November 2019
6 years ago
Monday, October 18, 2010
Aaron Walks!!
Aaron was ready for awhile leading to June 5 for taking his first steps! He was almost 10 months old in another week or so. We have another video trying to capture his efforts but he just fell down and starting crawling to me instead.This is just 16 days later and I couldn't believe how much steadier he already was. Aaron's always had good muscle control. Today it seems like he has always been walking and I'm trying to convince Miriam that Aaron is no longer a baby because he can walk and eat on his own. Hello Toddler!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Memorial Day Bike Ride
The Jones guys are very fond of riding so on Memorial Day they made arrangements to ride the Provo River Trailway. After a long and complicated morning involving looking for a new bike, confusion about locations and the necessary arrangements to get all bikes and trailors together we made it. We hade all the Jones guys except Max in the family, but Miriam and I were the only girls there. Our convoy numbered 8 bikes and 3 trailors holding 5 kids. We rode up to the lake and back the other direction. 
This was Aaron's first bike ride and Miriam's first long ride, we had tried before without a lot of success. It was a little complicated getting them buckled in. They seemed to do all right as they were moving. After this we went on more rides since Russ let us keep the trailor at our house.
When we got back to the cars Aaron and I left the convoy, as I was tired of riding and he needed a diaper change. Aaron got to swing for the first time at the nearby park while we waited for everyone else to be done riding. He really enjoyed himself which was better than I as I didn't feel good. 
When they got back an ice cream truck had made a stop and Grandpa got everyone a treat. Miriam sure enjoyed hers getting it all over. We then went home to watch a movie and cool done.
This was Aaron's first bike ride and Miriam's first long ride, we had tried before without a lot of success. It was a little complicated getting them buckled in. They seemed to do all right as they were moving. After this we went on more rides since Russ let us keep the trailor at our house.
When we got back to the cars Aaron and I left the convoy, as I was tired of riding and he needed a diaper change. Aaron got to swing for the first time at the nearby park while we waited for everyone else to be done riding. He really enjoyed himself which was better than I as I didn't feel good. 
When they got back an ice cream truck had made a stop and Grandpa got everyone a treat. Miriam sure enjoyed hers getting it all over. We then went home to watch a movie and cool done.Thursday, October 14, 2010
Making Cookies
Ever since Miriam helped Eric make cookies to take to Front Site we had promised to make cookies again when we weren't rushed. We finally got to it on May 30. She donned one of my aprons and tried out all the cookie cutters the Easter bunny brought us.
She loved rolling out the cookies and cutting cookies but often wouldn't press hard enough or just make one in the middle of the dough facilitating rolling it out again. It took a looong time to finish making cookies.
We had lots of spring cookies like the umbrella one she is holding below. She loves making cookies and even still every time she sees me rolling something (like pies) or mixing she thinks they are cookies and is really excited. However, she doesn't really want to eat much, silly girl.
Sporting their new McQueen (or teen as Miriam calls him) pjs from Grandma Nicee, eating cookies, how much better could life get?
Show us how its done!
She loved rolling out the cookies and cutting cookies but often wouldn't press hard enough or just make one in the middle of the dough facilitating rolling it out again. It took a looong time to finish making cookies.
We had lots of spring cookies like the umbrella one she is holding below. She loves making cookies and even still every time she sees me rolling something (like pies) or mixing she thinks they are cookies and is really excited. However, she doesn't really want to eat much, silly girl.
Sporting their new McQueen (or teen as Miriam calls him) pjs from Grandma Nicee, eating cookies, how much better could life get?
Show us how its done!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Thomas the Train
Every Memorial Day weekend Thomas the tank Engine comes to Heber Valley to enthrall children. As the Jones crowd has many Thomas enthusiasts we have gone many times. 
This was the first time Miriam went on Thomas at 2 mon in 2008. As you can tell it was a bit cooler that year. She slept right through most of the experience! We didn't go in 2009 (because of us moving?), but we went back again this year and Miriam absolutely loved it! This was our May adventure (like going to the zoo).
We all met up there, took our ride on Thomas, then explored the other activities before having lunch at a nearby park (also part of the tradition) and went home. This year the weather was warmer but there was quite a wind that got stronger as the day went on. Here we are with Grandma Delta and all the boy cousins (the girls aren't as interested so they didn't come).
Here we are on the train, it took awhile to find enough seats for us and the 3 of us ended up together. I think Miriam's favorite part was hearing the whistle blew, that was how she really knew we were on a train. They had a great time watching the scenery go by.
The event is called a Day out With Thomas and have all sorts of other activities to do which come with admission on the train. They have the typical concession stand, a pavilion to eat with all different kinds of live entertainment going on (music, magic, etc), and the merchandise tent where you can get anything Thomas you could ever want (I studiously avoided it). You could also have your picture taken with Sir Topham Hat, a story tent to listen or watch Thomas movies, miniature golf, and you could play with bubbles or chalk. The thing we did the most of the tent with coloring pages to do of Thomas (the pic on the left) and a couple of train tables to play with (pic on right top). The right bottom pic is of Miriam showing off her Harold the helicopter sticker she got. The place is always crowded, but it is pretty fun.
Everyone got their fill there and we headed over to the park to eat lunch that Deb got from Subway. Of course Miriam had to play at the park even though it was pretty blustery, Aaron slept through the experience. I was amazed to see Miriam climb up this big slide by herself and come down (bottom left pic cracks me up because Miriam is leading a whole line of kids up the slide!). She also found a friend to play with. She and the little girl held ands and went playing everywhere. Needless to say Miriam did not want to leave!
This was the first time Miriam went on Thomas at 2 mon in 2008. As you can tell it was a bit cooler that year. She slept right through most of the experience! We didn't go in 2009 (because of us moving?), but we went back again this year and Miriam absolutely loved it! This was our May adventure (like going to the zoo).
We all met up there, took our ride on Thomas, then explored the other activities before having lunch at a nearby park (also part of the tradition) and went home. This year the weather was warmer but there was quite a wind that got stronger as the day went on. Here we are with Grandma Delta and all the boy cousins (the girls aren't as interested so they didn't come).
Here we are on the train, it took awhile to find enough seats for us and the 3 of us ended up together. I think Miriam's favorite part was hearing the whistle blew, that was how she really knew we were on a train. They had a great time watching the scenery go by.
The event is called a Day out With Thomas and have all sorts of other activities to do which come with admission on the train. They have the typical concession stand, a pavilion to eat with all different kinds of live entertainment going on (music, magic, etc), and the merchandise tent where you can get anything Thomas you could ever want (I studiously avoided it). You could also have your picture taken with Sir Topham Hat, a story tent to listen or watch Thomas movies, miniature golf, and you could play with bubbles or chalk. The thing we did the most of the tent with coloring pages to do of Thomas (the pic on the left) and a couple of train tables to play with (pic on right top). The right bottom pic is of Miriam showing off her Harold the helicopter sticker she got. The place is always crowded, but it is pretty fun.
Everyone got their fill there and we headed over to the park to eat lunch that Deb got from Subway. Of course Miriam had to play at the park even though it was pretty blustery, Aaron slept through the experience. I was amazed to see Miriam climb up this big slide by herself and come down (bottom left pic cracks me up because Miriam is leading a whole line of kids up the slide!). She also found a friend to play with. She and the little girl held ands and went playing everywhere. Needless to say Miriam did not want to leave! Thanks Grandma Delta for the awesome day out with Thomas!!!
Friday, October 1, 2010
A Walk Down Memory Lane
As you all have probably noticed I'm being slow as cold tar on the posting! The last post that has me stuck is all of Aaron's little milestones so I'm going to try and get all caught up on him with his growing and growing. Last I wrote he was standing by himself and cruising around our house.This was May 5. He did such a good job walking around with various things such as the rocket, baby stroller, chairs, etc. We find him absolutely adorable in everything he does. When he started crawling he would sit without noticing where he was and after a couple of times doing that too close to the stairs we figured we better break down and get a baby gate. We lived with the baby gate for awhile before I thought I better try him out on the stairs under supervision instead of live with the gate inconvenience. The very first try he was going like a pro on April 8 at 8 months. It didn't take too long, maybe only a month, of having the gate up. Aaron learned way faster than Miriam how to go down the stairs too. She always insisted on walking down, but Aaron turned around and crawled down. Way to go Aaron!
He went up the stairs several times that night scaling them in 2 1/2 min!
Aaron had his 9 month checkup on May 24. He weighed in at 19.82 lbs putting him in the 33% gaining 1.87 lbs in 3 mon. He is 29 in long putting him in the 69% growing roughly 2 in. Finally, his head is 18.5 in around putting him in the 88% and it grew an inch (big head compared to the rest!).The doctor found his first ear infection so we got to try out the antibiotics. The iron count looked good (which was nice after struggling with Miriam). One of the big disadvantages of getting so far behind is I forget the little details. I was trying to remember 4 mon ago how Aaron was to give a little description of his personality and its hard to remember. I know his mobility was going up with him climbing everything and still not saying much (partially because he still isn't saying much now). He was starting to wear shoes for the first time, little size 3 sandals and could still wear a few 0-3 clothes though mostly wearing 3-6 and getting into 6-9 shirts/one pieces. Aaron's torso is definitely longer than his legs he grows out of shirts very quickly yet stays in same pants for a long time. He had caught up to Miriam in diaper size 4 (very nice to be able to buy just one size!)
One of the many examples of his climbing everything. I find it very interesting watching him climb. He always looks soo pleased once he gets up too. He also was climbing the kid picnic table outside, up on a #10- can to get in the bath, Miriam's toddler bed, to name just a few of his climbing repertoire!
Aaron is also a fabulous eater. He will eat most anything, though can go in stages with the different foods. The picture on the left is the first time he ate with a spoon on May 23 and he did a really good job of controlling and didn't get excessively messy. He absolutely loves spoons, forks and other kitchen utensils he always has to be carrying one around with him. The pictures on the right were taken June 24. Poor guy with an older sister he uses a lot of pink blankets, bibs, spoons, etc! He also eats a lot!
He went up the stairs several times that night scaling them in 2 1/2 min!
Aaron had his 9 month checkup on May 24. He weighed in at 19.82 lbs putting him in the 33% gaining 1.87 lbs in 3 mon. He is 29 in long putting him in the 69% growing roughly 2 in. Finally, his head is 18.5 in around putting him in the 88% and it grew an inch (big head compared to the rest!).The doctor found his first ear infection so we got to try out the antibiotics. The iron count looked good (which was nice after struggling with Miriam). One of the big disadvantages of getting so far behind is I forget the little details. I was trying to remember 4 mon ago how Aaron was to give a little description of his personality and its hard to remember. I know his mobility was going up with him climbing everything and still not saying much (partially because he still isn't saying much now). He was starting to wear shoes for the first time, little size 3 sandals and could still wear a few 0-3 clothes though mostly wearing 3-6 and getting into 6-9 shirts/one pieces. Aaron's torso is definitely longer than his legs he grows out of shirts very quickly yet stays in same pants for a long time. He had caught up to Miriam in diaper size 4 (very nice to be able to buy just one size!)One of the many examples of his climbing everything. I find it very interesting watching him climb. He always looks soo pleased once he gets up too. He also was climbing the kid picnic table outside, up on a #10- can to get in the bath, Miriam's toddler bed, to name just a few of his climbing repertoire!Aaron is also a fabulous eater. He will eat most anything, though can go in stages with the different foods. The picture on the left is the first time he ate with a spoon on May 23 and he did a really good job of controlling and didn't get excessively messy. He absolutely loves spoons, forks and other kitchen utensils he always has to be carrying one around with him. The pictures on the right were taken June 24. Poor guy with an older sister he uses a lot of pink blankets, bibs, spoons, etc! He also eats a lot!One of his favorite foods is yogurt and here on May 20 he is taking advantage of the open refrigerator to grab a yogurt. He is definitely at that stage where every opportunity that comes he is hanging out in the fridge and howling when I drag him out to close it!
This is a little better idea of where he is though there is definitely more updates to come! We love you Aaron! You are such a cute boy!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Things that worked for Frontsight and things that didn't
I still have some blogging to do with my trip to Front Sight. This first one is more about tips for others planning to go, and also as a reminder for myself:
Things that worked well on my Front Sight trip:
XDm: My gun worked very well for me. The only malfunctions I noticed were induced malfunctions for training. The gun had good ergonomics for my hand, although it would have been better with the larger back strap on the handle. After 2 days of heavy shooting, the middle of my palm was getting a little worn and calloused. I also appreciated the fact that I could check the status of my weapon inside the holster (chamber unloaded, striker ready) as the gun spends a lot of time in the holster. After 9 mm guns in action, I was glad that mine was a little bigger at .40. The 9's did seemed to have a little more accuracy than mine, but the holes were just so much smaller.
XDm Gear:
Reloader: I don't know if I would have a thumb today if I didn't have my reloader-- it made it so much easier and faster to load my magazines.
Holster: I didn't have any complaints with my holster, but there were plenty of those with XD and XDm holsters that didn't like the standard holster. It was something about the tension on the holster that they didn't like, if I remember right. Myself, I didn't have any problems with it. Most people with an XD(m) got a Blackhawk Serpa holster. I picked up a used one later, but I picked it up for the retention button. I want it easy for me to get my gun, but difficult for anyone else.
Magazine Holster: Necessary for Front Sight, but I think it is too bulky for daily use. I just adds too much to my belt. It was pretty handy to have a picattany rail on the sides of the magazine holster (where I could attach the reloader when not in use, or I could attach it to the gun).
3 Magazines: It was very convenient to load up less often and have a spare if one was accidently dropped ( you can't lean over to pick up anything unless the range is cleared). But it wasn't necessary to have more than two.
CamelBack: This one item was so perfect for what we were doing. I liked always having water (or gatorade) available to drink, and with as dry as it was, I could never drink enough. I would empty my 3 liters of the camelback daily, and it only lasted that long because I would drink about 3 cups from water/juice from Front Sight with every meal and a few during breaks on the range. It is very dry there! The pack would also hold 3 boxes of ammunition, my hearing & sight protection, and my small notebook easily.
Gatorade Powder: Quick and Cheap way to improve the taste of the water to keep drinking it. Also has some salt. I recommend it!
Timing: I went to Front Sight in March. I came after a group of storms passed through (when it was really cold) but it wasn't summer temperature yet. Part of the training was shooting from concealment (or drawing a pistol from your holster while wearing a jacket covering your holster) and I was really glad that it wasn't any warmer than it was!
Concealment (jacket or sweathshirt): Of course what you should bring is whatever you plan to wear with your gun so your training is useful. But if possible, bring sometihng that can be open in front and closed in front so you can practice both. An open front is quicker, but I'd recommend practicing what you will be using daily.
Hotel: The hotel I booked was both really good and not so good. It had a full kitchen with stove, fridge (which had two trays of ice every day for my CamelBack) and microwave, and was a real good price. It had a pretty clear straight shot to Front Sight, with little traffic to get out of Las Vegas. The downside was that I was in Las Vegas. The biggest trouble is that wouldd be an extra 30 minutes to and then an extra 30 minutes back from Front Sight every day. Normally not an issue, but they eep you going and learning with a very full schedule, so every minute asleep is a good minute spent! I booked at the Emerald Suites on South Las Vegas Blvd.
Hat and Wrap-around glassses are required for Front Sight to protect your eyes from ejected brass. Some people didn't bring wrap around glasses, but got along by adding a piece of paper to the side of their glasses. I brought sunglasses which helped my eyes transition between bright desert gun ranges and the classrooms that are normal brightness (but felt very dark in comparison).
What I wish I would have done different (or at least known):
In the classroom at Front Sight, they have microwaves. So I would have planned more lunches that could have been reheated. During lunch breaks, they have a lecture in the class room, so you don't waste any down time.
I would have worn some cargo pants with some good-sized pockets on the sides for extram ammunition or magazines. A little extra capacity for ammo rounds on your person (not in a pack-- so you can use it on the line at the firing range) is always nice.
All in all, the logistics worked out really well...
Things that worked well on my Front Sight trip:
XDm: My gun worked very well for me. The only malfunctions I noticed were induced malfunctions for training. The gun had good ergonomics for my hand, although it would have been better with the larger back strap on the handle. After 2 days of heavy shooting, the middle of my palm was getting a little worn and calloused. I also appreciated the fact that I could check the status of my weapon inside the holster (chamber unloaded, striker ready) as the gun spends a lot of time in the holster. After 9 mm guns in action, I was glad that mine was a little bigger at .40. The 9's did seemed to have a little more accuracy than mine, but the holes were just so much smaller.
XDm Gear:
Reloader: I don't know if I would have a thumb today if I didn't have my reloader-- it made it so much easier and faster to load my magazines.
Holster: I didn't have any complaints with my holster, but there were plenty of those with XD and XDm holsters that didn't like the standard holster. It was something about the tension on the holster that they didn't like, if I remember right. Myself, I didn't have any problems with it. Most people with an XD(m) got a Blackhawk Serpa holster. I picked up a used one later, but I picked it up for the retention button. I want it easy for me to get my gun, but difficult for anyone else.
Magazine Holster: Necessary for Front Sight, but I think it is too bulky for daily use. I just adds too much to my belt. It was pretty handy to have a picattany rail on the sides of the magazine holster (where I could attach the reloader when not in use, or I could attach it to the gun).
3 Magazines: It was very convenient to load up less often and have a spare if one was accidently dropped ( you can't lean over to pick up anything unless the range is cleared). But it wasn't necessary to have more than two.
CamelBack: This one item was so perfect for what we were doing. I liked always having water (or gatorade) available to drink, and with as dry as it was, I could never drink enough. I would empty my 3 liters of the camelback daily, and it only lasted that long because I would drink about 3 cups from water/juice from Front Sight with every meal and a few during breaks on the range. It is very dry there! The pack would also hold 3 boxes of ammunition, my hearing & sight protection, and my small notebook easily.
Gatorade Powder: Quick and Cheap way to improve the taste of the water to keep drinking it. Also has some salt. I recommend it!
Timing: I went to Front Sight in March. I came after a group of storms passed through (when it was really cold) but it wasn't summer temperature yet. Part of the training was shooting from concealment (or drawing a pistol from your holster while wearing a jacket covering your holster) and I was really glad that it wasn't any warmer than it was!
Concealment (jacket or sweathshirt): Of course what you should bring is whatever you plan to wear with your gun so your training is useful. But if possible, bring sometihng that can be open in front and closed in front so you can practice both. An open front is quicker, but I'd recommend practicing what you will be using daily.
Hotel: The hotel I booked was both really good and not so good. It had a full kitchen with stove, fridge (which had two trays of ice every day for my CamelBack) and microwave, and was a real good price. It had a pretty clear straight shot to Front Sight, with little traffic to get out of Las Vegas. The downside was that I was in Las Vegas. The biggest trouble is that wouldd be an extra 30 minutes to and then an extra 30 minutes back from Front Sight every day. Normally not an issue, but they eep you going and learning with a very full schedule, so every minute asleep is a good minute spent! I booked at the Emerald Suites on South Las Vegas Blvd.
Hat and Wrap-around glassses are required for Front Sight to protect your eyes from ejected brass. Some people didn't bring wrap around glasses, but got along by adding a piece of paper to the side of their glasses. I brought sunglasses which helped my eyes transition between bright desert gun ranges and the classrooms that are normal brightness (but felt very dark in comparison).
What I wish I would have done different (or at least known):
In the classroom at Front Sight, they have microwaves. So I would have planned more lunches that could have been reheated. During lunch breaks, they have a lecture in the class room, so you don't waste any down time.
I would have worn some cargo pants with some good-sized pockets on the sides for extram ammunition or magazines. A little extra capacity for ammo rounds on your person (not in a pack-- so you can use it on the line at the firing range) is always nice.
All in all, the logistics worked out really well...
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sand Dune Camping
The Jones extended family have a tradition of going out to the Little Sahara sand dunes to camp in honor of Grandpa Jones' birthday on May 16. This was the first year we made it and the kids had a good time. Thank you Aunt Rene's family for putting it together! This was also the first camp out this year (making it Aaron's first camp and also the first time trying out our new truck!). It was a trifle cold that night as it was still the middle of May. We only stayed Friday night and went home Saturday after the big family dinner
Miriam had such a good time with her cousins Liz and Meggie (as she calls her). The girls were making houses and Miriam just followed along after them.
Of course the main attraction was playing in the sand. Aaron did a really good job of digging with a shovel (see video below). Miriam loved digging as she kept saying.
Miriam didn't do so well at bedtime. We couldn't get her to sleep for anything so I took her to the truck intending to drive her to sleep because she was crying hysterically and I didn't want to keep everybody else up (the campgrounds were really crowded). As I started the truck I realized I didn't know my way around so I wasn't sure how I would get back so I just stayed, eventually she fell asleep. Unfortunately when I tried putting her in her sleeping bag she woke back up. I didn't think our double sleeping bag would hold all 4 of us but we proved by the end of the night that it did. The next afternoon we were all tired and took a nap.
All the grandkids wanted Grandpa to come help them dig some deeper holes with his shovel. So Marshall and Eric went to help and continue their conversation. We dug a pretty deep hole for them; Mason and Daniel had a great time sitting entirely within the hole.
Miriam had such a good time with her cousins Liz and Meggie (as she calls her). The girls were making houses and Miriam just followed along after them.
On Saturday Marshall and boys came to play for awhile. Aaron had a good time showing Max the ropes or sand as the case may be. Aaron did really well with everything.
Of course the main attraction was playing in the sand. Aaron did a really good job of digging with a shovel (see video below). Miriam loved digging as she kept saying.
Miriam didn't do so well at bedtime. We couldn't get her to sleep for anything so I took her to the truck intending to drive her to sleep because she was crying hysterically and I didn't want to keep everybody else up (the campgrounds were really crowded). As I started the truck I realized I didn't know my way around so I wasn't sure how I would get back so I just stayed, eventually she fell asleep. Unfortunately when I tried putting her in her sleeping bag she woke back up. I didn't think our double sleeping bag would hold all 4 of us but we proved by the end of the night that it did. The next afternoon we were all tired and took a nap.
All the grandkids wanted Grandpa to come help them dig some deeper holes with his shovel. So Marshall and Eric went to help and continue their conversation. We dug a pretty deep hole for them; Mason and Daniel had a great time sitting entirely within the hole.
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