Fort Jacobson

Matt and I have been debating getting the boys a swingset / adventure center / "get-outside-&-play-boys" destination. It has been a hard decision. We wanted the boys to be safe and the latest and greatest adventure sets are filled with ropes, chains and high towers. All of which seem, to their mom, to be a death trap. Our discussions often left Matt and I feeling selfish, in that we didn't want to ruin the grass in the backyard & still wanted our announcement of "we're going to the park" to be taken with excitement and glee. We figured if we installed an enormous playset - then the grass would die & we'd never have a reason to travel to our favorite park.

So, we think we settled on the perfect playset for the boys: A FORT. I think "fort" screams boys & adventure. And wouldn't you know, Matt and I found a fort. We bought it and brought it home and even built it. We think the boys will love it.

4th of July

We had a great 4th of July. It was nothing fancy or overly patriotic, but it was fun and relaxing. Matt's family came over on the 4th to BBQ. We visited, laughed and were entertained by the boys. There was, of course, some baseball played and we, of course, ate pie. We lit a few sparklers. Joe didn't want to participate in the sparklers. He wanted to be a "spectator" only. Jack was very interested in the sparklers - although he wanted to touch the hot-sparkler part. The weather was great. And we ate & ate & ate. Enjoy the pictures.

Jack the baseball player.

Matt & his mom by the grill.

Family with *STAR* shaker wands.

Joe with his *STAR* wand.

Mama kissing Jack's little toes.

JRJ Book Club

Both Joe & Jack really love books. We read each night before we go to bed. It is one of my favorite times of the day. In the spirit of Oprah's bookclub, we present the JRJ bookclub!

We really love anything by Sandra Boynton. Our favorites are:

Our favorite letters are "W - weasels whistling"
and "G - gophers grinning"

This book is really one big song.

This is the last book I read to Jack every night.
"The moon is high, the sea is deep, we rock and rock and rock to sleep." Goodnight Jack

This used to be the last book I read to Joe every night.
According to Joe, he is too big for baby books now.
"So hop into bed & turn out the light. You can have a party in your dreams tonight." Goodnight Joe

This is one of Jack's favorites. It is too cute & fun to read.

This is one of Joe's favorites - especially during the winter.
The illustration/art is amazing.

This is another of Joe's favorite books.
It has smelly stickers - readers get to smell a rose, peach, strawberry jam, pickles, etc.

Everyone loves Maisy! And so does Jack. We read this book almost every night. Jack points to the pictures, "eight ducks" swimming in the pond.