Wild Boy

Jackson has little fear, and Brian does what he can do encourage this behavior.

Sometimes much to my dismay.

 I am quite fearful when these two get swinging really high.

Crazy kid!



He loves to have Brian twist the swing real tight and let go. He will do this as many times as we allow. You should see him try to walk when he gets off. It is quite hilarious!

I have a feeling he will love roller coasters!

Gorgeous Weather Weekend

We had a few plans on the agenda this weekend; journey to the cross, de-weed the backyard, and play outside as much as possible. We couldn't have asked for better weather this weekend.

Friday night we went out to eat. One of my new favorite places to go eat is Misson Burrito. For a few reasons: 1. They send us great coupons, like so good we all can eat for $6! 2. It is close to the house. 3. It is pure yumminess in a shell.

After dinner, we stopped at the park to play. Jackson is in his element at a park. He absolutely loves to run wild.

Brian attached the jungle in the backyard once we got home, and Jackson and I did a variety things outside. I stayed up late working on a special scripture book for Jackson. (I'll share more about that later.) I am really excited about how it turned out!

Jackson was up bright and early Saturday morning. We went out for breakfast.

This boy ate 2 1/2 kolaches and asked for more to eat after that! What? He must take after Papa Gary!

Next, we went over to my Aunt's church. They were putting on Journey to the Cross. Jackson was most intrigued with hammering nails. We talked to him about how Jesus was killed and died for our sins.

Our neighbors down the street are hardcore baseball people. They gave Jackson a DeMarini baseball bat and Nike glove to use.

He was really into "playing" baseball for about 20 minutes.

He loved running the bases and tagging me out or scoring me out as he called it.

Jackson and I went swimming as Brian continued to sweat and work on the "jungle". 

He asked if he could get his tube and ride the lazy river. Such a goof ball!

Brian was able to tame some of the craziness in the backyard and get a nice tan sunburn while he was at it. He also attempted to cut his own hair and actually did a decent job. I was impressed! What can't my husband do?

Thankful for a fun weekend outside, looking forward to seeing a lot of friends this week!

Rainy Day Fun

The ground may be soaked but that doesn't mean we can't play outside!



Jackson gets so excited when it rains outside.

 It gives him a reason to wear his McQueen rain boots and get the umbrella out. 



Who doesn't like to jump in puddles?

Haircut at Home

Brian and I love Jackson's curls but his hair was getting a bit out of control. If we didn't wet it down or wash it he would have an Afro. I was going to take him to get his haircut on Friday but never got around to it. So, this weekend Brian decided that he could and would just cut it himself. We borrowed my Aunt's scissors, and Brian set to work.

Jackson sits better at the hair salon. 

 We put on Mickey to keep him still.

 Brian didn't do terrible for his first time cutting hair. Jackson may have a few long pieces here and there but overall it seems to blend together. I think the curls help it all to go together.

Jackson didn't want to get his hair cut at home because then he wouldn't get a sucker after getting his hair cut. He settled with some frozen yogurt!



THREE!

Weight: 38 lbs (94%)

Height: 42 inches (99.47%)

Clothing size: 2T-4T for shorts and jeans

3T-5T for shirts and pajamas

Shoe size: 10

Sleep: 1-2 hour nap each day, sleep through the night once you are asleep

Pacifier: Gone!

Bathroom: You are completely potty trained. You don't even need pull ups at night.

Food: You love to eat! You think it is always time for a meal, snack, or treat.

Favorite meal: Tacos, Spanish chowder, Tater tot casserole, Mickey Mouse pancakes

Favorite snacks: Strawberries, Blueberries, Chocolate goldfish, graham crackers, string cheese, yogurt

Favorite treats: M&M's, ice-cream from Chick-fil-a

Favorite restaurant: Chick-fil-a

Talking: What don't you say? The things out of your mouth crack me up. I need to do a better job writing it all down.

Letters and Numbers: You know all your letters and how to spell your name. You can write the J for Jackson. We are working on the rest. You can count from 1-15, sometimes skipping 5 and sometimes going higher. You recognize 1-5 without a problem.

Playtime: You love to play and are very imaginative. You are getting better at playing with other friends. You love to play in your kitchen, with your trucks, outside at the park, in the sandbox, with puzzles, and on the iPad.

Personality: You are the sweetest little boy with a kind spirit, but you are also very sensitive and head strong. You know what you want and usually find a way to get it. You want your way all the time and have a hard time taking no for an answer. You get upset when you can't do something or get dirty. You are funny and make us laugh all the time. You are always learning and picking up on new things. You are very polite and like using please and thank you. You are always making sure everyone is ok and safe.

Thursday and Friday

Jackson had his 3 year old well check to go to Thursday morning. We read books while waiting for Dr. A to come check him out. He had to get one shot and when I told him that he said "A fake one, right?"

We met my parents at McDonald's for lunch and some play time after Jackson's appointment. Flat Stanley made an appearance here. We brought him to the rodeo but left him in the car.

My dad brought the kids back to the house and let my mom and I go shopping. When you only see your parents a couple times a year you have to get everything in at once. I wish we could have lunch or shop once a week.

Once we got back from shopping, we all headed out to the sandbox. The sand has finally dried out some. Papa Gary made a huge mountain and Jackson kept trying to knock it down.

Garrison joined us for some snack and Bible stories before nap.

We were trying to decide where to go eat. I thought Willie's would be perfect because it was beautiful outside and then the kids could play. But, we didn't know there was only going to be one digger to play with.

 The food and company was great! This is such a typical picture of my family, we are crazy!

 Brian caught a cute picture of Jackson and Katelyn on his phone while they were outside waiting for us to leave.

All of the crazy kids!

Overall, Jackson did well with Garrison and Katelyn staying at his house. He just thinks he is the boss and likes to let you know when someone else is being naughty.:)

Friday morning was time to say goodbye. Mom woke up with a migraine, so we didn't go out for breakfast before they left.

Jackson looks like he has a headache too!

I hate good byes and living so far away. It is always a bit hectic, loud, and even crazy at times when my parents come to visit or we go there, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Jackson gets to experience grandparents who are selfless and love unconditionally by giving up a "normal" life to raise two young kids with down syndrome. I am reminded daily of how great my parents are and how deep their love is for others. Thanks for spending countless hours in the car and dollar bills to come see us. We loved it!

Jackson and I spent the rest of the day just hanging out. He wanted to play, play, play.

We had a picnic out on top of the fort. I'm sure it was the first of many to come this summer!

 Then, we used out imaginations while we looked for treasures, sailed away, chased the dinosaurs, and made chocolate cheese cookies with sand! 

 We also made a paper airplane and practiced writing our name.

Since it was the last day of spring break, I laid and cuddled with my boy until he fell asleep. Today gave me a glimpse into our summer days, what fun they are going to be!!!



Tuesday and Wednesday

One of my favorite things about any break is when I can get up, work out, eat breakfast, etc at my own pace. That is what we did Tuesday morning!

We walked over to the park to have a picnic. It sprinkled some, but the rain stayed away.

Jackson had a rough day at the park. While he was eating his lunch a bird pooped on his shirt and shorts. He hates to be dirty, so I thought he was going to freak out. He did surprisingly well. Later when he was chasing a butterfly he stepped in a fire ant hill and had fire ants crawling up his legs. He yelled right away. I got them off quickly, but not before he got a few bites.

Playing with Papa Gary

Swinging with Mommy (I am so blessed!)

Jackson had to wear a green shirt to the park because Garrison and Papa Gary had one on.

We played at the park for about 2 hours before walking home.

After a nap, Jackson tried out his sidewalk paint and showed Papa and Grandma how he rides his bike.

That evening the Ladies (my mom, Katelyn, my aunt, cousins, and me) went out for dinner, while my Dad watched Garrison and Jackson.

Wednesday was RODEO day!

Jackson has been talking about the rodeo the last two weeks, more specifically his Mickey Rodeo (I have no clue)! So, he was beyond excited to actually be going.

We got there around 10:30 and the plan was to leave by 2 in time for Jackson to nap on the way home. That didn't exactly happen.

First, we walked through the expo building and looked at some big cows. Jackson was too scared to pet one on his own. He stepped in a big pile of cow poop and got it all over the seat of the stroller. This he did freak out about!

We got everything and everyone cleaned up and spotted the tractors. Both boys acted like they never have seen or rode on one before. 

Jackson was looking for something he wanted to. When he spotted the ponies he shouted "That's it! That is going to be fun! Let's ride the ponies." We waited a good 30 minutes to ride the ponies, but they all had a great time. Jackson is still talking about the ponies, and if you call then horses he will correct you.

Jackson not quite sure about the size of the Longhorn behind us.

Next, we went through the farm. The kids did some different "jobs" and were paid for their work at the end. Jackson loved carrying his basket around.

 I couldn't believe it was already 1:30 after we finished going through the farm.

We took the kids through the petting zoo. This picture of Jackson makes me laugh. It is like he didn't want to get to close.

We thought it would be fun for the kids to go on some rides before we left. The boys did an obstacle course because it had no line. At one point, Jackson sat down and I thought I was going to have to go up after him but he eventually gained some courage and finished.

Katelyn, Garrison, and Jackson waited about 20 minutes to ride another ride. Jackson wanted to ride in the helicopter badly. As soon as he got in he went to work on the controls and steering it. 

We all went and got something to eat for lunch. By this time Jackson was done and frankly so was I! He was hot, sweaty, and tired. My dad and I left with Katelyn and Jackson. My mom stayed with Aunt Midge, Aaron, and Garrison so they could go to the rodeo.

Jackson came home and gave Brain a recap of our day and seemed to have loved every minute of it! I forgot to mention how much Jackson loved the program book. Anytime we would stop, he would say "Let me read this for a minute. I think I like this."

Maybe next year we will make it longer!