of our Engagement! Yes, that's right. 10 years ago John proposed. 10 years ago Shani said yes! Most people might wonder what day they got engaged, maybe some can remember easily. For Shani it's pretty easy as it's her brother's birthday. For John, he's just that great! We get home from being over at Shani's parents house and Landon tells Shani about a "surprise" in the backyard. Shani didn't understand and thought he was talking about the laundry that was hung out there. But sure enough there was a surprise... a very thoughtful one. John had re-created our engagement. He set up a tent with rose pedals and rocks leading up to it. He found someone selling a picture of the creek that runs along where we were and had it sitting next to it. Inside the tent was a hand written note (similar to the one he wrote 10 years ago), the rock that we actually took from our engagement as a souvenir, and diamond bands that Shani has been wanting for her wedding ring! We've been so blessed to be married to our best friend for 9 years (engaged for 10 :-)) and have two wonderful sons! Life is great!
Since Landon has been so fearless around the pool we decided to put him into swim lessons. No, not the mommy and me lessons, but the "real" lessons. Private, one-on-one, 15 min, for 5 consecutive days lessons. It might seem a tad harsh considering he isn't even 2.5 yet, but hey we wanted our boy to be somewhat safe when near water. Well it paid off! Miss Kassy (swimtolive.com) was an amazing swim instructor and has taught our son to swim! No we don't mean just jump to you and momentum takes him swim, we mean full on kicking and getting somewhere swim. It's totally crazy. The first day he didn't cry or fuss at all. Days 2-4 he cried almost the whole time but was great and still did everything she asked him to do. The last lesson both of us were able to go watch and he only whined a bit at the beginning and was good the rest of the time. We are so proud of him! It's really neat because she also teaches them to float on their back to get a breath if they can't make the whole swim, then spin back around and swim to the edge. She is so patient and encouraging to the kids. We highly recommend her and can't wait for next summers lessons! Here are some pictures and video of Landon swimming.
Landon before lessons (notice how he is comfortable under water but sinks)
Landon one week after his last lesson (looks like Papa helps but doesn't actually touch him)
We get asked frequently how well Landon is adapting to his baby brother. We've been so blessed that we are able to respond "so well!" He has just been the greatest. We've had no jealousy issues, no aggression, nothing. We do know how this may change once Carter starts getting more active and playing with Landon's toys or the fact that Carter will probably be bigger than Landon one day, but as of now they are great together. Here are a few cute pictures of our sweet boys!
We've had a wonderful summer so far! We've been staying busy on the weekends between the craziness of our work week. We've been visiting with great friends and wonderful family. The boys are having a wonderful summer! San Luis Obispo: Auntie Elaine, Uncle Kevin, and the kids are home for the summer so what better way to meet up than our old stomping grounds! We headed to SLO for a long weekend along with Auntie Karin, Uncle Zach, and their kids. We stayed all together in Morro Bay at a beautiful vacation rental. It was a little nuts having 6 kids under 5 but we had a blast! We can't wait to do this again!
the boys with Aunt Margaret and Uncle Bo at Farmer's
Montana de Oro tidepools
Morro Bay
proud Daddy as Landon looks at birds
Elijah (4), Jacob (2), Landon (2), Georgia (5), Carter (2.5 months), August (2)
4th of July: It sure was a scorcher this year for the 4th! We still enjoyed ours. Great Grandma Hori, Uncle Bryan, Uncle Bo, Aunt Margaret, and Uncle Ryan came up from Southern California to join us. Landon enjoyed watching fireworks even though he was exhausted from such a busy day and being up way past his normal bed time.
Carter with Great Grandma Hori
Carter with Uncle Bryan
Landon and Carter watching Fireworks
Very lucky great-grandchildren
Lake: Landon has been having a great time playing in Papa's boat when it's at the house, but he finally got to go out on the lake. He had so much fun driving with Papa. The lake water had quite the bite to it compared to the warm pool he's used to swimming in. He even was a brave boy and went out on the tube with Mommy. Not bad for a 2 year old!
What a happy boy
Uncle Ryan and Uncle Bo
Relaxing with Mommy
nappnig on Daddy on the way back to the truck
Swimming: Since it has been so hot this year, we've spent a lot of time at the pool. Landon has become quite comfortable with the pool which scares the life out of John since he can't actually swim yet. Swim lessons are starting this week! He's been doing great at holding his breath and trying to swim although he still doesn't have quite the coordination to get him anywhere. At least he's having fun! Carter enjoys cooling off with us in the pool too!
Grandma and Grandpa Mac: Carter got to meet his Grandpa for the first time. Grandma and Grandpa were out visiting from Colorado. We had so much fun hanging out with them. Landon also had a blast hanging with his older cousin. The two of them play so well together.!
Landon, Grandpa, Morgan, Grandma, and Carter
having fun washing Papa's truck
coloring with his cousin
Carter is 3 Months: Our little man has turned 3 months. Crazy
how fast time has flown by. He's fitting in very well with our family
and has been a great addition. He continues to sleep very well (better
than his older brother most nights). We usually get about a 7-8 hour
stretch then another 4 hours. Sometimes we've even had better. He is
weighing 14 lbs 11 oz. We need to see how long he is still, but we will
do that soon. Carter seems to be our more serious baby, but when he
smiles it lights up his face. He's starting to giggle and is talking
more and more. He's such a little joy!
Landon our big boy: He is such a great big brother. When Carter is crying he will go up to him and say, "Shh, it's okay." What a sweet boy. He's talking so much more now and comprehending so much. Although at times we are still trying to figure out exactly what he is saying, he is speaking really clear and is such a big boy. At times he seems so much older so we have to remember during the more difficult times that he is still only 2. He's at such a fun age and we are having a great time watching him grow!
