We went to the Christmas Eve Eve (on the 23rd) service this year. It was at 6 p.m. and since Baron is used to going to bed at 5 he was NOT picture friendly after church. So, I settled for getting some pictures of Jackson who had insisted that we all dress up for the fancy Christmas Eve service. Here’s Jack hamming it up and goofing off after church. Gotta love this crazy dude!
Every year for the past 3 years we have gone to North Park Mall to see Scrooge with Bill and Grandmommy. We have such a great time and it’s a tradition that Jackson really looks forward to. This post has a ton of pictures which is not unusual for me but this day has special meaning. Anyone who knows me knows that my family is the most important thing in my life. My grandparents have always been paramount in my life. I’ve always been very close to them and want my children to be the very same way. This outing ended up being the last time we went out with my grandparents before Bill went to live in an assisted care facility. It was a very tough decision and my grandmother is an amazing woman who handled far more than most people could for far longer than most people would. Of course we will still get to see Bill but things aren’t the same. I’m learning that getting older comes with lots of great times and lots of sad times as well. I am just so thankful that God is so good and that we will all be restored in Heaven someday. I love my life and have so many blessings but really look forward to a place where diseases like Alzheimer's don’t exist. I know this isn’t the way He intended us live. So, here are the pictures from a special day with some of the most special people in my life.
Bill was very excited to be sitting next to Baron. He loves babies.
Bear waiting for Scrooge.
The boys waiting. . .not so patiently!
In each show Scrooge singles out one kid to talk to. Of course when we were there that kid was Jack. Here he is after Scrooge had asked him to stand up.
“I’m 3 years old!”
Scrooge asked Jackson if he had been good and what he wanted for Christmas etc. Then he asked Jackson to come up and he threw him an autographed photograph.
Jackson was very proud of his picture.
At the end of each show Scrooge says he’s going to throw gifts to the kids and they all hold out their hands. He then sprays them all with a water bottle. I had warned Jackson about this before we went so he would be expecting it and wouldn’t freak out. He excitedly asked me, “mom, what if it’s a bad guy who looks just like scrooge but instead he sprays us with dangerous chemicals?” Wow, that kid is all boy. . .and all imagination! His question did give Grandmommy and I a good laugh. And I have to admit I was kind of thinking about it when the spray bottle came out.
Some of my favorite people!
My grandparents have to be the most awesome grandparents that have ever lived (other than my kids grandparents of course!)
Every year after the show we go check out the water fountain. It remains a favorite of Jackson’s.
Baron loved the fountains. I have never seen him so excited about anything in his entire life. He was screaming, laughing and waving his arms around like crazy just watching the water.
Grandmommy and Jackson just chatting. Some of my best talks have been with her.
I gave Jackson a coin and here he is trying to decide what to wish for.
After Jackson made his wish he asked me for a second coin. He then turned to me and said, “this wish is for you, what do you want?” I told him he could use both wishes and he said, “nope, I only need one, I want this to be for whatever you want mommy.” For being such a willful and energetic kiddo he sure does have a sweet side.
Before Christmas he was obsessed with wanting to get all of the girls he knew princess dresses. Here he was telling me that he wished for a princess dress for me. Funny guy!
Thanks to Grandmommy and Bill for such a fun day. We sure do love you guys!
Back on December 18th we went to Rileigh’s 3rd birthday party. It was at Jackson’s favorite place in the entire world. . .Pump It Up. It’s basically a place with tons of huge bounce houses with slides, basketball hoops, etc. It’s also one of my favorite places because he has a blast and gets out ALL of his energy.
Jackson’s favorite bounce house is the one with the basket ball hoop.
Poor Grant, here he is chasing Jackson up the stairs to the big slide. Anytime we go anywhere with Grant, Jackson constantly wants to play with him. I’m pretty sure Grant was more worn out than Jackson was after two hours of playing. Grant is a great sport though and Jackson adores him.
My happy guy. This was one of Jackson’s super sweet days. Some days I want to pull out my hair and other days I just can’t believe that he ever frustrates me. This was one of those wonderful days. Those days are such special gifts. Of course just so that I appreciate those days he makes sure that they aren’t the norm!
Jackson is still thrilled to eat his nanabar (larabar) while all of the other kids eat their cake. I really hope this continues!
The sweet little birthday girl!
I really love taking Jackson to birthday parties. Lately I’ve taken him to several while Jay has stayed behind with Baron. It’s always such a treat to have time alone with Jack. As we were arriving at this party Jackson took my hand and said, “we’re best friends aren’t we mommy.”
At the end of the party they were handing out balloons. Jackson got his and then said he wanted another one. I told him no because everyone was getting one and he persisted. I told him no and not to argue. A few minutes later the bench he was on fell over and he busted his head on the floor. Of course I then gave in and let him have a second balloon. When we got into the car to leave he looked at his two balloons and said, “what do you think is Baron’s favorite color?” It was then that I realized that what I thought was Jackson wanting two balloons for himself was really him wanting his brother to have one as well. He looked at me and said, “mommy, brothers are best friends!” I say that to him often and really hope it rings true when my boys are older.
My friend Amy has a big Christmas party for all of the kiddos every year. She has lots of food, activities and a gift exchange. Jackson LOVES Amy’s house and especially her back yard. This year I didn’t get many pictures and not because I was chasing my kids but because I was actually just enjoying myself and relaxing while the boys were in the back yard. My guys sure do love the outdoors!
All of the kids getting their gifts in the big exchange.
Baron was just thrilled to be in a big group of kids!
Jackson playing with some of the many toys.
Jackson asked me if we could trade our pool for Amy’s backyard. I wish we could!!
The kids getting ready to decorate cookies. Of course Jackson had no interest in this activity and stayed outside the entire time!
Thanks to Amy for hosting such a fun party!
