Family Date Day

A couple of weeks before Brooklyn was born we were able to go out on a family date.  I remember doing this with Addison before Jonas joined our family.  It's always such a fun time to share and hang out with each other before we add one more cute adorable little baby to the clan.

Off to the theater we go.  My babies look so grown up!

This weekend it was perfect timing since one of our family's favorite movies was out in theaters.  We are all fans of Monster's Inc. and the new sequel was out:  Monsters University.  I especially loved that it was G-rated so we didn't have to worry about the kids seeing or hearing anything they shouldn't be.  

I was a little skeptical at Jonas' ability to actually hold still during the movie since he rarely ever holds still.  And he's still very much an almost two-year old little boy.  However, it works out great that our kids are popcorn junkies.  They have Hufford blood coursing through their veins.  It was well worth that overpriced popcorn/soda to have something to keep them both in their seats while they munched away.  We had to come a little early to the theater so we could get decent seats.  Both because it was the movie's opening weekend and also we needed a strategy just in case Jonas did get antsy. We went in with about three different back-up plans if that was the case and luckily we didn't have to resort to any of them.  The kids did wonderfully.  Jonas was quite amazed at the whole experience since this was his first theater adventure.  They both shared a seat so they could weigh it down enough to not flop back up in their faces.  And they both munched away on the corn like they were in heaven.  So much so that we ended up needing a refill before the movie even started!  Yikes!

The movie was adorable but it was more adorable watching the kiddos enjoy it.  It was a great family date and a great way to spend one of our last weekend's as a family of four.  Jonas jumped a few times in certain parts but never once cried.  Mostly, when the monsters would have to gather screams.  I'm still amazed to this day that Jonas never once had a problem holding still.  And it was a 1 1/2 hour movie!  That boy amazes me some days.

We had a great day and can't wait to take a family date together when Brooklyn joins our family!

Our cute little monsters by the monsters sign.

One of the few times Mommy makes it into a picture!

It's a bit blurry but look at the excitement on those faces!  Yes, Jonas was more concerned about the corn than the picture.  Are you surprised?  

Summer Fun

This Summer will likely go down in the records as "Things we did before Brooklyn's birth (BBB) and things we did after Brooklyn's birth (ABB)".  That's pretty much how we broke up our summer.  And I'm guessing MOST of our fun and activities will be dated 'BBB'.  Maybe the activity of "stay holed up in the house all day" will be dated 'ABB'?  Well let me get on with the details.  Here's what we've been up to this summer!

While this is not necessarily what you would consider a fun summer activity - it's still just as exciting.  Addison paid tithing for the FIRST time ever!  And we are definitely so proud of her and her choices.  She's SUCH a good example for always wanting to do what is right and what would make Heavenly Father proud.  I'm so glad her younger siblings have her to set an example.  I couldn't be luckier to have her as my oldest.  She even loves to point out when people make good choices/bad choices (i.e. smoking, drinking coffee, etc).  AND when people are modest/immodest.  And believe me, there is lots to make commentary on when you just watch regular TV commercials.  I think she's realizing just how many people are immodest out there.  Most Sunday's she'll bring her dress to me and ask "Mommy, does this dress make Heavenly Father happy?"  She's very good about making sure she's modest and I'm positive Heavenly Father is very happy with her.....because I am!  

Anyway, after an FHE lesson about tithing (which Daddy taught) she was curious about paying her first tithe.  For the activity we filled out a tithing slip with her and Daddy helped her count her money in her piggy bank.  They separated out 10% and sealed it up ready to be delivered on Sunday.  Sunday came and Daddy walked with Addison so she could give it to the Bishopric.  She was very proud (and a little shy) but she did great.  And of course....I had to get a picture.  Big moments like this MUST be documented!  So proud of our girly!

Addison's first tithing!

Also, this summer we've had to be a bit creative when it comes to staying cool and still having fun.  There isn't much this pregnant Momma likes to do in the heat of the day.  And the kids would prefer I don't get hot and sweaty since I more than likely will get cranky at the same time.  It's no secret our kids love watermelon.  And it's no secret that Mommy abhors watermelon juice all over the house.  So, what are we to do?  Jump on the trampoline, splash in the hose, and eat watermelon, ALL at the same time!  Creative genius I tell ya!  Then, just hose 'em down when we are done and dry 'em off and put 'em down for naps!  We've spent many a morning (and evening) doing this.  Especially when just playing outside in the backyard can get my overheated kids all sweaty within minutes.  What better way to cool off?  Plus, this Mom rather enjoys a little target practice with that cold hose.  And watching your babies run around in their underwear/diaper while giggling away?  Priceless.

Happy kids = Happy Mom!

Another thing we've started doing to beat the heat (and stay out of the kitchen) is to swing by Mary Mae Jones Elementary for some free lunch!  In past summers, I was hesitant to participate since I assumed it was provided for low income families or kids that didn't get a hot meal during the summer.  However, this year I decided to look into it and find out for sure.  Nowhere on their website or signs or anything does it say only for low income.  Even the first time we went, there was hardly anyone there and it seemed like they had a TON of lunches.  That was all the convincing I needed.  One less thing for me to do while being hugely pregnant - I was game.  We've managed to go quite a bit before Brooklyn was born and the kiddos love it.  At least they did in the beginning - now they don't get a choice because I love it.  Addison enjoys getting her lunch at a "real live school" and Jonas just likes to eat so he's on board too.  The kids are the only ones that get the free lunch but of course Jonas can't ever finish his so I get to help him.  Needless to say, it brings back some memories of school lunches in my past years.  They are probably more nutritious than they are tasty but luckily my kids haven't figured that part out yet so we keep going back.  :)

For the days we stay in the house, Jonas gets a bit creative with expelling his energy.  Anytime I have my legs propped up on the coffee table for a break - you can bet Jonas will be doing this within minutes.  And I may or may not take breaks rather often.  ;)

He crawls up, he crawls down, and sometimes he purposely falls through the legs just to mix it up a bit.  And he's a heavy boy folks!

While the van was in the shop (getting the A/C fixed) I decided to be adventurous and walk us ALL up the hill to the neighborhood pool.  Yes, this was me in my pregnant state...pushing a double stroller packed to the gills in the heat of the day.  By the time we almost got there I realized we forgot the kids puddle jumpers (floaties) and Addison said "Mommy, we can go back and get them!"  Um...NOPE.  This pregnant Mommy barely survived the first climb up the hill - there was no way I would be doing that again by choice.  Without puddle jumpers it made for a very NON-relaxing swim at the pool for me.  Addison had plenty of amazing tricks to show me and Jonas did not like me following him around (waddling behind him) keeping his head above water while he flopped and flailed in the pool.  I wasn't a fan of it either but it beats the alternative which would be my heart rate jumping every time he fell over or tripped since he's not quite coordinated in the water yet.  Needless to say, this pool visit didn't last too long.

Enjoying lunch after a nice little swim.

Addison hamming it up for the camera - while eating her ham.

We've also been known to venture out on a Saturday morning to enjoy a few garage sales.  Technically, I'm the only one that enjoys the garage sales but these kids are always game for a stop at the donut shop.  It's a win-win really.

FACT: Donuts are always tastier while still wearing pajamas.

I think this little guy is finally figuring out how to cheese it up for the camera.  Have you seen anything cuter?

Some days after Daddy gets off work and we eat dinner, we venture out and watch this cute little girly ride her bike.  This is the gift Santa brought her for Christmas but we haven't had much energy or cooler weather to spend a lot of time riding it.  It's always more fun with Daddy since he follows her around the block as she rides.  She LOVES riding her bike and I must say she has learned rather fast considering the little amount of time she's actually been on it.

Such a pretty girl!

While sister bikes, Jonas and I hang out in the backyard where he can run free.  This particular day's activity had me throwing a ball and him fetching it.  I sent him through the sprinklers a few times just to cool him down too.  He's such a good little puppy! ;)

On a few occasions we've headed off to the splash park in downtown Bentonville.  It serves two purposes.  One is to get Mommy a crepe at this delicious food stand across the street.  And the other is to watch these two cuties run around splashing in the water streams.  They love to play together but Jonas also loves to run around like a crazy boy all on his own.  I pretty much spend all my time just keeping an eye on him.  

Brother/Sister love.  I hope they grow up to be best friends.

Addison is a great Jonas retriever as well when it's time to go home.

A few weeks ago, Mommy got a crazy idea to take the family to the drive-in movie theater.  There was a special church movie playing for FHE night and I figured what would it hurt?  Daddy and I could watch the movie while the kiddos played in the van (they like to do that on a normal day).  The preparations were quite exciting.  We popped LOTS of popcorn, packed some drinks, cooked some cookies and headed out.  The kids enjoyed playing on the playground that was about 60 years old.  Shortly after the movie started it all began to go downhill.  Apparently, we didn't get the memo that you can't leave your car running during the movie.  We had all our lights off but apparently parking lights don't turn off.  And car neighbors don't like it when they're on?  People, the Huffords NEED their A/C!  We finally felt bad enough to shut the engine down.  At one point John was holding Addison in the driver's seat.  I was holding Jonas around my huge preggo belly in my seat.  Popcorn was flying everywhere.  We were ALL sweating.  And Jonas was repeatedly trying to jump out the window to go play (I probably would have done the same).  It was past their bedtime so I kept telling Jonas to lay down and go night night on my lap.  All the while growing frustrated that he couldn't do that simple command.  Um, it was rather weird sounding since we were in a CAR, with no A/C, and all watching a huge TV screen that none of us could hear with all the complaining of the heat.  Addison kept saying "Daddy, I need more wind!" and with no A/C to provide John merely blew at her head hoping that would suffice. Within a matter of minutes we were starting up our engine and heading out.  Thankfully, John and I enjoyed several good laughs on our way home at the whole situation.  What was I thinking exactly?  I'm guessing drive-in movies are NOT in our future for several more years.

Waddling off to play on the the playground from 1965.

Addison trying to get comfortable.

 And last but not least, the Sunday before Brooklyn joined our family, was Addison's FIRST time ever at giving a talk in Primary.  She was very excited as were John and I.  We spent a few days beforehand talking about her topic - Baptism.  Which was perfect for her since she learned so much from going to both of her cousins baptisms earlier this year.  She did most of the prep work and I wrote it down for her.  When it was time to talk in Primary she got a little shy but she did manage to talk into the microphone enough to let all the kids hear what she had to say.  She did SOOO good for her first time ever!  We are so very proud.  She knows quite a lot about baptism.

This was the picture she drew during Sacrament - her giving her primary talk.  She's such a good artist!

Fantastic Father

We had a great day (er weekend) celebrating my kiddos 'Fantastic Father' and my wonderful husband.  Can I just start this post by saying - Dang I know how to pick 'em!  I couldn't have picked a better husband for me or a father for my kids.  We all adore him.  And it's all because I picked him.  Okay, maybe his awesome-ness has a little bit to do with him too.

One of the most updated (with both kids) I could find.  Daddy playing Candy Land after a LONG day of work.  We kinda like him....a lot.

One of the many reasons why he's so wonderful?  He cooked US breakfast in bed on HIS Father's Day weekend celebration.  It was delicious and I was shocked when he came in with breakfast while I was laying around being lazy in bed.  He even fed the kiddos while I stayed in bed which is always scores a few extra points in my book.  

My delicious breakfast in bed on his special weekend.

We didn't do much on Saturday, just relaxed and had a lazy day, which is good because that is John's preference after such a long work week anyway.  Sadly, we didn't do much that I took pictures of either.  

Sunday was the big celebration of his Fatherdom.  Addison and I were able to wake up early and make HIM breakfast in bed.  It's always short and sweet and quick since we have church at 9:00 and lots of people to get ready by then.  Daddy was thrilled with it of course but couldn't eat much before he was off getting ready.  Another reason why he's so good?  He let the kids go scavenger style on his breakfast in bed.  

Letting the cute little scavengers finish off his breakfast.

We had a great day at church and both kids made him some cute things in their Primary class.  Addison filled out an "All About Dad" page that we were both getting some good chuckles from.  Jonas had a nice chocolate bar and card to give him that they "made" in nursery.  I'm sure he felt the love and we couldn't wait to get home so we could shower him in more love.

I especially love the part where Daddy is so strong he can lift an elephant! ;)

He got to relax ALL day long while we waited on him and took care of him.  Mommy fixed him a quick and yummy lunch and soon we were all down for naps.  After nap time we woke up to eat his special dinner.  He didn't specifically request this particular dinner but he spent LOTS of time talking about how yummy it was when we ate it at his brother's house the weekend before.  Luckily, I have an awesome sister-in-law that sent me all the recipe and tips in time for me to prepare it for his Father's Day.  I only hope I was able to pull it off and cook it nearly as good as she did.  We ate Pork Barbacoa with tortillas, avocados, cilantro lime ranch, rice, and black beans.  Plus some yummy watermelon and lemonade.  

With our bellies stuffed we decided to move on to the presents portion of our day.  I was quite proud of my ability to keep the cost low but the presents special still.  He was equally impressed since we've been trying harder at being more frugal lately.  

His first gift was from Jonas.  It was a "Daddy Book" which is basically a book I put together on Shutterfly that talks about Jonas' relationship with his Daddy from birth until now and includes pictures and memories they have made along the way.  I hope to have a book like this for each kid w/John.  Addison & Daddy always love looking at theirs so I was glad to finally get some free time (and a free coupon) to put one together for Jonas and Daddy finally.  He of course loved it and we all had to spend some time looking through not only Jonas' book but Addison's book as well.  It's so fun to go back and read those and think back on our memories and our little babies.

The second gift was one I had been thinking about for awhile and finally found the missing piece/frame at a garage sale that would work perfectly.  It didn't even take much time or money to put together and is now a nice little fixture in our house.  It's a framed picture of Joseph Smith receiving the priesthood and below it is John's line of Authority which lists all the men who gave him the priesthood and who gave those men the priesthood and leads all the way back to Christ.  It's such a great memory, and teaching tool, to show the kids how important it is that Daddy holds the priesthood and it is inspired it is.

And last but not least we gifted him with a new barbecue grill rack.  He is the master griller around here and we were getting pretty tired of our nasty old crusty rack when we cook yummy food.  We also threw in a nice scrub brush to keep it clean for him.  

The day and gifts were fairly simple but most of all we loved that we had a whole day to shower Daddy in love.  I hope he knows how much we all adore him and enjoy spending time with him.  He's a great father in so many ways I can't even begin to list them all in this post.  We are lucky to call him ours.  We love you Daddy!

Jumping Jonas

With all this talk about Addison and her accomplishments, I haven't been able to devote any posts to Jonas.  What has Jonas been up to lately?  Oy....LOTS.  Most of which includes NOT holding still.  Surprised?

Let me preface with the following:  In being a mother to a boy, it can always be exciting (and not always in a good way).  Of course, I get a double dose.  I'm not only the mother to a "boy" but to John's boy.  Which means he's a total boy to the 65th power.  

Our first predicament w/Jonas was a total accident on everyone's parts (even his surprisingly).  Before church, I was getting ready to comb Addison's hair and in order to do so had to remove Jonas from my lap.  In the process, Addison was handing me her hair supplies.  One of which happened to be a comb with a nice long pointy end.  As a disclaimer, I purposely buy this kind because her hair is sooo fine and the pointy thing helps me get it separated and fixed quicker than anything else.  I never bought it intending to poke my child's ear drum with it.  But sadly, that is what happened.  The little guy must have stood up just perfectly in order to get the comb poked in his ear just so...at the right amount of pressure and aim...to puncture the ear drum.  I knew by the sound of his tears that it did NOT feel good.  He's normally such a tough guy.  And poor Addison didn't know what to think.  I kept assuring her it was an accident all the while trying to console the little guy from his pain.  He wouldn't let me even think about getting a good look at the wound but from what I could tell it must have gone directly in since there was no open wound where I could see.  Lovely.  

It wasn't until mid-sacrament meeting at church that John and I noticed the dried blood around his ear.  We were both paranoid he had hearing loss.  How do you figure out if an almost 2 year old can even hear you?  We took turns whispering into his ear but both of us came back with inconclusive results.  He definitely did NOT like us touching it though.    After thinking it through I finally decided it'd be good to have the doctor check it out.  I always get worried I'm one of those "paranoid moms" when I rush my children off to the doctor but I knew with the gunk that was draining and that it was in fact his EAR that it was nothing to take lightly.

We finally got him to see the doctor on Tuesday and after failing few pressure tests he pretty much confirmed it was in fact his ear drum.  He sent us on with an antibiotic to keep it from getting infected while it started it's road to recovery.  He also assured me that these kind of things happen to EVERYONE who has ears.  Have I mentioned that I love our doctor?  Yep, kept me from totally feeling like the worst mother ever.

A week later, the gunk fell out, he passed the pressure tests at the doc, and all was healed finally.  Ahhh.....relief.

But not for very long.  Shortly after that episode, Jonas decided to up the ante and give us our first ER/stitches visit.  Allow me to elaborate...

I had spent our weekday morning cleaning out/washing carseats and of course Jonas (being a Curious George) was curious as to what I was doing.  While figuring out how to put it all back together, he was standing on the coffee table in the middle of it all.  Not so much "watching" me but mostly getting into everything I did.  I was getting rather frustrated at how much more difficult he was making the process.  And, before I knew it, he had sidled over to the side of the coffee table and either jumped or fell.  All I remember is seeing his head slam backward on his way down as it hit the coffee table.  I immediately jumped up to get him and then saw the blood.  Keep in mind, he spends MOST of his life on the coffee table and has even fallen off of it a few times and just rolls with it.  I knew very quickly that this wasn't one of those times.  It wasn't pretty and the blood kept coming.  And with me being pregnant and unfed that morning I started getting woozy pretty quickly with it all.  

After scrambling around for some washcloths and getting Addison's help, I was able to put some pressure on it while I called John.  While talking to him I got a good look at the nice sized gap right under his lip on the outside.  I decided it likely qualified for an ER visit and told him to meet me there.  Then I looked around...we were all still in pajamas, the carseats weren't even put together let alone actually buckled in the car, and Aunt Sarah was on her way to bring her kids over for a playdate at that exact moment.  

I quickly gathered my thoughts, calmed my nerves, called Sarah to cancel and thankfully she still came over and took care of Jonas while I scrambled to throw his carseat in the van.  She even took Addison for the rest of the afternoon while Jonas and I headed to the ER to meet Daddy.  On top of it all, she calmed my nerves as well.  So grateful that she was there and had been through it all before so she could help me think clearly.  

Once we made it to the ER, John had already pre-checked us in so we went right back into a room and waited for the doc.  He did confirm that it needed one stitch since it was on his face and was less likely to scar than if they had just glued it together.  Lovely, now I had to watch them physically stitch up my little guy while I tried to be brave for him.  Did I mention I was woozy?  But, there was no way I was going to be MIA during it all.  My boy needed his Momma!

It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought.  They put some numbing cream on his lip, and wrapped him up in a sheet to minimize the squirming.  I'm convinced he hated that more than the actual needle and thread going through his lip.  And of course he wasn't fond of the nurse holding his arms by his head to keep him still either.  They did say that his squirming and screaming was a good sign that he wasn't suffering from any brain trauma from his hard head hit.  Right after it was all done he jumped right into my arms and calmed down and fell asleep in a matter of minutes.  I don't know who needed the cuddles more, me or him.  It was traumatic but luckily we survived.  

And of course I failed to mention that the wounded monkey was STILL climbing all over the gurney while we waited for the doc to come in for the procedure.  And while trying to keep him safe, John was recounting all of his memories of wounds and stitches he had while growing up.  Lovely.  I'm afraid this is just the beginning of what is in store for this Momma.  I guess it's time to get a tougher stomach if I'm going to be facing all of this.  Oy this boy.  Good thing he's cute!

Trying to hold the guy still while we waited for the Doctor.  Jonas was NOT a fan of the hospital bracelet or anything they tried sticking on him.  Weird considering his lip had a gaping hole in it at the time.

The best shot I could get of his poor little lip.  He also bit through his inside lip but luckily those heal on their own so they didn't need to do anything to it.

See what I mean?  Would NOT hold still even after our traumatic morning that got us here in the first place.

So glad Daddy was able to meet us at the ER and help calm us both down.  Like Father like son...both Curious Georges.

Mommy giving him some good cuddles afterward.  Poor little guy.

Trying to catch some Zzzz's after such a crazy morning.  Finally holding still after it was all over with.

And yet again, what does he do later that SAME day?  Back on the coffee table yet again.  In my defense, I did try to run defense and keep him off but this boy has climbing in his blood.  If it's not the coffee table it's something else.  Time to embrace his boyhood and hope and pray we get a little reprieve from the ER in the meantime.

Summer Swim Lessons

Once again, this summer we got to take part in swim lessons.  And when I say "we" I mean Addison.  She loves to swim but could always use more confidence in the water.  Luckily, Miss Emily does an amazing job helping her gain that confidence.  And since she adores Miss Emily, she listens to her a lot more than she would her boring old Mommy.  I could definitely tell, this time around she was more comfortable with Emily since she spent most of the time giggling and thinking it was a half hour of play/swim fun with her friend.  I had to keep reminding her before hand that she needed to listen to Miss Emily. She wasn't allowed to tell Miss Emily what she wanted to do/play with next.  For the most part it worked out well.

This summer I thinks she started out as a "Level II" which means she is fine with the water but I wanted her to explore how to actually do some "swimming" motions.  I also want her to get more comfortable with actually going underwater and realizing she won't die each time she does.  We only did one session this year (last year we did two) since I am great with child and I wasn't keen on figuring out a way to take a newborn AND chase an almost two year old each time we took her to lessons.  This way it worked out perfectly.  I just got to be pregnant and hot and sweaty while chasing Jonas....the boy has no fear....especially of his Mommy telling him to stop doing something twenty kajillion times.  Oy that boy.  I may just by a leash for him when his little sister comes.  

Addison is showing off her "reward" (her very own PINK goggles) for being brave and jumping off the diving board during swim lessons.  She actually did it TWICE!  And the 2nd time included actually going under the water's surface.  My baby's growing up!

Polishing the Sparklers

At four years old, Addison is an old pro at going to the dentist.  I rarely ever worry if she's going to be a handful or afraid anymore.  She's a brave girl and I love that she thinks the dentist is exciting.  Being that, I HATED (and still do) the dentist.  There was nothing fun in any of my memories.  So, I'm hoping to change that stigma for her.  It also helps that we have a great pediatric dentist that goes above and beyond in comforting the little kiddos.  He's great really.  Growing up, I remember my dentist rarely coming in to converse with the "commoners" he was too busy.  I got stuck with the assistant and only got to glance upon Mr. Dentist when he came and scanned my teeth....called off a few number codes, and left.  Lovely eh?  Pediatric dentists are definitely the way to go.  Especially nice ones that aren't above the rest of us peons.

Anyway, lets jump back on the subject here before I write a book.  ;)  Addison....dentist....awesome.  She is such a great example to her little brother and this was just one of the many ways.  Of course, at least what he saw of her as he toddled off and jumped around on the bean bag chairs during our visit.  

She jumped right up on the chair, donned her "princess glasses" and opened up nice and wide.  She even did great at getting her x-rays done for the first time.  I was expecting that huge piece of moving machinery would wig her out a bit but she did great.  We ALMOST got a clean bill of health before we were sent on our way but sadly the x-ray proofs showed a teeny tiny small little cavity on the side of her tooth.  Invisible to the naked eye apparently.  Bummer.  Time to step up the lessons on how to floss (how do I teach my child to floss when I can't stand doing it either?  Hmmmppph).  Oh well, it just meant we got to see the dentist two days later for a cavity fill.  

I went in to this visit explaining to her that it was a little different than what she'd experienced thus far.  I didn't utter a word about the numbing shot (which I had even forgotten about) but I did mention the funny clown nose that she'd get to wear and that they were going to do a little scrub-a-roo on her hurt tooth and then she'd be done.  

Again....she handled it like a champ.  Seriously, the shot....amazing.  I didn't even see her wince.  I had to confirm that it was indeed the shot when the dentist finished and raved about how brave she was.  She barely budged an inch during it all.  I kept trying to touch her leg and let her know I was still there since there was no room to add my head to the professionals heads looming over her tiny little mouth.  She did great and that was that.  She was thrilled to get even MORE toys on her way out and she even did good to bite down on the "tooth pillow" they sent her home with until her cheeks got their feeling back.  So proud of my girly....and this is just one more way I am.  Way to go Addison! 

Killing some time before our Dentist appointment and enjoying our free hot Krispy Kreme.  

Probably not the best idea to do BEFORE going to the Dentist but it was fun!  I'll pretend her one teeny tiny cavity was in no way linked to this tasty treat.

Getting familiar with that big moving x-ray machine.  

Pretty girl showing off her pearly whites.  Cutest smile around for miles I'd say!