Times are Changing...

Well, it has been a good summer. Lots of traveling and celebrations. It seems like we have been gone most of the summer, which is just fine with us because escaping the heat is a must when living in SA. We wrapped the summer up with Jackson's birthday, Brandon's birthday, and my birthday. B and I spent a few days kid-free over Labor Day weekend in Austin which was a nice treat to end the summer.

And now begins my favorite time of year...fall. It seems like September arrives and things just get better. The weather starts to cool down, colors change, and everything that comes with fall from pumpkin spice lattes to College football return in all their glory. It is a refreshing time after a long, hot summer. I am really looking forward to this fall in particular because the kids are at a great age to enjoy all of the things about this season. And to add to the excitement, I know that this is the last fall we will experience as a family of four. That is right, BABY Hill #3 is due March 23rd! We are all very excited and cannot wait to meet the newest addition, although Jackson has requested a "big brother" (not a baby), so he is in for a surprise. But something tells me Jacks and Chars are going to be very excited when this little one arrives, no matter what. And we are looking forward to what this new chapter in our lives will bring!

He is 3!

Jackson enjoying his birthday breakfast.

Jackson is 3! And because I have taken so long to update the blog, he has been 3 for almost a month. I cannot believe it. He looks like a little man these days and talks like one as well. The boy can hold a conversation with anyone. It is amazing to think back to when he was a little baby and see how his little personality has developed. He makes us laugh all the time with his endless questions and banters. It is a funny and amazing thing to look at the world through the eyes of a 3 year old.

birthday muffin with candles (everything had to have candles)

handsome boy enjoying his breakfast with daddy

his first present...a laptop

Grandmother came to celebrate and we had a party for her as well!

sweet Charlotte up from her nap

helping Grandmother open presents

hugs for aunt Emmy!

present time!

his bat, glove, and ball from Grandmommie and Gerald

Charlotte giving Woody and Buzz Light Year kisses

The Chocolate Train cake!

Daddy bringing the cake to one excited little boy!

Our trip to the beach was a blast. We celebrated Jackson's birthday a little early with his cousins and they loved every minute of it. I just miss the beach and had such a relaxing time letting them play and swim in the ocean.

Jackson and John Benjamin being pulled all over by Abigail. Jackson wanted to ride in the boat all day!

Nini and the kids enjoying the water

practicing on dry land.

This boat is mine now!

Charlotte loves the ocean

our little reader

Father's Day 2010

I love this picture. I am not sure exactly why, but I do. Probably because it is very candid. It was hopeless trying to get a group pic for Father's Day with both kids, so we did separate ones with daddy. And to be honest, I like this more because you see more of their individual relationship with their daddy. If it is not obvious enough by the pictures, my babies ADORE their daddy. No matter what fabulous thing they are distracted by, when Brandon comes into the room, everyone runs to him. Jacks and Chars are soaking up his post-MBA time like crazy, and yet again I am thankful that he finished while they are young because the attachment to Daddy just grows more each day. So Happy Father's Day to Brandon! You are patient and kind with our little ones and the fact that you know them individually as well as I do warms my heart.

100% Daddy's girl

like I said...100%

Daddy is hilarious apparently :)

the boys

silly, silly, silly

sweet daddy

We went on a Father's Day adventure, that ended at Academy where B tried on a few things while the kids and I walked around the store. By the time we were leaving, Jackson had been "lost" once (he is in the "hide inside the clothing racks" phase), Charlotte had an insane diaper for me to change, and B got a sweet shirt for 1/2 off. What a great picture of being a daddy. :)

Summer time

Well, I have not entered the blog world in a while, but I will see if I can catch up now that things have slowed down a bit for us. First off...BRANDON GRADUATED! We are so proud of him and really enjoyed the graduation weekend with family and friends. I will have to post more pictures of that soon. He has so much more time now, and the kids and I are soaking up some much missed B time to say the least.
Shortly after graduation, we went to San Francisco for two weeks. It was a great trip and much needed break from the heat. We had a great time together as a family and it was wonderful to see the kids really taking in everything there rather than simply being carted around. Charlotte started walking in early May, but something about the trip made her take off because she is toddling all over now...following Jackson, chasing Jackson, and exploring everything. When we got home from SF, both kids were acting as if they had never seen our house before and checking out every toy we own. I guess we need to go away more often. :)
The first week back in SA, we helped prepare the church for VBS and then the following week, Jackson attended VBS for the first time. I taught his class which was fun but tiring...somehow getting my two kiddos out the door by 8 am five days straight was the most exhausting part. :) Both kids had a blast, and have been singing the songs they learned all weekend (well, Jackson sings and Charlotte dances and claps).
And on Friday, Brent and Emily came to town! We had a great weekend with them swimming, visiting, and on Saturday night we went to a nice dinner together kid-free. We haven't done that since we were all still dating (about four years ago). That is going to have to happen much more often.
Now, were are having our first lazy week in a while, and I am soaking it up. Lots of swimming, movies, and just playing at home. Sometimes it is nice to have no place to be, especially when it is hot outside and the mosquitoes love my children so much!

Charlotte at 14 months

Jackson and I...he is getting too big

Mr. Cool...he loves hats and sun glasses just like B

VBS

Swimming...the best way to stay cool in SA!

Brent's boots were the hot commodity

Jackson wanted his turn

Brent and Emily, June 2010

Me and Brandon, June 2010

Brothers, how sweet. :)

I will get some Father's Day pics up soon. Even as I type, Charlotte is hanging on my legs and trying to get into my lap. She is highly independent and adventurous, but lately she has been showing a little more attachment to me...secretly I am loving it. I can never get enough hugs from these little ones.
We have two weeks of down time before we head to Colorado, so hopefully I can post again before then. :)