New Blog

Hey all.  I've made a new blog following my little bro Jake as he serves his mission in Singapore.  Check it out and drop him a note of support!

www.eldertrotter.blogspot.com

 Our new friends from residency took us to their favorite little lake spot this weekend.  It was so nice to be able to put your feet in the sand and splash again.  Devan was so excited to use his new kayak for the first time too.

 My little boater

 Already learning how to wu the ladies

 Jamis loved his "chattawooga beach"

Jax of course loved being naky

Growing

My, oh, my, how my boys have grown. 

 Jax is becoming quite the little man these days.  He is very social and has to be in the center of it all.  He has become EXTREMELY attached to me lately.  I cannot be within sight or earshot or he loses it.  He is most happy in my arms.  He is perfecting his kisses, which leave the lucky recipient pretty wet.  He cut 3 teeth this past week, making a grand total of 5.  He still hates to be on his stomach, sits up very confidently, and loves to eat.  As soon as he is sat in his highchair he knows whats coming.  He loves sweet potatoes, beans, applesauce, mangos, carrots, berries, and cereal.  I just started giving him a sippy cup, but he still hasn't figured out what it is all about yet.  The binky still is the most sought after thing of the day, after mom that is.  He loves to be tickled and loves his big brother. 

Jamis is the ruler of the house.  He is going through a split personality phase now.  One minute he is the sweetest kid that you just can't help but squeeze, the next he is posed by some crazy toddler who is out of control and perfecting the art of the temper tantrum.  Thankfully the crazy is a lot less than the sweet.  He is become very independent and is constantly reminding me that he can do things by himself.  We started our own little "preschool" every afternoon, just he and I while Jax sleeps.  He is such a smart kid.  He is whizzing through his workbooks and flashcards that were designed for kids 4-6 years old.  He can spell "Jamis, mom, dad, Jaxon, stop, go, and car".  What a smarty pants.  He loves to put stickers on his pages and then hang them on the fridge for all to admire.  He is also a great big brother who is very involved in Jax's care.  Anytime Jax cries Jamis runs over to him (or jumps in his bed) and determines what the problem is and then comes and tells me.  It is always "he needs his binky" (which he then tries to shove in Jax's mouth despite Jax's protests) or "he needs his diaper changed."  The sibling spats are already starting as well.  With Jax teething lately, he is always gnawing on me.  Anytime Jamis sees this he freaks out on Jax and says "Jaxon, don't eat my mommy."  The other night we were praying over our dinner and Jax wasn't in the room.  Through the whole prayer Jamis kept yelling "Jax, Jaxon close your eyes!"  Other phrases frequently heard, "Jaxon don't look at me"  "Jax that's mine"  "Jaxon don't touch me".  Its amazing how kids just seem to know from the get go how to fight with their siblings.  They absolutely adore each other though.

Oh, my two boys.  What would I do without you.

Goodbye Elder Trotter

After the wedding weekend, Mom and I stayed behind in Salt Lake for the annual Parade of Homes tour (a tradition for us).  It was so fun having her all to ourselves (well really we had to share her with every tile, window, home goods, and flooring store in the valley).  Once she got her fill of home stuff, we headed up to Rapid City to spend one last visit with Jake before he leaves on his mission next week.

I am SO proud of my little bro and his worthiness and willingness to spend two years of his life serving the Lord.  What an example not only to my two little boys, but to our entire family.  I know he is going to learn and grow and help many other people to learn and grow and know of the gospel.  The people of Singapore are so lucky to have Elder Trotter.  Good luck Elder Trotter and can't wait to see you again.

The Trip of Firsts

This was definitely a busy trip, full of moments and firsts.  We were able to visit with friends from College, Med school, and tons of family.  Thanks to everyone who played, housed, and fed us.  The biggest first on the trip though was seeing Devan's family.  Not long after we were married there was a series of misunderstanding and disagreements that lead to a huge falling out.  We haven't seen or spoken to them in nearly 5 1/2 years (except for Downi that is).  Since we were going to be in town, Devan emailed everyone and asked if they would like to meet the boys.  Not only did they answer, they were excited about the opportunity.  To tell you the truth, I was a nervous wreck.  I had no idea what to expect.  Not only was it like walking into a room full of strangers that you should know, the last contact I had with them was less than positive, and I didn't have Devan by my side.  I no sooner pulled into the driveway though before they came out to greet us and were getting the kids out of the car.  Their warmth, made it seem like we had seen each other yesterday.  I am so excited at the possibility of putting this family back together and the realization that I have so many more "siblings" to get to know and enjoy. 

Everyone checking Jaxon out for the first time

Derek is the new proud papa of 2 day old baby Ellie

Uncle Derek was definitely a Jamis favorite

Cousin Kelton and Jamis were fast friends

Grandma and Grandpa Griner

Can you tell they are related or what?

Happy Grandpa Griner

Uncle Daynon

Aunt Danza

Aunt Downi

Always curious how things work

The Griner Boys

Jamis was sad to leave Grandpa

Nearly the whole Griner family

Wedding Day

Today I got a new Uncle.  I have always gotten a kick out of the fact that I am older than my aunt and never have let her forget it.  It was amazing to be able to be apart of her special day today and I can't express how proud I am of her, how far she has come, and the woman she has become.  Derik is one lucky guy and we are so excited to have him in the family.  The day was full of amazing moments.

Moment #1:  A new Eternal Family

Moment #2:  Seeing our Amazing Birthmom Chrissy.  She and Erin are good friends.

Jamis giving Chrissy some lovin'

Like I said, he has to roll everywhere.

Steps posed a new challenge

Mom, Jax, and Grandma and Grandpa Trotter

Moment #3:  Going to the temple with my little Bro.  Before the sealing Mom, Dad, Jake, and I were able to do a session.  It was amazing being able to be there with my family.  I can't wait for the day when I will have my entire family there.

Jamis and Jax taking a snooze before the reception.  Jamis picked a cinnamon roll out from the snack bar, but only got half way through eating it before giving into sleep.  He was so tired that he fell asleep with a bite still in his mouth.

Awh, I love my family

Cousin Ashley and Jaxon

Moment #4:  Erin is adopted and has also given 2 children up for adoption.  Standing outside the temple with us was the kids Erin placed for adoption as well as her own birthmom.  Mix that with Jamis and our birthmom.  We were the poster family for LDS family services.  What a site and a testimony to see all these people in the same place.  So much love, it gave me goosebumps.

What an amazing Day!!!

The Great Salt Lake

Utah!  I never thought I could love a place so much.  My Aunt was getting married in the great state so last minute I decided that I couldn't possibly miss out so I packed up the boys and DROVE out to be with my extended family.  So sad that Dev wasn't able to come with.  He had to stay home to work and study for his General Surgery Boards.  Thanks Dev for being the support team.  What a trip.  SOOOO glad we went. 

Jamis loved temple square



My boys

Jamis is so sweet with Jax

The church history museum had a really cute kids area.  Jamis loved fishing off of Nephi's boat.

No matter where we are, Jamis never fails to stop and smell the flowers

I was SO excited to take my boys hiking on my all time favorite trail, Mill B, in Big Cottonwood Canyon.  I used to hike this trail up to Lake Blanch at least 6 times a week.

A rock paradise

You would've thought this kid was at Disneyland.  He LOVED it!

Jax was a trooper on Momma's back.  He loved watching the river.

Despite all his valiant attempts, I was able to keep Jamis out of the river

He kept climbing rocks and saying "Cheese."  This poor kid obviously has never gotten his picture taken.

Jamis is going through a "rolling" phase.  Most times he refuses to walk and then he'll get on the ground and try to roll from point A to point B.  He has yet to figure out the optimal conditions for a good roll.

Oh, Canyon how you've been missed.