Daddy Daughter Date- DDD

 I just realized that from now on I'm going to call these DDD's. Daddy-Daughter Dates.

I like to give Nick and Katelyn a lot of time alone together. Not just because he's gone to school a lot and doesn't get much time with her, but because I think it's so wonderful for them to have a close relationship. And what little girl doesn't love their dad? He tickles, he loves, he teaches them how to play sports, there's so many things that just Dad's do. I know I love my dad and remember special times with him and I want that same relationship between my daughters and their Dad.

Here she is pre-date.

Being all cute

She got her purse and wallet ready to go out!

 She was just so excited she didn't know which side of the car to get in. 

 There they are. 

They went out and Nick helped Katelyn spend her dollar that Gamma had given her back when we visited Utah. He taught her how we buy things and save the money afterward. They also went out to lunch at her favorite place, Mcdonalds! (bad I know, we've already discussed this). They visited the toy store. And then they even went and did a little shopping. She came home sacked out. It was a long fun morning for both of them!

 Meanwhile, Jacob and I were at home practicing his yoga skills.

 He does these things on a daily basis.

I keep thinking one day he's going to take off crawling, but he's just taking his sweet time.

I look forward to my mommy-son dates with this little one :)

Oh and one more thing I forgot to add. I came across this website recently and thought it was neat.

 http://ldsliving.com/story/63476-daddy-daughter-date-night 

It mentions that they start they DDD's with a prayer-- I think that's an awesome thing to do and I never really thought of that before.

Fourth of July!

 This was our third 4th of July in Oklahoma. 3 years ago on this day, I was in Utah student teaching getting ready to fly out and see Nick after being away from each other for some time. That summer I had to stay in Utah and finish teaching while he started Dental School. I flew in on the night of the 4th of July to visit him for a short break. I was so excited to see him. It was weird being away from him. I had never been away from him for more than 24 hrs since the day we met (and during those 24 hrs was when he bought my wedding ring). I remember getting to the airport and I saw him standing there waiting for me and I didn't know what to do. I felt like I should cry or something, but I was more just so relieved and happy to see him. I felt a huge smile come across my face and I quickly made my way over to him. I'll always remember all the 4th's we've had in Oklahoma because that moment started our first one here. And sadly, this could be our last.

I'm kind of upset we didn't get a family picture with Jacob in it. I don't know what we were thinking. He was down below us in his stroller. :'(

The day started out by going to the Edmond City parade.

 Mommy & Kate watching the parade

 Katelyn got a little bored and randomly stepped off to the side and sat on the curb. She didn't want to be bothered. She's kind of silly like that.

 She did enjoy most of it though :)

 There's the cute little guy just hanging out in his stroller

After the parade we hung out at home for a little bit. Ate popsicles outside. Then headed over to a friends' house for a BBQ.

 I tried to get a picture of both of them together. Well, no, I got a picture of both of them together. I should say, I tried to get both of them looking at the camera at the same time-- that's impossible for us.  

After the BBQ we headed over to a University in Edmond to watch fireworks. They put on a pretty dang good show. 

 Katelyn watching fireworks with her friends

 Running around before the show started

 Watching the fireworks

And that concluded our Fourth of July.

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

Half way- 6 months

Well, we've hit the half way mark through this year. I can't believe how fast time is going and everything that is changing. Here's a list of things I think of when I think about how far we are into the year:

1. Nick is a FOURTH year and is going to be graduating from dental school in less than 10 months.
2. Jacob is 6 months old.
3. Katelyn is almost THREE!
4. One month til the Morris family cruise.
5. My parents are moving this month.
6. We've almost been married for 5 years.
7. My birthday is next month.
8. WE'RE FOURTH YEARS!! Oh.. I already said that.

I can't believe some of the things that are going to be happening.

Mainly Nick graduating. I remember coming into the first year of dental school and seeing/meeting many of the fourth years and thinking "Man, I can't wait until I'm in their shoes." And now we are. And it all seems to have just come in the blink of an eye.

I can't tell you how excited I am at times to think about what comes next. And at times I'm nervous thinking about moving again, starting a new life somewhere else, making new friends, starting a real job. It all kind of gets me emotional, but mostly I'm just glad that school will finally be over. I'm sure if I'M glad, then you can't imagine how happy that will make Nick. I'm so proud of him, he has worked so hard. I'm most excited to be able to call my hubs DOCTOR NICHOLAS JENSEN! :) I think that's a pretty big deal.

Next, I can't believe this little guy is six months old:

He has developed such a loving, happy, smiley personality; just like his big sister. He smiles at us all the time. He is very ticklish. He sits up well now and even tries to crawl. He plays with his toys by himself and also with his sister. He loves when you play with him (maybe a little too much, if I leave his sight he gets a little upset!). We continue to love him more and more every day. I'm so happy he is in our lives. For both of my kids. I can't believe how fast they are growing up. I can't believe at the end of this year Katelyn will be 3! Look at that cootie patootie:

I'm very excited for the cruise we are going on with my family in August! Pics will for sure be coming later.

I'm excited/sad that my parents are moving! I really, really, really am going to miss Utah. I'm looking forward to visiting San diego though!

Ah! Five years of marriage. Nick and I always used to joke "OK, we just need to make it to five years of marriage and then we're good." Well.. we made it.. and I'm happy to say we're still doin good! I can't believe it's been five years though, that's a long time!

My birthday. The only reason I write about this is because for once, I feel like I'm getting old, like that number I'll be staring at for the next year is too high. And it's only going to keep going up. I'm sure some of you remember the day you thought the same thing.

-Lastly, I said it once, and I'll say it again, I'M SO EXCITED this is our last year of dental school!

365 days

I started this thing.."A Photo a Day". I posted a few on facebook, but then decided I didn't want to do that anymore, but I kept going with taking a favorite picture every day of each kid. I've really enjoyed doing it and I think I may make a book of each day of the year for my kids to see how much they've learned and grown throughout the year. So far I haven't missed any days (I hope I can continue that!) Here are a few of my favorites:

 Katelyn excited about the Roadrunner and Coyote characters mom drew for her

 Jacob snuggling with mommy

 Katelyn singing on her karaoke machine, we love listening, dancing, and singing to music everyday.

 Jacob peeking out from under a blanket

 Katelyn giving Leila a birthday kiss after Leila opened her birthday present from her and Jacob

 Jacob being silly by squealing and laughing to himself, and closing his eyes while do so

 Katelyn loves her little bro, she wanted to share her stickers with him, so she put one on each their foreheads

Katelyn using her binoculars she made on our nature walk

Pictures can bring back so many wonderful memories. It's amazing how fast kids learn and grow and I just can't help but try and capture all of these things.