Sleep

Is jet lag contagious? Because I am pretty sure that Jackson has it too.

Thankfully last night was the first night that I did not have to get up to help the boys at all. What a difference it makes to get a full night sleep. I feel like I can conquer the world. As for those other days this week...I'm glad that we don't have to repeat them. It is very hard to be patient and kind when you are super duper tired. Adam came in one night with me trying to put both boys back to sleep and both boys screaming at like 3 am. I feel like I should send a gift basket to all of our neighbors.

I have to give Adam props for stepping in for me this week as I would crash between 8 and 9 pm. I suppose he sort of had to because I would be going along just fine and then I was gone. I don't even remember it. Thankfully he finished up getting kids to bed, food put away, etc. Hopefully I will be a better companion this next week so he won't have to spend his evenings alone after the boys go to bed. 

We are going to a hockey game tonight that starts at 7:30. I hope that I can stay awake!

Porter crashed sound asleep while playing with Grandpa in Germany

Angels

       The talk by Elder Holland about The Ministry of Angels has stuck with me ever since I heard it in the October 2008 General Conference. I have thought about it when I have been given strength that I have not had to be a mother. It came to mind when Tim was in Nepal and a kind angel helped him get onto a flight. And it came to my mind on my flight home from Germany on Sunday.

         I was a little bit apprehensive to come home by myself. It is a long flight and I was starting to drive myself a little crazy. I said a lot of prayers that we would be okay. I was hoping for an open seat next to me like I had on the way out. Unfortunately the plane was full. However I couldn't have sat next to anybody more helpful. 

            It was an older couple whose kids were grown. They adored Porter and thought he was so handsome and smart. They let him sit on their laps, open and close the window, take out all their magazines and walk all over their feet and things. They were heaven sent and really helped me to relax and get through that long, long flight. The lady was resting her eyes and Porter kept patting her, she told me not to worry, she was a mother and that she didn't mind at all. When we were landing she packed up all my stuff for me because Porter was asleep in my arms. She even kept out a sippy cup of juice in case he woke up and needed something to drink to pop his ears. They were so kind and I hope that I can one day return the favor. It made such a difference in my flight.

Arriving in Frankfurt

Warm Rain

We went outside just before dinner last night, while it was sprinkling rain. Jackson enjoyed riding through the puddles and Porter wanted in on the action. So we put rain boots on him that cover his knees, but somehow he still maneuvered around. Well, he did fall on his booty as you can see. 

Porter and I are still recovering from our trip to Germany. Keeping my eyes open until I can get the kids to bed is rough. I don't even remember last night. We had such a wonderful time seeing my parents. It was so fun to have Adam and Jackson meet us at the airport. The boys were laughing and giggling, so happy to see each other again. 

free day

We went to check out a new zoo (to us) this weekend with Adam. It was fun to be with him because usually we do these outings while he is at work. But it was a free day and we got in early enough to see some animals and got out of there before it was too crowded.

Checking out the tiger

This anteater had a huge stiff tail. they are really strange but it was fun to watch him eat his food with his big long skinny tongue.

I love those two blonde heads

a few things that we have been up to

motorcycle rides

climbing trees

bike rides

up high in the closet

jackson took many pictures of his back trying to run and be in the picture in time...

so, i taught him to use the timer

and now we have a lot

of silly faces

from everyone

Porter is currently champion at making messes quickly. Current favorites: baggies, tupperware, clothing, and toilet paper (i hate having to use unraveled tp)

playing knights

helping dad put some cars in his car collection - jackson cannot figure out why he has so many cars in boxes

tunnels - porter gets in on the fun too when he is not trying to climb up the cement steps

adam finally went to the dr for his eye and his some ointment to try to get rid of the stye. If not they will cut, cut, cut. He will have to start doing hot compresses at night so as to prevent them