Hiking

 My parents came down for a visit. While they were here, we took them to Valley of Fire for a little hiking. It was great weather and we had a great time. Poor Dan, he had to hike with his pregnant wife, 2 year old boy and his "39" year old in laws. I think he still had fun. Jackson and he were hiding and scaring us along the way. It kept Jackson moving and entertained.

Here we are just starting out.

We hiked 'Mouses's Tank'.

 Exploring!

Jackson loved climbing the rocks and seeing how high he could climb.

We made it to the end.

Mouses's Tank is a hike to a pool of water in the middle of the desert.

 True to form, Jackson must take the path of most resistance.

 They are up pretty high, even if you can't tell.

The boys!

The hike has several hyroglyphics along the way. 

Our favorite, the toast dance, as Dan called it. 

New Year's in Utah

 Because my birthday is so close to New Year's, we celebrated in Utah. We started with my favorite dinner of the entire year, my siblings dinner. My brothers and sister-in-laws and my parents get together for dinner and to visit. I love this day. It ended up being on my birthday this year which was a perfect way to spent the day.

 The day after my birthday is my niece, Hannah's birthday. Every year we are lucky enough to get invited to her birthday party or birthday dinner. I didn't think we would get invited this year because she is 13 after all and I thought she would invite a friend. But she invited us again. I love it!

 We also visited Grandparents while we were in Utah. 

Grandpa Simpson (or Grandpa Joe as Jackson calls him) gave Jackson a ride on his scooter.

Jackson helped take care of baby Pierce. He kept giving the baby his binky and giving him toys. He's practicing to be a big brother. He's doing a good job so far.

Christmas Morning!

 This is Christmas morning. 

But before we start with Christmas, we have to go to Christmas Eve. Jackson woke up early on Christmas Eve, ran into our bedroom and asked if Santa had come. Dan have to give him the disappointing news that Santa would be coming that night. We spent the day together as a family and ended the evening with homemade pizza with Dan's family.

Now, back to Christmas morning. We woke up early after being up most of the night with Jackson in anticipation of Santa coming. We kept telling him that he needed to sleep so Santa could come.

 Our Christmas Tree

 This is the face we got as Jackson opened every present. He was so excited!

 Candy--they only thing Jackson asked Santa to bring him.

 Jackson got a tool set for Christmas, which he put to good use right away.

 After presents, we went to church. Jackson was a little disappointed that there was no nursery because he loves to see Corbin in nursery. 

We spent the rest of the day at home, together. Dan's family come by for a visit to see what Jackson got for Christmas. We had a great day!

Relaxing after a long day.

Christmas with the Riggs

 We celebrated Christmas a few days early with the Riggs. Shawna and Casey were in town and we wanted to have our Christmas party before they left. Jackson was so excited to open presents. He had a hard time just sticking to his presents. He had to help Michael and Grandma as well.

 Amy, Jared and Michael

 Shawna and Casey

 Ben and David

 Jackson 'helping' Grandma

 Shawna and Casey gave Jackson a bowling set which we had to try out immediately. Grandpa tried to teach Jackson proper form.

The Riggs Family

He really does sleep...sometimes.

It's not photo shopped, he's not pretending. He's really sleeping somewhere other than his bed. 

He had played with his friend, Corbin, and was worn out. So we had a rest. I can't believe he really fell asleep.

Elder Riggs

 Dan's little brother, David, returned home from him mission last week. Jackson was a little nervous at first, but David 'knows dinosaurs'. Now they are best friends.

 We're so happy to have David home. 

WELCOME HOME, DAVID!

Literal Interpretation!

So the other night at dinner...

Jackson: (Lifting up his shirt) My belly
Me: I know, you should feed your belly so it's not hungry.
As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I could see it.
Jackson: Picked up his fork and proceeded to 'feed his belly' via his belly button.

I can't blame him. That's exactly what I said.