Visit from Grammy and Grandpa

This past week we had the privilege of spending some time with my parents. They came up to met Jacquelyn and to be here for her blessing. They came up on the 27th of July and stayed until this past Thursday, the 4th. I love when they came up. We don't get to see them too often, so when we do I try to take full advantage of it. The first few times Everett met my parents he was a little apprehensive at first. But the last few times have been different. He's really starting to remember who they are and I love it. We had such a great week. To document everything I decided to go ahead and just write about each day. Some days there was more picture taking then others. I'm trying to be better at taking pictures!

Thursday-July 28th, 2011

To start our day off we I took the kids over to see my parents at their hotel. Everett was a little shy at first, but it didn't take long for him to get over that. Grammy gave him some fruit snacks and she won him over. Then he got to play with all of Grandpa's hats. I think Everett gets his love of hats from his Grandpa. They could probably both start a collection together.

After getting ready we headed out to Sam's to get stuff for the festivities that weekend. Everett and Grandpa shopped together while the girls went their way. When we met up with them Everett was in heaven. Grandpa had gotten a huge bag of gummy bears and had opened them for Everett to start eating. I'm sure Everett was happy with his decision of going with Grandpa at that point!

Later that afternoon we met up with Todd to celebrate his 28th birthday. We had been wanting to go to Yellowstone Bear World for quite some time. It's a little place off the highway in between Rigby and Rexburg. So while mom and dad were in town we decided to take the opportunity to go. It turned out to be such a fun experience! We drove through and saw deer, elk, turkeys, bison, and then at the end were the bears. Most of them were in their little homemade dens. So we didn't get too close to them. After the drive they have a little petting zoo and amusement part. Everett loved it. He would actually go up to the animals and pet them. My mom went and got some food and was trying to show Everett how to feed the animals. He did not want to open his hands. I don't know if he just got a little scared, or what. But once the animals left we noticed he tried to start eating the food! We'd tell him no and he'd start crying. He did not understand that concept! Animal food is not human food!

The little rides they had were Everett's favorite. He LOVED the train and wanted to keep going on it. Todd took him on a little big bigger ride. We thought he'd either like it, or start crying cause he was afraid, but there was nothing. He showed no expression! Once he got off he just wanted back on the train. He was little devastated when we made him leave.

After the zoo and rides, my dad got us to go on the Curator Tour. We rode on this bus and had a girl telling us about all the animals. The fun part was that we were able to actually feed the animals. The elk would come up but were too exciting. When we got to the bears it was so fun to watch them. It's like they knew what the white bus had. Food. They were start walking up to it waiting for us to drop stuff. When we got to one point of the tour the girl had us all yell "come here bears!" And sure enough they all came. We had such a good time. Everett was able to come home with a cute little bear hat as souvenir. He loves that thing. He's even taken a nap with it on. I tell ya he has a thing for hats!

That night we were able to see Todd's brother, Tim, and his family. They came in for the blessing too. They have a little boy, Josh, who is just 3 weeks younger than Everett. It was so fun to watch them play together. We went and had dinner at a little park behind our apartment. We were sure one of the kids were going to get hurt. They had a huge slide that Everett and Josh kept trying to go up. Everett would get to the top and then want to get down, but Josh was behind him. I knew Everett was going to knock him down, but luckily nothing happened! To finish the night we had some Oreo Cake and ice cream to celebrate Todd's birthday!

Friday-July 29th, 2011

Friday we all got together and set out for Mesa Falls. We thought it'd be fun to show my parents, and Tim and Tiffany, a little part of Idaho. We think Mesa Falls is beautiful. We went to the overlook to the Lower Falls first, and then headed to the Upper Falls. The kids had a blast running around and going up and down the stairs. We even got to take a cute picture of the cousins. It was fun to have them since Everett doesn't get to see his cousins much. After seeing the falls we decided to go on the little hike that takes you to the lower falls. Well, it doesn't quite take you to it, just a little closer to it.

The hike was quite the experience. My mom was pushing Jacquelyn in the stroller, but halfway through had to take her out cause she was screaming. So we replaced her with Everett. Well, that didn't go over too well. He was so tired, but did not want to be in there. He just kept crying and crying, but my mom trucked on. When we came to a stop Todd took him and as they were walking Everett fell asleep for the rest of the hike. He wasn't the only one though. Josh fell asleep on Tim's shoulders. It was pretty cute. When we finally got to the end it was little bit of a let down. Like I said it just gets you a little closer then the overlook gets you to the lower falls. If you're not a fan of heights it's not the best cause you have to get pretty close to the edge.

After getting back to our cars we had a nice little picnic and was able to sit and rest a little. That night Joe and Debbie, Todd's parents, and Troy made it into town. We were able to go out to Texas Roadhouse, after much deliberation, and enjoy some family time together.

Saturday-July 30, 2011

Saturday we were able to have Jacquelyn's baby blessing. It was beautiful and Todd did such a great job. Since we were having family in town we decided we would take advantage of it and celebrate Everett's birthday. It's not till the 21st of August, but since we don't have family close to us we thought it'd be nice for him to have a little party with everyone while they were here.

We had our family, plus lots of extended family that came out. It was so nice to see the turn out and how much family we really do have so close. My grandpa Tuckett is from this area and some of his siblings still live around here. My dad hadn't seen his Aunt Ester for quite some time. They were able to come out from Boise along with some cousins. It was so neat to see them all together.

Before family had to start leaving, we sang to Everett and let him blow out his candles. He couldn't quite get it. Finally he just spit on the candles! It worked. He started clapping at his great accomplishment! Anytime he does something now he claps for himself. Opening presents this year was so much more fun than his 1st birthday. He got so excited for each and every present. He expressions and noises he made were priceless. He got books, movies, legos, balls, more toys, and a new sand/water box. Luckily we have our own patio now that he can play on with his new toys. He goes out everyday and plays in the water and sand. Sure enough it all gets tracked into our apartment! but he loves it so I can't complain. He's also loving all his new books. Everett is quite the reader. He's always coming up and asking us to read to him.

The rest of the day we were able to spend with family. Todd's Grandma Wilson also came up so we were able to spend some time with her. Everett got to play more with his cousins before they had to go. We think he thoroughly enjoyed having kids to play with rather than us! They were a little more fun.

Sunday- July 31, 2011

Sunday we were able to spend time with both my parents and Todd's parents. We took them on a nice little drive out to Jackson Hole. It didn't start on the best note. I ended up slamming my dad's finger in the door as we were getting ready to go. Not a good way to start. Luckily everything got better. We stopped at the Elk Refuge and had a nice little picnic and enjoyed everyone's company. Then we headed out to Signal Mountain. When we got to the top it was beautiful. It looked out over the valley. That is one thing I really like about living out here. The scenery. I don't think it could ever get old.

After our sight seeing we made our way back home to get rested for the rest of the week.

Monday-August 1, 2011

My mom had a family friend that passed away just before they came out. The funeral was being held in Salt Lake. Being so close, my mom wanted to go down and visit her old childhood friends. So Monday, my mom, dad, Jacquelyn, and I headed down to Salt Lake. Todd and Everett were able to hang out at home and enjoy some bonding time. They spent the time putting together his new sand table. It seemed as though they had quite the time together!

My parents and I had a pretty good time. The drive was nice once we got out off the rain storms. I think my mom enjoyed her visit with her friends also. It was fun being able to watch her reminiscence about their childhood.

After the memorial we headed out to a Super Target. I have missed Super Target more than I realized! They need to build one out here. We went and searched the baby isle quickly and then headed out. Before beginning our ride home we had a nice little dinner at a new restaurant and then we headed out.

I had such a good time with my parents. It was nice being able to hangout with them and to just talk.

Tuesday-August 2, 2011

Tuesday we had a pretty relaxing day compared to the week before. I headed into work for a little bit while my mom watched the kids. I came home to a nice clean apartment. My mom went and cleaned everything. She's pretty amazing. We were hoping she would be able to get Jacquelyn to drink out of a bottle, but no such luck. If my mom can't do it, then I don't know who can!

Once the kids woke up from their naps we headed over to get my parents and head out. We went to Verizon and then met up with another one of my Dad's cousin. He was in town from Hawaii. We were able to catch up with them for a little bit before they had to head out to Utah.

After our little shopping trip we met up with Todd to have his birthday dinner. He has been wanting to try King Crab Legs forever. So my mom and I decided to give it to him for his birthday. We found a place here called Jakers that was suppose to be pretty good. The meals were pretty good. Todd liked his crab, but he wasn't too impressed. But now he knows and now he can say he's tried them!

After dinner we finished our shopping and then once again ended our day. After getting Everett to sleep, Jacquelyn and I were able to go hang out with my parents for one last night.

Wednesday August 3, 2011

Wednesday was another nice day. The morning we took it easy once again. My dad went on his daily walk while the kids and I hung out with my mom. Then they went down for naps. After naps we began our day once again. I'm disappointed I didn't take any pictures that day. Luckily my dad has some that I will hopefully be able to get soon!

We all headed up to Rexburg to go to the splash park. This time Everett loved it. He was still a little hesitant in the beginning, but warmed up pretty quickly. We even got him to go down the slide! I had to go put him up there, but he still went down! After all the water fun grandpa bought Everett a ticket to ride on the carousel they have in the park. Everett went up and picked his horse he wanted. This was another moment were I new he would either love it or hate it. And once again he would not make any emotion!! As we would go by my parents and Todd, my mom would do something funny and Everett was trying sooo hard not to crack a smile. Every time we came by him he would do this. It was pretty humorous. Once the ride was over he wanted to keep going. He loved it! Despite his expression he still wanted to keep going. So of course we went on one last time.

After all that fun we headed over to G's Dairy for some delicious ice cream. It was a great way to ended our time in Rexburg.

While my parents were here Jefferson County was having their fair and Wednesday night was the Rodeo. When my dad saw that he wanted to go. So Wednesday night we headed out to the Rodeo! Both Todd and I had never been to one. We had such a good time. Everett loved seeing all the horses and cows. He got to enjoy a hot dog and cookie. He chowed it down faster than I had ever seen him eat! Towards the end he got a little antsy, but grammy was able to keep him entertained. We got to end the night by seeing the bulls and then we got to say goodnight to Grammy and Grandpa for their last night here.

Thursday-August 4, 2011

Thursday morning I got the kids up and going and we went to spend the morning with my parents before they had to leave. We helped them get everything packed and then headed out to breakfast. Everett had such a fun time color and counting with Grammy. Then we got to go walk around main street. We came home with a delicious Apple Pie Caramel Apple from the Carmel Tree. Unfortunately my mom had 1 slice and then I had to finish it! It was so good. I got to savor it for a few days and have a slice here and there!

The time finally came for my parents to head out. It was hard as usual. I keep thinking that each time will get easier and I will be able to say goodbye with out tears. But it has yet to happen. Each time I see them it makes me realize even more how I wish we lived closer. I'm just grateful for the time we do get to see them and have fun. There's never a dull moment! We always have such a great time.

Jacquelyn's Baby Blessing

We were able to have Jacquelyn's baby blessing this morning. It was so beautiful. Todd did an amazing job and Jacquelyn was so good during it. In our church we give new babies a name and blessing. During this the baby is given a blessing by the proper authority and their name is recorded in the records of the church. After the blessing we had a little testimony meeting and it meant so much to hear the words that were spoken.

When we first moved here I had such a hard time. We were so far from home and family. I got pretty homesick. A few weeks after being here I met my grandpa Tuckett's brother, Claude, my Great Uncle. Since then Todd and I have been going to visit him and his wife Shirlene. It has meant so much to me. I have learned things about my family I never knew and from being here have met so many new family members. I have more family here than I realized and I truly saw that during the blessing. We had close to 40 people between both the Wilsons and Tucketts and our friends. I'm so grateful to those that came out to come and support us and share that special day. We had our friends, grandparents, cousins, Great Aunts and Uncles, and our family there. It was a true blessing to be able to stand up and see that.

We have given our new baby girl the name Jacquelyn Nicole. The name is close to me and I hope Jacquelyn truly loves and honors the name. She is named after my mom, Jacquelyn, and myself. My mom has been my rock and closest friend. Besides Todd, she is probably the only other person that really understands me and has been there for me no matter what. I have always wanted my first born daughter to be named after her. To me it is a great privilege to have my daughter share my mother's name. She is named after a very special woman and I hope that she will have the opportunity to truly get to know my mom and to see how lucky she is to be named after her.

24th of July

Since we've lived in Idaho Todd and I have been going to the 24th of July Parade up in St. Anthony. The 24th of July is also known as Pioneer Day. In Idaho, and Utah it's pretty much a regular holiday. They celebrate when Brigham Young, and the first group of Mormon Pioneers, entered the Salt Lake Valley.

I believe there has just been 1 year we didn't make it to this parade. We thought last year would be fun with Everett, but he was still a little too small to really get into it. After going to the 4th of July Parade I was excited to take him to this parade. He had just started realizing how to go up and get the candy and really enjoy it. So i was excited to see how he'd react with this parade.

coming back with his candy


watching the horses with dad

Needless to say he's still learning! He's gotten better at going out and getting the candy,but the bigger kids are a little faster then him. When he does get candy he'll put it in his bag and then take it out and want to eat it right then. His interest in the parade lasts for about 10-15 minutes. By the end he was just wanting to hang out in the chair.

We really enjoy the 24th parade. All the wards compete and build floats. Some of them go way out on the decorations. They are pretty impressive. For us it's a little more entertaining then the 4th of July parade. They do some neat things to remember what the Pioneers went through as they made they way to Utah. Plus they even hand out chocolate milk. What's not to love about that?!

little Miss Jacquelyn enjoying the parade

Little Miss Smiles

Jacquelyn has really started smiling and I love it. She is just too cute. She has gotten much more talkative and attentive to the things around her. It's fun to talk to her and she'll look at you and just start smiling and cooing. It's like she knows exactly what we're talking about! We'll tell her how cute she is and her smile will get bigger and bigger! It's fun being able to go through these little stages again.

Spalsh Park Fun

Rexburg has a fun little Splash Park in town. We've never been to it the whole time we've lived here. We've been by it and played at Porter Park, but we've never actually used the spray park. We finally got the chance today when we met up with our friends to have some fun. I thought Everett would love it, but that wasn't quite the reaction I got from him. The minute we walked up to it he started crying and wanted to turn around. I was trying to show him things, but he wanted nothing to do with it. So pretty much the whole time we were there he hung out with me and my friend, Delight. That was until Todd came.

After Todd was done with classes he met up with us so I could go to my doctor's appointment and he could watch Everett while I was gone. Todd was luckier than I was. He finally got Everett to go up and play in the water. He still wouldn't go down the slides or get where there was a lot of water coming out, but he would finally play in the little water spouts!

Hopefully by the end of the summer we'll get him to like water a little more!

Sense of Style

So I've got some boys in this household that have some sense of style (there is some sarcasm there). My husband would rather be in just a T-shirt and jeans. While my son well.....

What can I say he knows how to dress himself well :) I mean from the headband and tie to buzz lightyear slippers. What's not fashionable about that?!

And then there's when he likes to dress like this:

I think suspenders and diapers might just be the new "in" thing to do. And once again the slippers. I gotta give him credit. Buzz Lightyear is a little better than the Disney Princess slippers he wore for a little bit:)

1 Month Old

Our little Miss Jacquelyn turned 1 month this past Thursday. She's already growing so much. I was going through pictures and was surprised at how big she is already! She's a sweet little girl, but I have a feeling we're going to have our hands full. She's already got a mind of her own and can be a little stubborn. I kept thinking everything would be like when Everett was a baby, but nope, they're not! They're different in so many ways! But we've enjoyed this past month of having her in our home. She's getting to where she can really follow and pick up on voices and she's cooing and talking a little more.

Her little brother is being quite the big brother. He likes to go up and touch her and help rock her. Unfortunately for her his term for rocking is more like getting whip lash! We keep reinforcing that he needs to be nice and gentle. Then we'll show him how to be gentle. He's gotten lots better at patting her back nicely. He's even started sharing with her. He has a blanket that he has grown quite attached to that he has let her use. For a brief period, but he let her use it none the less. Todd will tease Everett by using it and the minute Everett sees it on Todd he goes and grabs it. So that's an improvement! And the other day he decided to share his snack with his sister. I was folding laundry and when I looked over I saw this orange thing sticking out of Jacquelyn's mouth. It was the tail of a goldfish. He thought he was being quite nice!

This is when she is known as One eyed Willie. When she was first born she would only open her one eye. It was as if she was looking to see if it was worth getting up for. She still does it on occasion. Here I think she was thinking "come on lady let's get this over with."

Happy 4th of July

The 4th of July really creeped up on us this year. I kept forgetting how close it was and then the next thing I knew it was here! I was planning on getting us matching shirts, and making some fun house decorations, but yeah none of that happened. I was just happy all of us had something in our closet that was red, white, or blue.

We ended up meeting some friends up in Rexburg to watch the parade. It was kinda a let down. There were no floats and it just seemed pretty long and drawn out. Everett was entertained for the first 10 minutes and then lost interest for the next hour and a half! We were trying to get him to run out like the other kids and get candy, but since he was a little on the small side he'd get run over and they'd beat him to it. We had a good time though.

Getting ready to go. Sadly the only picture of Jacquelyn.

Waiting for the Parade


For some reason Everett felt the need to lay and watch the parade.


Trying to get some candy.


Todd and Everett


Me and Jacquelyn. Too bad my eyes are closed :)

After the parade we went and hung out with The Wilcox's and enjoyed a nice little BBQ. We contemplated going to the fire works, but once we got home we new that more then likely was not going to happen. Everett passed out early and I wasn't far behind him. It was a long day! Maybe next year we'll make it to the fireworks.