday at T. Roadhouse

Jack whispering secrets to Nora.

Our first visit to the National Zoo

There are two teeth in that mouth!

Some good bedtime reading: Washington DC tour book.

Back to the old stomping grounds

(This was written about 3+ weeks ago... but I forgot to post!)
     Here we are, back in Washington DC! We're living in Arlington, VA, lodged with the wonderful Burton family. The Burtons live right by a metro station, so Grant hops on the metro to go to work in DC every day. About a half mile down the road from where we live, there's a store, a library (Jackson loves books!), an ice cream place (Funny how I list this as one of the important things to have very close, because by the time hot July/August rolls around, we'll very likely be going every week...). There are also a few fun restaurants close by.
     We are having so much fun. The church we go to is where both Grant and I served when we were missionaries, so it's been so fun seeing familiar people. We love this area. We are looking forward to completely exploring the city. A couple weeks ago we visited the National Zoo. It's HUGE. We spent all day there, and I believe Jack's favorite animal was the little monkeys. My favorite were the small seals. Grant loved the gorillas. We have felt so blessed to come back to a place we love. Grant has enjoyed his internship thus far, with lots of new experiences and learning about how some things run in DC. We love adventures, and this is a mighty fun one!
      Jackson has become the giggling/laughing king. We love it! He also is learning to use his vocal chords (he is learning how to scream... Happy screams, but oh so loud. He clenches his fists and tightens his neck, and gives it all he's got. Afterwards, a look of satisfaction comes over his face for the sound he has produced. I hope this phase is short!)

This is a birthday tradition. We planted this pine tree on my birthday when we were engaged, and we've gone back every year to see it (small hike behind the Draper Temple). It's gotten huge...it used to be about 6 inches tall, and one sole branch!

We attended the baptism of the daughter of a family that Grant taught on his mission. Absolutely wonderful!  LOVE this photo... like Father like son! :)