Food Pantry Halloween Party

On Friday we went to a really fun Halloween party at Celena's house (of course to Jackson it's Kennedy and Luke's house:) The party was wonderful and both of my boys had a blast and I really enjoyed being with Adrienne and Celena and getting to know some new mommies. I have a ton of pictures but can't get to them yet (my hard drive is still out of order and I'm just using Jay's work laptop when I can). So, I'm just doing a summary on each blog post and will fill it in with pictures soon. . .I hope! Celena had a ton of food, snacks and crafts for all of the kids. Also one really cool thing about Celena's party was that instead of doing candy we each brought something to donate to the food bank at her church. All of the cans and boxes of food were laid on a table and the kiddos took their bags and "shopped" for food to give to less fortunate kiddos. It was so cool to see the kids thinking about what they wanted to give. Jackson filled his bag to the brim and then turned to me and said, "mommy, I got the kids some yummy tuna. I also got them some yucky looking stuff but I wanted my bag for them to be full!"
Such a fun party with such nice people. Thanks so much for having us!

Bear's 1st Tooth!

Monday night Baron was miserable. He just cried and cried and cried laying in his crib. Jay and I each went in and rocked him multiple times and finally just gave him motrin. Tuesday I took him to the dr. to be sure he didn't have another ear infection. His ears were clear and then this morning he went to gum my finger and I realized. . .his bottom right tooth had broken through! So, that explains his very uncharacteristically fussy night, poor little guy.
Anyway even though he's already 8 1/2 months I just can't believe that my BABY has a tooth. I just hope the other teeth are a little easier on him.
I would post some pictures but due to the "great crash of 2010" (otherwise known as Hillary's break down) I can't access or post any pictures from 2008-present. And I can't use my computer so I can't post any new pictures either. So, just imagine that my boys are still precious and I'll hopefully have access to my pictures soon enough!

Photography Class

Adrienne had the awesome idea that the two of us should take a photography class together. It's been so much fun not only to see her (without the 4 kids) on Saturdays but also to learn a little about my camera. I don't know much yet but am having fun experimenting with settings etc. Since he can't run from me I've been using Bear as my "model." I'm not that great but my subject sure is cute!

Bear is wearing his Halloween costume in this one.

First Day of School

Jackson is in the young 3's class this year and he's loving school. We are early in the school year but I am excited to report that he has not had ONE SINGLE time out this year. I know for some kids this is no big deal but for Jackson this is great! His teachers are awesome as usual and I couldn't love the school more. Here are some shots from his first day. Obviously not the best space for the pictures but he was too excited to go in the front yard and pose. Sometimes I just take what I can get:)

This is my favorite because it is typical silly Jack. I love his goofiness!

And while Jackson was at school I had to get a shot of Bear in one of my favorite shirts of his. My sweet friend Cathy just dropped this off on my porch last year thinking it was cool to have him wear my maiden name.
And no, I didn't pose him with this watermelon. It was just on my living room floor for no reason. Those of you who know me well will not be surprised by this fact:)

Dinner with the Geiser Family

Speaking of far overdue we had an awesome dinner at our good friends the Geiser's house the day that I totalled my car (yep, June 19th). Anyway, I just found the pictures. We love hanging out with Bart, Jess and Cain and not only did they make us a delicious dinner but also helped out by watching Jackson when Jay needed to come get me from the site of the wreck. Thanks so much for everything guys, we can't wait to get together again!

They set up a baby pool and slide in the front yard and had tons of bubbles and other things for the kids to do.
Jackson had such a great time!
I love knowing that these two little guys will grow up being great friends.
Jess and Bear.
As soon as Jax realized that I was taking a picture of Jess and Bear he wanted in. Jackson definitely loves Jess!
Thanks to Jess, Bart and Cain for a night of great food and fun friends:)

The Little Artist

Ever since Aunt Mandy sent Jackson his birthday present he does art projects daily. It's so fun watching him create so many different things and put so much time, effort and focus into something.


The first thing he wanted to make was an "art friend" to sit with him when he works on his projects. We made this guy together and Jackson promptly named him Booger.
As you can see Jackson takes over the kitchen with his stuff. The great thing is because he has all of the cases he puts it all back and and cleans up (mostly) by himself. It's greatness.
Happy little dude.
I came in to find him laying on the ground after cleaning up. I guess he had been working really hard that day:)

Jackson's Birthday Party

This post is obviously very much overdue and the pictures aren't exactly in order but hey. . .at least I'm getting to it. First of all a big thanks to Nana and Papa for letting us have the party at their house, especially considering that Papa was having a knee replacement two days later! And now, here are the many pictures of Jax's 3rd birthday party:

The crowd munching on cake. We did our usual regular cake for everyone at the party other than Jackson and the Hirst kiddos. They still enjoy the delicious sugar free apple sauce cake:)

We repeated the Chick Fil A nugget trays that were so popular last year.
I love this shot of Jackson enjoying his cake. Also a big thanks to Adrienne for making the cake!
This is Jackson after being told that two pieces of cake was his limit. He was trying to negotiate.
Gus, one of Jackson's school mates with his father and brother.
Charlie and Damian.
Owen and Dacia.
We didn't get any shots of the 4 of us together but thankfully Nana got this one of the 3 of us:)
Papa and Gaga escaping the heat.
Nana handing out balloons to all of the kiddos.

Myles and Monte.
Gaga with Alissia (who is expecting a little girl:)
Amy, Nicholas and Jake.
Gaga and baby Bear.

Jackson playing with one of his favorite people, Dr. Grant.
Happy Cooper after eating some cake.
Reagan, who asked to pose for a picture. Love that girl!
Fun in the pool.
My boys before the party started.
Jackson playing with Bart (another of his favorite people!) while the Jackson slide show is going on in the background.

Emma.

Jack's bff Ellie getting sun safe!
Brian loving the pirate booty.
Nana taking a break from all of the craziness.
Adrienne and precious little man Charlie.
Bill loved the nuggets and getting to visit with everyone.
Jessica, Rileigh and Amy.

Damian (one of the most fun dads ever) playing with Jax and Ellie.
Little Bryn.
Owen getting ready for cake.
Lunch time!
Getting ready to blow out the candles.
I have no idea why I took this picture upside down. . .but here's the cake!
After the party was over and everyone had left we got a knock at the door from the UPS guy. Aunt Mandy had shipped Jackson a huge box of art supplies. Here's his face when I told him the big box was for him and who it was from.
She went above and beyond sending him TONS of art stuff. He LOVES arts and crafts and we didn't have much until then. Now he has everything!
One of the greatest parts is that she organized all of it into two tackle boxes labeled "Jackson's Tacklin' Art Supplies." Super cute and so helpful!
What a fun way to end such a fun party. Thanks to all of you who made Jackson's 3rd birthday party so special!!