The Best of Days

We can't believe our Washington DC summer is coming to a close in 2 weeks! We are so sad. We keep thinking... what more can we fit in? Who else can we see? We love it here.

The past month and a half has been packed with exciting things. Here are a few points, just to sum it up, pictures included:

-We went to Duxbury, MA for a second time this summer. My parents visited and most of the Duxbury clan was there. Jackson had a lot of fun, and so did we! It was relaxing and fun to be with everyone.
-We spent the 4th of July in DC (what better place??). We went to see the parade, packed with happy people. We visited some sights that were filled with red, white, & blue and celebratory events. We barbecued brats, then watched the incredible fireworks! (Although it was the hottest 4th of July I've ever experienced... high 90's, with humidity of what felt like a million degrees).
-The Gannaways came to town as part of their east coast trip, and we did a quick tour of all the DC sites.
-Excursions to DC every Saturday. I've also fit in a trip here and there during the week with Jackson. We've met up with Meg & baby Ivy, only a few months apart in age. I think they've taken a strong liking to each other!
-We took Jackson to his first professional baseball game. The Nationals were so fun to watch. Jackson LOVED it! He was so happy when everyone cheered for the home runs, and we think he's a baseball player at heart already.
-Jackson has developed his first 3 teeth in the past few months. His 2 bottom front ones came in at the same time, then the past couple of days a tooth has started to come in on the top!

-Grant has had his foot on the pedal studying for the GRE, and actually as I write this, he's at the Testing Center taking the GRE! We'll all be happy when it's done :).

-Most of all, we've been happy being able to be here and seeing our little son start to crawl, pull himself up to standing, go for his first 'swimming pool' swim, clap his hands, babble like he's carrying on a full conversation with someone (or just having a full conversation with himself), and grow from what seems like a baby to a little boy (almost). We love him so much and I think he's had fun enjoying a new place (although we could do without this 100+ degree weather.. Jackson is a sweat MACHINE!). He's very social, and so very fun!

Trish made a 4th of July baby quilt for Jackson!

We visited the Albrights (Grant's Mission President & Mission Mom at the end of his mission) shortly before they finished their mission in Washington DC South.

Jackson & Ivy are pretty good buds.

Chris & Grant after tubing in Duxbury, MA

This is what happens when you let Grandma Risley babysit. She's giving Jackson his first popsicle.

Dad and Jack just relaxing together

4th of July in DC!

The White House on the 4th

The Discovery Spaceship at the Air & Space Museum

National Cathedral

Jackson LOVES the pool.

Jackson and his "friend" Porter went swimming together and have matching swimsuits.

Jackson & Ivy

Having fun at the Washington Nationals Baseball game

View from the back of Mt. Vernon

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! :)