JP thrives on structure, routine, and predictability (
hmmm ... I wonder who he takes after?). He's full of life and is energized by people. While JP is flexible and loves social outings, he also loves order. As he gets older and older, this becomes more apparent. Bed time is a prime example. We first brush teeth, then change into jammies, then pick out a few books, then bedtime prayers. If I try to skip any of these steps or change order, he isn't happy! I'm sure routine is the foundation for safety in a toddlers world.
One of my favorite parts of my day with JP is our bedtime prayers. I normally sing him a song or two, we say a few prayers, and then we "God Bless." We start by "God Blessing" our immediate family, and then I turn it over to him and ask who he wants to God Bless. JP normally starts with Boppa or Grandma, Miss Emmy, or Abby the neighbor dog. Sometimes he blesses our dinner guests or playmate friends and on some nights we make it through the whole extended family ... naming all of his cousins and aunts and uncles. Every once in awhile he throws me though ... last week after blessing Mommy, Daddy, and baby Addie I asked if he could think of anyone else. After nearly a minute of silence he responded, "and Uncle Jake's shoes!" And tonight after the same scenario, he said "and swimmin' pools!"
I guess I embrace occasional deviations from the
normal routine!
(although we decided to wait until summer to plant instead of freezing February!)
in commemoration of JP's baptism.
Thankfully, with the right conditions ...
including nutrients, water, grooming ...
and plenty of TLC ...
year after year
both the tree and JP are growing just beautifully.
JP thrives on structure, routine, and predictability (hmmm ... I wonder who he takes after?). He's full of life and is energized by people. While JP is flexible and loves social outings, he also loves order. As he gets older and older, this becomes more apparent. Bed time is a prime example. We first brush teeth, then change into jammies, then pick out a few books, then bedtime prayers. If I try to skip any of these steps or change order, he isn't happy! I'm sure routine is the foundation for safety in a toddlers world.
JP and AA were in the tub together for the first time!
JP didn't mind sharing his "swimmin' pool" with AA one bit. 
Of course, JP just had to notice that AA was missing a body part ... if you, ahem, know what I mean.
After a quick (and impromptu) lesson in boys versus girls anatomy, JP was on to the next topic of conversation ... whew. I'm not too sure how long these dual bathtub nights should last!
One hour:
One month:
Two months:
Three months:
Four months:
Five months:
and now ... Six months:
I'm gonna miss this.
my children encouraging one another to act goofy at the table!
JP thinks AA is pretty cool when she sits in her high chair and eats dinner with the rest of us. He points and shouts "Addie eat, Addie eat!" while watching her every move. This, of course, causes AA to giggle and spit food all over ... which leads to JP laughing hysterically ... causing AA to giggle and spit more food all over! There never is a dull moment in my house!
and the rest of the football team!
This weekend I celebrated my 10 year (yikes!) reunion from college. 
Our days were filled with beautiful weather on a beautiful campus ...
and amazing college friends ...
between three of us Ole grads, there were six kids under four!
JP just loved hanging out with the boys ... throwing a football, blowing bubbles, playing motorcycles, and cars ... boy stuff.
and Addie (the only girl!) loved flirting with the rest of the boys ...
especially her daddy!
Even my friends without kids got in on the fun!
I'd just love to send my kids to St. Olaf one day ... we better win the lottery!