Jon and Sarah Jackson Family

Jon got off work a little early today, so we decided to head over to the park and let the kids play. We haven't taken many pictures lately, so here are some recent shots of the kids. Mikayla is such a big girl now. She is such a joy. It is nice having a kid old enough to reason with and have somewhat real conversations with. She is such a good helper and she is so smart. She amazes me every day. She loves to spend time with me, Jon, and especially Andrew. She loves church and learning more about the gospel. She asks me all these questions I am not prepared to answer, like when is Jesus coming again? How will he get here? Where do babies come from? Why does the sun go to bed every night? How is rain made and where does it come from? She has even asked me about static electricity. I feel like a moron daily around her.

Andrew has become quite his own person. He is still content and sweet, but he has a wild side. He does not like to be forced to do ANYTHING. This includes walking. He could do it if he wanted to. He has taken nine steps in a row on his own when bribed with a brownie, but refuses to do it 99% of the time. He even mocks me when I try to encourage him to walk. He will stand in the middle of the floor and imitate me while smiling and laughing; never once taking a step. If he is mad, excited, or just plain feisty, he will bite or head-but you. He will give you hugs if you ask for them and blow kisses occasionally (if he is in the mood.) He loves to be cuddled when he is in a cuddling mood. If he's not in the mood, expect a full on war. He attacks Mikayla with a vengeance if she is picking on him. It is just a matter of time before he takes complete physical control. He is a master of destruction and has single-handedly destroyed two of our lamps, a DVD player, and several DVDs. Even though he is a terror, we love him and can't imagine our life without him.

We had a great time for Christmas. We went down and visited my in-laws in Utah. The kids got to play with their cousins, and we got to play with the other aunts and uncles; it was just all around fun.

Jon and I decided while we were down there that we should take advantage of the fact that Jon's Mom is a photographer. I thought it would be a really great idea to take anniversary pictures every five years, so that when we are fifty, we can look back and see how we got to the old, wrinkly state we are in. Here are some of the pictures we took (following Santa Clause). It was freezing, but so fun. Everyone who drove by the park thought we were taking engagement pictures. They kept honking their horns at us as they drove past. It made me feel like a soon-to-be-bride all over again. It feels like it was just yesterday. I can't believe how fast time has gone by and how much more I love my sweetheart. What a blessing to know that I get to keep him forever.

Jon has many special talents, but unfortunately ice skating isn't one of them. He was a trooper and took me because he knew I loved to do it. It definitely wasn't for him. I have to admit, it was pretty hilarious to watch him stumble and grab onto me and the wall for support. Usually I am the one that is pathetically flawed at all physical activities, so really, I could get used to moments like this.

This is a video Jon took of me while I was over-exaggerating my meager skills. While the video appears to show him falling because I ran into him, that is simply not the case. I got within two feet of him and he lost all control. Almost every picture and video he took ended the same way. It was hilarious. Enjoy!