First Giggle

Yesterday was certainly a big day in the Bushman family. Not only did Troy get into medical school, but Jackson let out a real live laugh for the first time. My mom had him on her bed and was bouncing him up and down. Jackson thought this was SO funny. Unfortunately by the time I'd gone to get my camera he wasn't really laughing hard anymore, it actually sounds more like screaming. I think he wore himself out. Nevertheless, here's a video.

Arizona Here We Come!

I'm up at my mom's house today in Bountiful. Troy just called to let me know that he has been accepted to Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona. I started bawling when he told me. I am so excited!! He starts orientation August 4th. (Two weeks from yesterday!) We have a lot to do in a little amount of time but I couldn't be happier. It's true everything works out for the best. We have been so blessed. I'm excited for our new adventure in the Arizona heat.

P.S. When I suddenly burst into tears, my mom and sisters were so upset. They couldn't understand what I was saying. They thought I said Troy had been hit by a deer. haha! I'm glad that wasn't really the case. :)

The Villa Rose Weed

We have truly enjoyed our apartment in the last two years we've lived in it. The Villa Rose #52 has treated us well. More than anything we've loved the BYU 29th ward and all the friends we've made. However the dear Villa Rose isn't without it's faults. Besides living on the third floor and not having a washer and dryer, one thing wonderful (and I say that with sarcasm) about our complex is the beautiful lanscaping. Mostly it isn't landscaped at all. Someone cuts the grass occassionally, but the flower beds usually run wild. I don't really mind so much as the beds aren't out my front window. However, upon returning home one evening we parked near "The Villa Rose Weed" which I have decided to affectionately call "Harry."


Yes, this is Troy standing next to "Harry." Now Troy is 5'11'' on a good day and you can see that Harry stands several branches above Troy's height. The stalk of this weed-tree is at least 2.5 inches in diameter. Can you believe this? I don't know how ANYONE has mistaken this for some sort of plant. I suppose our rainy June contributed to Harry's growth, but you'd think someone would have noticed before the weed hit 6 feet. Basically I found the whole thing rather amusing and I thought it deserved both a picture and a post. It is so typical to the Villa Rose, you've got to love it!

Stake Primary Summer Celebration

We had our summer stake Primary party yesterday. It was our last party as our year is up next month and the Stake President let me know we'd all be released. I can't believe it's been a year already, time certainly has passed quickly. I've loved this calling, it has been so much fun getting to know all the children in our stake.

We decided to have a party outside and take advantage of the good weather. The plan was to have games, bubbles and popsicles on the lawn at Kiwanis park here in Provo. We were able to find a nice shady spot and thanks to the rest of the presidency everything came together perfectly. The only problem was that only 3 kids came. :( Actually, by the end it was 4, let's not decrease our numbers by 25%! Hopefully those choice 4 kids enjoyed the fun. Having so few in number changed the dynamics of the party a little bit but it was still fun. Summer is busy and I'm so grateful for all the help I had for the party admist two counselors moving in the next two weeks and our dear secretary about to give birth at any moment. Here are some fun pictures.

Stacy handing out popsicles. She's so cute with the kids.

Mike and Crystal Howarth. I'm so glad they cold come even though they probably wished they were in the hospital :)

Jackson was starving midway through the party, but after eating he was happy as a lark. Good thing Troy was there to help me though. He's so great.

The presidency (minus Andrea Dabell who was out of town). Stacy Serafine, me and Crystal Howarth (who was 40.5 weeks pregnant when this picture was taken. Now that's dedication!)

3 Months Old

While we were in Lake Powell Jackson hit the 3 month mark. I can hardly believe how fast the time has gone by. Our little guy is getting so chubby and fun, we love it! His personality is becoming more apparent as well. He loves to kick and move his arms. I swear his limbs never hold still while he's awake. He's getting more and more fun all the time!

Lake Powell!

Well, we returned from an exciting trip to Lake Powell today. It was SO much fun. I love the lake and Lake Powell is pretty much the best lake to visit. We stayed on a house boat with my family along with my aunts, grandparents and a few of my cousins. When we first arrived Jackson got extremely hot and because we couldn't cool him down fast enough he screamed. He was upset all day. He finally settled down once it was dark that evening and beginning to cool down. (I say beginning because it was probably still 85 degrees.) I thought we'd be going home the next day for sure. Luckily we were able to keep him cool and happy the rest of the trip by letting him shoot the breeze in his diaper. We also sprayed him with a squirt bottle and wrapped him up in a wet towel. He was happy and of course adorable the rest of the time. He even slept a solid 8 hours each night. I was especially grateful for this because I was worried he'd wake up the whole boat.

Troy in the captain's seat of the houseboat.

Jackson in his cute swimming outfit which he only wore once for a few minutes because it was so hot.

My mom giving Jackson a bath in a nearby tubberware box. I think he liked it okay.

Playing dominoes with my aunt, sisters, and cousins.

Jackson wrapped up in his wet seat, probably praying for it cool down. It was over 100 degrees every day. You had to be wet to keep from suffocating.

My cousin Gennessee keeping Jackson asleep for a much needed nap.

Isn't this the cutest sun hat ever! I love it.

Grandpa and Jeremy fishing off the back of the houseboat.

Aunt Lindsay was SO nice to entertain Jackson while Troy and I got in the water. Everyone was so nice to help.

Our bed. Pretty nice view huh?

Uncle Jeremy holding Jackson. Jer held him for a long time. It was really cute.

I'm so glad we could go check out the houseboat with my fam. Unfortunately we probably won't get to go next year as Jackson will likely be walking and toddlers are too scary to take to Lake Powell. At least we got to go once! I love boating, it's the best.

July 4th Parties

To celebrate Independence Day this year we spent July 3rd in Bountiful having a BBQ and watching fireworks with the Barnecks. I wasn't sure how Jackson would take the loud booms (we were really close to the site and it was pretty loud.) He was asleep when we got there, but woke up after the show started. He was neither scared nor fascinated. He simply gazed up at the lights with an expression on his face that said, "Oh, cool." It's okay he wasn't enamored. I'm just glad he was remotely entertained and not screaming. He did so good!

Our camera has a firework setting-- who knew? Look at the cool picture Troy took! He's becoming quite the photo man these days.

On July 4th we went to Payson for the traditional breakfast and baseball game. It was really fun. I'm liking softball/baseball more all the time. Troy and I are on our ward's co-ed team again this year and it's been a blast. Jackson was all dressed in his baseball outfit for the occasion. Too bad it was too hot and we had to strip him down to keep him cool. It was blistering by the time we hit the field. Nevertheless we had a good time.

Mini Darrell Jeter.

Uncle Regan keeping Jackson happy in the dugout.

Troy showing off his mad baseball skills.

Grandma Bushman and Jackson.

Matt even threw Suz a few pitches. (After the game to protect the baby :)