Busy months

Botanical Gardens

In December we went to the Boise Botanical Gardens. Despite being out in the cold at night, we enjoyed seeing the gardens all lit up. Laken met Santa and his reindeer Prancer and loved watching the model trains. We walked around for a couple hours looking at all the lights. We lost Laken's favorite blanket and had to send Jared back in to look for it. He couldn't find it but fortunately for us someone else did and turned it into the lost and found. Here are a few pictures from our adventure:

The many lights

Laken enjoying the lights

Meeting Santa

Meeting Prancer

Christmas

We had Christmas a few days early at our apartment. This year Laken really enjoyed opening his gifts. He had a big bright smile on his face when he first saw the Christmas tree with all the lights on and gifts. He went right to the un-wrapped one (a car race ramp). After playing with that for a bit we were able to get him to look in his stocking and start opening gifts. He didn't understand the concept of waiting for his turn (unless he was helping mom and dad unwrap their gifts). For Christmas this year (from us) he got his car ramp, a puzzle that makes noise, a book, train, little buddy doll, coloring book with crayons, and a magna-doodle. I'd say he had a pretty good Christmas. Here are some pictures:

Our tree and gifts

Laken opening his buddy doll

Opening presents

The aftermath - one big mess but one happy boy

Idaho Falls

After our own Christmas, we packed up the car and drove to Idaho Falls for a week. We were able to spend time with Jared's parents and most of his siblings and their families. Unfortunately the family bonding turned into sharing a 24-hour sickness that got just about everyone in some way or another. I had it the longest and was in bed for over a day. It was NOT fun especially when Jared, Laken and I were sick at the same time. But the worst part is seeing your little boy being sick and not being able to do anything about it.

Other than the sickness going around, we had a fun time with everyone. It snowed quite a bit one day and Laken was able to enjoy playing in the snow (which he hadn't been able to do here in Nampa). Christmas was good. Laken gave a squeal of delight when he opened little mario and yoshi stuffed toys and gave them big hugs. He also got a little people's dump truck. It was pretty funny to watch. On another day we were able to go bowling as a big family. Laken did pretty good taking turns and pushing the ball down the ramp when it was his turn (he ended up with a score of 69...not too bad for his first time)! All-in-all we had a pretty fun time in Idaho Falls. Laken enjoyed spending time and playing with his cousins and grandparents.

The day we were planning on leaving, Andrew drove up from Provo to see us and some friends. Unfortunately that was the day that Laken decided he had had enough and was ready to go home. But we were able to get out of the house and spend some time with Andrew and have lunch with him.

Laken playing in the snow with his cousin Drostan

Playing with Grandpa Ball

Reading with Grandma Ball

Bowling

Christmas continues

When we got home from Idaho Falls, we had more gifts to open from my parents. Christmas just didn't want to end for us. Laken got a couple little people sets, an mp3 player from grandpa, and a remote control train.

Jared

Jared finished his last semester of classes just before Christmas and was so excited to finally be done. His final GPA was 3.8 (pretty dang good for grad school)! He also lost a few clients and has been spending much more time at home. Part of that time has been devoted to studying for his state licensure exam. He took that just a few days ago and passed! Now he has a job lined up and starts Monday! He just had a birthday and turned 26.

Laken

Laken continues to be a happy little boy (for the most part). He still loves being outside whether its cold, windy, snowy or sunny. He loves baths, sleeps in until 8:30, eats veggies, and enjoys playing with his mega blocks. He's getting more vocal but still needs to be encouraged to use words. We've been getting him used to the potty and he's used it a few times. We're slowly getting him ready for a baby brother.

Me

I'm 31 weeks pregnant now. The pregnancy is going well but it is getting harder to sleep at night and I feel like I always have to pee. I'm getting bigger by the day - even Laken thinks so. He sticks his little tummy out and walks around like me. I've been trying to get things ready for baby #2. Cleaning out bedrooms and closets, rearranging, and cleaning. The "boys room" has been my first project and it's almost done. I've also been working on a quilt for Laken's birthday and I only have a month left to do it.

Well, I think that about sums up the last couple of months. As you can see, we've been pretty busy and the next couple months are going to be the same way with getting ready for a baby.