Aunt T.T.

A little something special for my sister who I know religiously follows this blog. I am so happy and blessed to have this wonderful person in my life. Jon and I could not ask for a better and more loving aunt for our children. She brings such fun, wonder, and excitement into their lives. Thank you for being there as a sister, friend, and a wonderful aunt to my children. All four of us love you dearly!

Happenings

The past few days have been so busy with Jon's family here, local events, and Landon's Baby Dedication. Below are some photos of our adventures and what we have been up to this week.

Shawn and Landon's first trip to the fair together. Shawn had a blast riding a pony for the 1st (and 2nd) time. He's going to have a love for horses just like mommy ;) He really enjoyed the other animals as well. The ducks seemed to be a bit hit as he "quacked" his way around the pens. And as always, we all enjoyed the delicious fair food!

This past Sunday we had Landon dedicated to the Lord. The ceremony was very nice. Pastor Mark did a wonderful job and we were so blessed to be able to share such a special day with our family and friends. Pictured above: The ceremony, grandparents/godparents MeMe and Pappy, Aunt Liz and Uncle John, Grandpa Bob and Grandma Carol from Idaho, Nan and Peeps, Aunt "T.T.", brothers, and our family of four.


The kiddos and Mommy at the Little League Museum: Shawn really enjoyed running around the "field" inside the museum. Future baseball player???

Some family pictures at Cabela's: Shawn loved the walk through aquarium! Landon loved being held as we walked around so he could see all the sights too.

Visitors from Idaho

This week Jon's dad and step mom came to visit us from Idaho. It had been two years since they were here (Shawn was 5 months old!) So we had a lot of catching up to do. What made this such a special occasion is that it was Landon's first time meeting his paternal grandparents. We had a very jam packed week of fun and amusements with the kiddos. Here are a few photos from their visit.

Shawn, Grandpa Bob, and Grandma Carol at the fair.

Shawn and Grandpa Bob at the Little League Museum

Landon and Grandma Carol at the Little League Museum

Three Generations of Rawlings
Cabela's

Up and running

Well, we finally have a system up and running again. I never realized how much I'd miss my computer until it was gone for a while. Not being able to upload my pictures everyday was torture! We have some pictures to share from the fair and other things that we will update soon.

Computer Troubles

We have having some issues with our computer and need to order some new parts. When we have everything fixed and running smoothly again we will update posts with pictures.

Sunday

Today we took Landon to his first church service and Shawn to his first children's service. Landon's first reaction was not the greatest, as he screamed from the sound of the loud music. It didn't take him long though to calm down and enjoy watching everyone sing and clap their hands. After the worship songs we took Shawn over to his first children's service. This is going to take some work for him! He enjoyed the singing and dancing but it proved to be rather difficult for him to sit and listen. However, what can you expect from a spunky two year old? ;)
Next week is Landon's baby dedication. We are very excited for this special day and to share it with our family and friends. Jon's dad and step mom will be coming in from Idaho this week and will be attending the service with us. It will be nice for Shawn to spend some time with them again and for Landon to meet his paternal grandparents.

"More Water"

Today Jon and I decided to take the kiddos to a local amusement park to say farewell to summertime. As hot as it was out it didn't feel like an end to summer... more like the middle of August! Shawn had a blast though on the rides that he was able to go on. The water rides were the biggest hit of them all. Every time the ride ended he pointed back at the water and yelled "More Whyyyyy" ("why" is his word for "water") Landon had a pretty good day as well. He was awake for most of the trip and enjoyed the sights and sounds around him. He even had a kissing fit with Mommy... opening up his mouth real wide and laughing when we kissed. (Gosh I love this stage!)
At the conclusion of our day I decided to take Shawn on the biggest water ride the park has to offer. This one is a soaker! When the wave of water hit us he just squealed in delight! Then afterward we stood on the bridge to let a huge wall of water slam (me) in the back. Shawn thought that was pretty amusing :)

The Family

The Rides

The Kiddos

"Go Zoo!"

There are few things that we enjoy more than spending the day together as a family. On one of Jon's days off we always try to make it an adventure for Shawn. Going to places that he enjoys, trying new things, and just spending good ol' quality time together. Shawn loves it when we are all piled into the van and he lists places that he wants to go to. Lately he has been requesting the zoo. When we are all buckled in and heading out our street he loudly pronounces "Go Zoooooo!" Since the weather was not being very cooporative yesterday we had to turn down Shawn's idea. Yet he still persisted... "Go ZOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Alas we convinced him that the mall would be great fun and we could check out one of his favorite features... the air vents in Boscovs ;) He was over his "zoo" idea (for that moment.)

Growing so fast

Can you believe that Landon is 3 months old already? Where has this summer gone? Gosh, it seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital tired, worried, and excited. We had no clue how Shawn would react to this new person living in "his" house. Just today Landon rolled over for the first time. Jon heard him fussing when he was feeding Shawn breakfast this morning and there he was, face down and mad as can be (oh that red headed temper of his!) And hearing Landon upset... oh that does not sit well with big brother! When one is crying... the other is crying; it never fails. Shawn can not bare to listen to Landon crying. While it can get old quick, it is rather amusing to see how sensitive they both are and that they do not like to see one other upset.

And to conclude... Happy 3 months Landon!

What makes a Dad...

If there is one thing that melts my heart it is watching my "guys" do what they do best... PLAY! The other day we took the kiddos to the park and I sat in the shade with Landon (all giggles and smiles watching his Daddy and big brother playing.) Jon and Shawn ran out in the soccer fields and chased each other silly. Shawn squealed with laughter as his "hero" threw him in the air and wrestled him to the ground. I can only hope that one day Shawn realizes how blessed he is to have a father like Jon. No one could ask for or want a better Daddy... and best friend.