Family pictures

We wanted to get some pictures that capture our favorite parts of Iowa City. We love the Old Capitol. It's close to where I work and reminds me of when I worked in state government in Utah. And, you can't leave Iowa without taking a picture in front of a corn field. Thanks to my good friend Brian Ray for the amazing photos!

Jackson at 11 months

Jackson turned 11 months old today. I can't believe how quickly he is growing up. Here is an update of the progress he has made along with a list of his favorite things:

* He loves big people food, especially pasta (any kind), cheese, and fruit.
* He loves to wrestle with Dad and play Brinton games like "Ooh".
* He loves to play with his friends, especially those at the gym nursery.
* He loves Nanny Theresa, especially her laptop and phone.
* He loves to crawl up stairs.
* He can walk, though he still prefers to crawl.
* He has four teeth.
* He can say "ba-ba," "ma-ma," "da-da," "whoa," "oh," and some other gibberish.
* He loves the water. He loves to take his bath. He loves to swim.
* He loves to smile and is a very happy boy. He loves his picture taken.
* He likes to read books. Oftentimes I'll find him in his crib or in his play area sitting with a book in his lap studying the pages.
* He loves music, especially piano, organ and vocal.
* He is intrigued by colors, small pieces of anything, buttons, jewelry, and has finally discovered pots and pans and our microwave that is way too convenient for him to reach.

We love you Jackson!

Nauvoo

Jason, Jackson and I, along with Theresa and her friend Fernanda, headed off to Nauvoo this past weekend to spend some time with our good friends the Wests. We stayed in this old Pioneer house just east of town. Being in a house where the pioneers stayed inspired me and reminded me how grateful I should be for all I have. It made me also appreciate the sacrifices they gave for us. Plus, I couldn't stop thinking about how mothers cared for their children in such circumstances. We toured many of the historical sites - the highlight being going to the Temple Saturday morning. We also enjoyed our tour of the Joseph Smith Mansion House, burial site, and Red Brick Store. I liked the Scovil Bakery, too. We are so glad we were able to spend time with Taylor, Kara, Abby, and William. Jackson and William became good crawling partners. Jackson finally accomplished his mission of spilling Jason's bowl of Raisin Bran all over him right before church. And, as always, Jason and I left one thing behind when we left home this time being our Sunday clothes. Thanks Taylor and Kara for giving us some extra clothes so we could go to the Temple and church. Can't wait to see you all again!

California

After Maika's wedding, I spent a week with my mom in beautiful Palm Desert. I love that place! We went on our morning walk, lifted weights, took Jackson swimming, ate at yummy restaurants, went shopping and actually got some color in our faces. Jackson loved watching the ducks in the morning and found a new friend in the mirror (still doesn't know that his reflection in the mirror is himself). Most of all, I loved spending the time with my mom and having her be able to spend so much time with Jackson. Love you Mom. Can't wait until next time! (Thanks Theresa for helping with Jackson during the day so we could face the 115 degree heat without worrying about him!)

Maika's Wedding

A couple of weeks ago one of my best friends got married. I was so happy I was able to travel to California to watch Maika get married. I'm thrilled she found the man of her dreams. Love you Maika!

Jackson Wakeboarding

Jason's dream came true Saturday: his little boy wakeboarded for the first time (not without lots of help from his Daddy). Though I was nervous wreck Jackson would be in tears and this would be a traumatic experience for him, I was wrong. Totally wrong. He smiled. He laughed. He loved it!

Fun part of my job

I recently reported a business story that analyzed the impact the above average rainfall this summer is having on Iowa farmers. As part of my story, I did what's called a stand-up (or industry term for reporter demonstration of a fact within a story) about how a poorer crop year would affect corn-made products in grocery stores. The photographer I worked with that day - Matt Nelson - thought it would be fun to snap some pictures of me trying to do my standup. He claims Jackson will appreciate knowing what his mom did when he was young. I hope so. Just reminds me it took ten minutes to get the shot right.