Playmates

Jackson REALLY wanted someone to play "light savers" with him!

Jackson's "Blast Off" Birthday Party

Jackson's birthday party was scheduled for the park today, but we had to make a last-minute change due to the rain. So, we found a pizza place that didn't mind having about twenty 2, 3, and 4-year-olds running around! Jackson had a great time, and we appreciate all our friends and family who came to the party. Mimi and Pop happened to be in town for Pop's annual Atlanta conference. Mimi got to come to the party, but Pop had classes today so he wasn't able to make it. Yoshiya, Yoko, Cayden, and Kayla also came in town for the party, and Jackson had so much fun playing with Cayden (as always). Here are some pictures of the party and some of our wonderful guests!

The rocket cake
Kayla tasting a lemon

Marlee

Lauren, Jackson, Sebastian, and Johnny watching the cook make their pizzas

Jackson cracks me up in this picture!

Jackson, Jackson, and Shad

Sophia and Cayden enjoying their pizza

About to blow out his candles

Harrison

Yosh and Kate

Mimi and Kate

Jackson and His New Umbrella

Jackson got a new "Cars" umbrella for his birthday, and he's really been wanting to try it out in the rain. It started to sprinkle while we were driving home from preschool today, but by the time he got outside with his umbrella, it had stopped. Next thing I knew, he was yelling at the top of his lungs, "GOD, CAN YOU PLEASE MAKE IT RAIN??!!" (Kind of ironic since I've been praying the exact opposite for his outdoor party tomorrow that has since had to be changed to an indoor party to due the rain headed our way!)

Love this face!

Jackson is 4!!!

Happy Birthday, Jackson! We love you so much!

He woke up wanting to wear a birthday hat!
We took a cookie cake to his preschool class today, and his teachers gave him another birthday hat to wear at school!

6 Months

Kate is 6 months old today!

Have you ever seen a cuter cowboy?

One of Jackson's friends had a birthday party last weekend with pony rides! They all got cowboy hats and bandannas to wear and had so much fun. Oh, and it didn't hurt that it was 70 degrees and perfect outside!

Toy Story Dreams

Cuddled up with Woody and Bullseye

Jackson and Blue Eyes

Jackson's first time feeding Kate baby food

(He loves her so much and really is a great big brother.)
Blue Eyes

Yes, we are very aware that he is desperately in need of a haircut.

A January Day at the Park

This past weekend was gorgeous! Blue skies and close to 70 degrees. A perfect taste of spring. We had to take advantage of this weather, so we met a few of Jackson's friends at the park. One of the moms took some great pictures of the kids. It was so nice to spend most of the weekend outside, and I can't wait until this kind of weather is here to stay (at least for awhile)!

Hey Sweet Girl!

Big Bro and Little Sister

5 Months

Kate is 5 months old today!

These Crazy Kids

I found this video clip the other day from Jackson's 3rd birthday party, and it made me laugh!

More of Sweet Kate

Breaking up the ice with his toy ax

At least it looks pretty

Sun, where are you?

We had to pull out Tug's old Iowa sweater to keep her warm!

We are now on snow day #3 (more like ICE day #3)! Unfortunately, it's not the fun type of snow. It's several inches of snow covered with a thick layer of ice. So that makes it really hard to play in. Erik took Jackson out yesterday to go sledding in a laundry basket, but they were back inside after about 2 minutes because Jackson didn't like it. I've had a cold, so I had not been out in the snow until I walked (or slid around and tried not fall) Tug today. Now I understand why Jackson was not too fond of the sledding idea! I could barely walk across the driveway. Erik has been working from home this week because the roads aren't drivable, and we have not gone anywhere since Sunday. Sun, please come out and melt this stuff!

Jackson Rockin' Out to Zac Brown on TV (with a little help from dad)

Jackson just started a new preschool last week. He made a smooth transition to his new school and was excited to go! After his first day, his teacher said he did fantastic! Ironically, she also said he was not very outgoing in music. Ha! Just wait!

Kate...

loves her new exersaucer that Santa brought
but not so much her first taste of baby cereal!
(She has gotten the hang of it since then though. It's kinda fun to feed a baby who actually eats!)