Up North (Part One)

We just got back from visiting our families in Wisconsin. Jackson and I flew out very early last Monday and Brian joined us late Thursday night. The flight there was pretty uneventful, which is a good thing! Jackson did ok- he had a few meltdowns but I don't think anyone at the front of the plane heard him. It was hard keeping him contained on my lap only. He wanted to get up. When he found the light switches we were in buisness. Those were fun! And the girl behind him was sweet to play peek a boo with him. There were even a few southern gentlemen that helped me with all my luggage!

Since we flew out early we were in WI by 10:20 and home to Fond du Lac by noon. We fed the kids there were 4 with Jackson (Garrison (5) and Katelyn (2)- my parents' kids, Ian (1 and a half)- my sister's boy, and Jackson). Then Jackson got acquainted with everyone and the toys.

He loved these little couch things and the little rocking chairs. Up and down, on and off- what a fun game! Aunt Kayla making Jackson laugh. He was very shy the whole week. I couldn't leave his sight with out him running after me or whinning until he saw me again.
Kayla and I took a long afternoon walk and Jackson napped. We walked around the neighborhood and looked at all the houses. I always forget how different things look back home compared to Houston.

That night we went out to eat at a local Pizza place to support a guy from the church I grew up in that has been battling cancer for many years. A lot of people from church came out so I got to see and talk with a lot of people I haven't seen in a while.

On the way out the door Jackson and Garrison found some water to play in. I'm not sure who likes water more!This is how we rolled for the week. The Expedition was always full- full of people and carseats!

TUESDAY:

Jackson actually slept pretty well at night while we there, I think it was due to the fact that he didn't take his normal afternoon nap or that we played, played, played!

We got up Tuesday morning and went for a bike ride. I rode the North Fondy loop that I have rode many times before with Melissa and Brian. I felt like I was back in high school because nothing in the town had changed besides me.

My mom, Garrison, Katelyn, Jackson and I walked down to the new park at the end of my parent's street.

Jackson was right in his element! It has a HUGE play set. I have better pictures from a different day that I will share later. While we were playing Grandma Sharon called and asked if we wanted to go to the Fondy Water Park. We couldn't turn her down so we headed back to my parent's house to change.

As soon as Jackson could see the water he was off. He didn't stop running through the water until we left. I had to hold his hand most of the time because the water was pretty deep. He wanted to do it all on his own.

He loved the slide! I would let him climb up by himself and then slide down with him.

It was a bit cold in the water with the wind, but Jackson didn't seem to mind.

This mushroom thing was another favorite. He would run right through it and let me tell you that water is coming down hard. It pelts your head! I'm not sure why he liked it so much.

I love this picture of Katelyn! She was just sitting and enjoying the water. Garriosn and Leo were running around with Jackson the whole time.

Since we went to the water park around 12:30 and stayed for a while I thought Jackson would take a great nap. Well, he did fall asleep right away in the car but once we got home he woke right up. 20 minutes is not enough! A walk didn't even do it.

That night Jackson and I went over to Melissa's to visit with her, Eli, and Nicole. I brought my camera and then totally forgot to take a picture. I am so mad! Girls, I had a great time visiting and spending some time with you! Jackson was a toot and I am pretty sure Melissa and Nicole don't believe that he is normally a happy boy.

Each night, Jackson didn't want to go to sleep because he could hear the other kids still playing. He didn't want to miss anything important!

Father's Day 2010

Jackson and I gave Brian his Father's Day gift about a week ago. He has been wanting a power washer for some time now, so that's what we got him. He did wash one small part of our drive way and fence and it already looks a lot better. He is ready for us to go to Wisconsin so he can spend every night power washing. Here it is in all its beauty!
We decided to go out to eat last night to avoid some of the Father's Day crowd. We treated Brian to Kublai Khan and all got plenty to eat and had leftovers for dinner today. YUMMY! Brian and Jackson waiting for our food.

Jackson kept pointing at all the statues and funky lights in the restraunt.

It was a beautiful night and we spent the evening outside together. We did bubbles and swam.

Jackson can say bubbles and loved to chase them around. So cute!

So sweet! Jackson jumped in before we could change him:) I captured some sweet father/son moments last night!

Looking at the airplane together. That is also Jackson new thing- pointing at every plane he hears go by. He also points up when he hears a motorcycle and he can't see it.

This morning we got up and went to church together, did some swimming, and took a bike ride.

My handsome boys!

Jackson loves his daddy and so do I! We had a great weekend celebrating Brian. Hopefully, he knows we appreciate and love him every day of the year.

Happy Father's Day To...

My Daddy-
He truly has been a role model in my life and so glad God blessed me with someone who LOVED me unconditionally.
Things I remember my dad doing as I grew up:
1. Every morning (or the mornings I was up that early) I would see him spending time in the Word and praying. What a great example of the importance of spending time with God first thing in the morning. My dad is a busy man but always makes time for the Lord.
2. He never missed a school show, band concert, volleyball game, basketball game, graduation, or any other big or small event in my life. He would leave work or drive through the night just to be there. Thank you dad for showing me how much you cared about me and things I did.
3. He prayed with me almost everyday until the day I got married. Those were some of my favorite times with my dad. How great it was to hear him pray for me and lift up other needs before the Lord together. This is one thing I want to do with Jackson.
4. He has the biggest heart that beats only for others. He cares nothing of what others' think of him and works only to please the Lord. I have learned the value of hard word and determination from him.

Dad, I love you and pray and I can be more like you each day!

To My Father In Law-

Thank you for being such a Godly example to your son. I know Brian will be the kind of father you were to him. Thank you for investing in his life each and every day. You have truly made a difference in Jackson's life too!

To My Husband-

Brian- You are such a great daddy to our son. He knows you love and care about him from you actions and words. You put him before every thing else. I am blessed to have a great husband but also a wondeful dad to our children. I love watching the two of you interact-it makes my heart melt. Jackson is one lucky boy!

GOT SPF 70

Jackson and I are staying plenty busy so far this summer. Brian asked the other day if I was bored yet, because I used to say that during the summer. But, that was before I had a 15 month old to have fun with. Each day we always have some where to be or have someone coming over to swim with us.

Our Days go something like this:

1. Get up whenever Jackson wakes up (as early as 6:00 and as late 9:00)

2. Jackson eats breakfast while mommy works out

3. Bike ride and playing at the park

4. Reading books, building towers, kitchen

5. Library Time on Mondays/The Little Gym on Wednesday/Pool time

6. Lunch Time

7. Nap Time (2-3 hours, Mommy has Bible Study Time, cleans, or works on school stuff)

8. Snack Time

9. Play Time/Pool Time

10. Wait for Daddy to get home

Even with somewhat of a schedule our days are very relaxed and include lots of SUN and SUNSCREEN!

Now this is what our days at the pool LOOK like:

I love these HOT days and am thankful we have somewhere to cool off with our friends. I am thinking Jackson and I will have the best tan when we go home to Wisconsin next week!

The Nursery

About 3 months ago, I started volunterring in the nursery at church. I fill in every week where ever they need me. Sometimes I am with the babies and other times I am with the 4 year olds. Well, this last week I got to be in Jackson's room. He doesn't cry when we drop him off any more, but when I am in his room he wants to be right by me.
I observed a few things about Jackson while I was with him in the nursey:
-He doesn't like to share his mommy
-He likes THE toy that another child has
-He is a strong boy (we will work on not taking toys away)
-He is just as daring on the mats in nursery as at The Little Gym
-He is a great "picker uper"
-He is the cutest, tallest boy in his room, HA!

It is fun to see some of the boys and girls he will grow up with in Sunday school and youth group. I can't help but wonder if he will marry a girl from youth group like his daddy did:)

Every week after we pick Jackson up from the nursery he heads straight for these toys in the entrance of the nursery area. I think it is his favorite part of Sunday morning, it is what gets him through:) I would love a wall of different activities in Jackson's room for him to play with; Grandpa Mel?

It was fun to spend the morning with my boy and his church buddies!

A Morning in the Park

Last week my cousin was telling me about a park that was really nice,
so we decided to check it out today. I googled directions and we were on
our way. Well I left my ipod at home with our directions. I thought I
remembered so we drove on, and on, and on. Finally we called my cousin's
husband and he was able to recall directions to help us get there.

The park was beautiful! I loved the lake and can see myself taking many
more walks around it in the near future:) The trail had a lot of shade which
helped keep us cooler.
Jackson couldn't take his eyes off the ducks. He wanted to let go of
Brian's hand and chase them in the lake.

Brain can't wait to take Jackson back to fish someday:)

After walking around the lake and looking at the birds and fish, we

headed over to the play area.

Walking on the bridge with mommy

Racing daddy down the slide

Through the tunnel on his own

Daddy is always doing something funny

And, we ended the morning off with a picnic lunch. Jackson enjoyed

his first picnic and ate a ton of food. Surprise! He also got to experience

flies for the first time. Thank you Lord for blessing me with a wonderful

family who fills my heart with joy and the beautiful sunshine today!

A New Game

Brian always tickles Jackson on our bed in the mornings. The other day Brian asked Jackson where his belly button was and he pointed right to it. He can also show us where his head and feet are. What a smart boy!