Birthday Boy

We celebrated Jess's Birthday this past week. We are very thankful for Jess's life and very proud of him!

We host a life group in our home every week and I had asked everyone to bring a card for Jess. We also had a cookie cake and ice cream to celebrate Jess. A few days later Jess's parents came and took us out to eat for Jess's birthday. On Jess's actual birthday (the 26th) my mom was in town, so Jess and I went out for Mexican. Later that evening we had Jess's birthday dinner, cake (red velvet cake at Jess's request), and presents. Canon was so excited all day about daddy's "birfday". We had a great week celebrating Jess! 

We love you Jess!

Migrating South

Last week we had the privilege of heading to South Florida to visit Jess's middle brother. We had been counting down the days for months. 

We headed out very early on Wednesday morning. Canon was so excited to get on an airplane and to see his cousin Nathaniel. Canon was a champ on the airplane and of course this momma had some new small toys and books to entertain him. 

Here is Canon on our flight to Florida.

It was so good to get away from the everyday routine and spend time with family. Art and Sarah were so hospitable and made sure we were making ourselves at home. We ate a lot of good food, saw the church where Art works, went to the zoo, went to a cool park, and visited the ocean. Art and Jess went to a Miami Heat game on evening while Sarah and I took the kids out to eat and to get ice cream.

Canon and Nathaniel at the zoo. These two loved each other and were inseparable. 

Nathaniel, Sarah, and Art

The splash pad at the zoo.

Art and Sarah were so gracious to watch Canon while Jess and I went out on a date. They fed Canon, took him to feed the fish and turtles at a pond, gave him a bath, and put him to bed. Jess and I are were/are more than grateful for the time we had together.

At the beach.

Out to eat while the men went to the Miami Heat basketball game.

We are so thankful for the time we had to get away and visit family. It was much needed. We are also so thankful we get along with each other's siblings and their spouses on both sides!

Can't wait to visit again!

Think I am in love

Favorite shoes ever and they look so cute on my handsome little boy!

Happy Easter

We had a wonderful Easter today! I enjoyed getting Canon all dressed up this morning and thankfully he was in picture taking mood! I worked in the nursery today, but church was great and I am so thankful for our church family. After church we had a wonderful home cooked meal with some wonderful friends and then came home where C and I took long naps. After naps Jess and I hid Easter eggs for Canon and gave him his Easter basket. Then we had a nice dinner with Jess's family! Long day, but a wonderful day celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus! 

My handsome little man.

For some reason this elephant has been C's best friend all day long. He has not let it out of his sight.

Cheese!

Trying to get him to smile in between eating apple slices.

Eating dessert outside

Egg hunt in the living room.

Really missing this sweet little boy. All the "first" holidays were hard, but the second Easter without Will has been emotional and sad too. This morning I was wishing I was dressing up my second son and getting his Easter basket ready. I miss him. Because of Jesus's sacrifice and His Resurrection I will be reunited with Will again and what a joyous day that will be! 

Happy Easter!

Coloring Easter Eggs

We had a great time as a family coloring Easter eggs. This was Canon's first time to color Easter eggs and he seemed to enjoy it and so did Jess and I. 

Our finished products.

Jess and I have also been doing the Resurrection eggs with Canon every day. The MOPS group I am involved with made them. I wasn't at the meeting, but they made a set for me and I love them. Canon listens very intently and is able to recall what he learned. Throughout the day he will randomly say little bits and pieces of what he learned. Jess and I have been really enjoying this time as family teaching our son the real meaning of Easter and I am so thankful he is "getting" it! 

Easter Eggstravaganza

Many of you know we are a part of a church plant where my husband is on staff. Last year Jess put on Grace Church's first annual Easter Eggstravaganza. We had a great turnout last year and this year it was even bigger and better. Jess estimated there were around 1,200 people in attendance. 

I am so proud of Jess.

Canon had a great time. A little overwhelmed at times, but he enjoyed eating cotton candy, the jump houses, hunting Easter eggs, and playing with his friends. 

Enjoying his first taste of cotton candy. 

This is Canon's new smile. ;)

4-Wheelers and Trains

A few weekends ago Canon and I headed to IL to visit my family. Jess was off to TX for a speaking engagement, so I thought this was a great opportunity to visit with my family. Canon was beside himself to go to Mom-o and Pops's house. I love that Canon loves doing things at my parent's house that I loved to do when growing up and have fond memories of to this day. 

One of the first things we did was get Canon on the 4-wheeler with my dad. Canon talks about riding the "bike" almost daily and asks when he is going to get to do it again. He was able to ride it three times total. I am not sure he will ever get tired of taking rides. After the 4-wheeler rides Canon loved petting the cats, seeing the rabbits, seeing Molly (dog), sitting on the riding lawn mower, and swinging on the hay loft rope swing. Canon is my little country boy! 

We ate great home cooked meals, hung out with my sister, brother in law, and niece, and spent time with my grandparents. Canon is doing much better sleeping away from home, so that was not a stressor, which was nice. 

On Friday Canon, my mom, my sister, my niece, and I headed to the St. Louis Zoo and we had the best time. Canon also asked frequently when he is going to get to go back to the zoo, so he was beyond excited. The St. Louis Zoo is a lot more exciting then the zoo he is used to, so he was in for a treat. 

The highlight for Canon was the train. He has really gotten into trains lately, so he was very excited to ride the train twice. He saw hippos, penguins, kangaroos, and bears for the first time. He also pet goats and a guinea pig. It was a perfect day!

We can't wait until our next visit!