Well a promise was broken. We told ourselves we wouldn't do any more traveling until we had completely unpacked and settled everything in. We did take another trip. However, we are NOT done unpacking! Much to my frustration the trip seems to have more consequences than rewards. Both boys contracted some sort of illness (I assume from the crowds during the fourth celebration as we have been nowhere else). Jax was nearing a consistent 6 hour stretch at night and now is back to waking every 2-3 hours. Neither here nor there (haha) we did have a good time in Livingston for the second time (hence the title there and back again)and we will make it through day by day as usual. And I did get to bake a marvelous triple layer chocolate truffle cake with buttercream frosting (see pic below). My good friend Tressa is touring Europe all summer and so I am trying to "exotic-ize" my life a touch here in the good ol' rural U S of A.
We got to partake in the Livingston Fourth of July celebration. The main event being the parade on the 2nd of July. Desmond had a good time watching all the horses, tracters, vrooms, and other various characters/wheeled items march past him. As long as they kept coming he was content to watch but at several pauses he was anxious and took to marching his own parade with Mama up the block and back again. There was a downpour towards the end but all the entrants kept smiles on their faces and so the parade proceeded to its completion despite the soaking they received.
The day before the parade I got a special treat to see an old friend from my childhood. She has two little boys about the same age so we all sat in her mom's basement (she was visiting from TX) and chatted about life while the boys all entertained themselves (with a little of Gma's help). It was terrific to see her and to have some mom-talk.
We toured the ranch for Desmond and he, as usual, had a great time. We tried fireworks but they didn't go over so well (I suspected as such, but harbored a flicker of hope that he might be intrigued by them). U.Maury and A.Corrina got there just in time to celebrate with a great BBQ and, of course, to teach Desmond a trick - muscle arms. We haven't gotten a picture of it yet but its pretty cute and didn't take long for Des to pick up on it with U.Maury's encouragement.
Upon our return home we got a visit from U.Jared. I was so grateful to see him as he is moving across country soon. We don't meet up too often so this trip to the middle of nowhere was especially appreciated. He dove right in with the boys - feeding, burping, etc. At one point he looked at me concerned and asked "why is Jax wet?" Don't worry it was just water from his sippy cup - I think Jared was about ready to just take him in and change him! A great dad-to-be. He left after a too-short time and was on his way to see the other half of his nephews.
Marc has been in class all week finishing up a grad class while I have been holding the fort down with two sick little boys. This is the first time Jax has been really sick and hence, the first time they have been sick at the same time.... I think I've fared pretty well - a little frazzled last night - but everyone made it to bed safe and sound and at the end of the day that's what counts right? I think they are on the mend and I'm hopeful by the weekend we may start to see some semblance of our routine surfacing once again. Till then I'm dreaming of Europe and Chocolate Cake.
Some tidbits: Jaxter now has 2 teeth. Desmond is getting his final set of molars (finally). Jaxter sits on his own with only an occasional tumble. Desmond sings all the time and loves to dance as well. Jaxter rolls over like a champ both ways and does so to get across the floor (sometimes). Desmond loves to mimic words and will try to say almost anything you ask him to. His favorite (and biggest) word right now is Helicopter. And he says it pretty well. We get compliments on how verbal he is. Desmond also enjoys picking up trash. He spends minutes (which is a long time for a toddler) picking up crumbs, pieces of lint, paper tidbits and carts them dutifully to the trash. This is good because prior to this he would cart them dutifully to mom or dad. =) Desmond and Jaxter are becoming more and more interactive. Desmond is mostly helpful and Jaxter is always amused. Ok, enough babbling - enjoy the pictures. Hope you are all well and grateful for your freedom that has been given physically by many brave soldiers and spiritually that was given graciously by our Father.
Our playdate with Rachel's boys (that's her mom in the picture helping the playing process). I ran out of batteries so I will post more pics when Rachel sends them to me. There's a great one of us two.
Jax enjoying the parade.
Desmond enjoying the parade - at this point people were cheering for something so he put his hands up to cheer as well.
Jax out at the ranch.
Desmond doing his ranch chores.
Took two days and three babysitters but I got the cake done! =)
Uncle Jared with the boys right before his departure.
