Trip to VA

After spending 5 days in NC, we headed up to VA to see Justin's brothers-Jeff, John, and James and their families. We had tons of fun 4-wheeling, tractor rides, a short ride on the lake, playing video games, watching movies, and visiting with everyone.

Jacey and Joby having fun together at James' house.

Mr. John Deere himself.

Jaelyn, Joby, Jackson, and Jolie playing together inside the schoolhouse. Yes, playing together without fighting.

Jacey holding Jerni. Jerni's just about as big as she is. Jacey was so cute with Jerni. Always wanting to know where she was or what she was doing. Soon they'll be able to play with each other.

John has a trampoline and Joby loved it. The kids pull it close to the deck and jump off from the deck to the trampoline. Joby jumped off from the 2 feet section, while Jackson (has no fear) jumped off from the 8 foot section.

Jerni got her first tooth, while on vacation.

My turn on the 4-wheeler. John and James have some great trails on the mountain, but I just drove around the yard/field.

Joby just loves Lil' James. He follows him around like his shadow.

Joby finally got on the tractor for a ride with Grandpa. I think the sucker helped.

Trip to NC

We just got back from a week visit to NC and VA to see family. We had so much fun! We went to Logan & Joshua's birthday party, had brunch with my family, played on the lake, went to the park, went for Burley rides, and stayed up very late--every night.

Waiting in the Greensboro Airport for Justin's dad to pick us up. He got caught in heavy traffic, so we waited about 2 hours. Thank goodness for DVD players and snacks.

One afternoon, we went to the YMCA on the lake for swim time. The older boys jumped off this huge inflatable thing. Jerni enjoyed the water for a little while, then got sand in her diaper and it was fun no more.

Joby played in the water by chasing a floating acorn and throwing rocks from the bank into the lake.

Jordan paying tribute to Grandma. She wears the life jacket as a diaper to float.

Breakfast with the boys.

Visiting Justin's dad at work. Joby doesn't appreciate where he works right now, but will very soon. Thanks for the truck!

Jerni's Blessing

Over our Christmas trip back home, we blessed Jerni with all of Justin's family in VA. She was great during the blessing and didn't make a peep. She had her eyes open and curiously looking at her Papa, Grandpa, and uncles.

Now, we are a family of four.

Jase, Britta, Jenn, Jerni, and Justin. I just like this picture.

Justin's Mom and Dad.

Camping (Jenn's way)

For Memorial weekend, we went camping (somewhat) with Tony and his family. Let me paint a picture for you. It's about 95 degrees with 100% humidity. Not one single sway of the trees for a breeze. There's about 100 other tents about a foot away from ours. It's getting late. The fire has not been started to cook dinner. Justin's still unpacking and putting up our tent. Joby's running around in the dark telling the flies to "Shoo, don't bother me!" Jerni is stuck to my arm from us sweating so much on each other. About 9:30, we're out of there to the nearest hotel with Tony and crew laughing. We find a hotel and off to bed quickly. The next morning, we head back to the campsite and enjoy the rest of the day in the hot sun with no breeze again. We had a good time with the million other folks. Next time, we renting a cabin and not going on a holiday weekend.

Roasting hot dogs and marshmallows for lunch.

My boys

One of Justin's Father's Day gifts was an outing to a baseball game with Joby. Jerni and I stayed home because she goes to bed so early. They had a great time eating lots of hot dogs, cotton candy, peanuts, and nachos. It was very hot and not a breeze was felt. They both had a great time and shared the night with Tony and his family. Happy Father's Day! We love you!

Oh no!

Yesterday morning, the FedEx guy dropped off a box and asked what happened next door. I had seen a mixer truck go by, but that is a regular occurrence around here, so I didn't know what he was talking about.

Stuck in the mud!

Here comes the tow truck to save the day.

Notice Joby's jammies--a mixer!

Mini-me!

On Sunday afternoon, Jerni wasn't happy unless she was being held. I was trying to make dinner and Justin was busy with a project of his own. So, I strapped her in. I carried her around for quite a while and she didn't make a peep.

Justin came into the kitchen and said she was my little mini-me.

Busy whipping up Yorkshire Pudding.

Sleepover

On Saturday night, we watched Tony and Angie's kids while they went out to celebrate their 7th wedding anniversary. The kids had a great time. We ate pizza and ice cream. The kids pretended to have a sleepover. So, of course, that meant a pillow fight. Joby wasn't sure what to do, but Pierce quickly knew how to defend himself.

Reading to himself. Notice the book upside down.

Shhhhhhh!

Pillow fight!

Sittin' pretty

Jerni is now seeing life vertically and not always from a horizontal position. She started sitting up the day before she turned 6 months old. Thanks to Justin for working with her.

Masters of the bed

They have now taken over our bed!

Queen Jerni and King Joby

Bee cereal

While Jerni was having her rice cereal, Joby wanted some cereal too. But not whatever Jerni was having! He calls Cheerios-Bee cereal, because of the bee on the box of Honey nut Cheerios. Picking them up one by one with his fingers was a little too boring.

Rice cereal

Jerni has now tasted rice cereal. I say "tasted" because she hasn't quite mastered the technique of opening her mouth and then closing it on the spoon. She tries to suck the spoon and then most of the food comes back out from her thrusting her tongue forward. Everyday she gets a little better than the day before.

Memorial Day Fun

Memorial Day was spent at a local park that just got a spray park next to it. We had a great time with friends, lots of good food, and great kids.

Joby was a little hesitant of the water at first, but loved it when it was time to go home. Go figure!

It's never too early to start them on the riches of life.