Adventures Under the Big Oak

A Lesson in Genetics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 20:18:00 +0000

Reese: Look, my hair is long.
Jackson: Is my hair long?
Me: No, buddy, you just got your hair cut.
Jackson: Yep, I just got it cut and curled.
Me: Um...no. You just got it cut. You got your curly hair from your Daddy. See, everyone gets some things from their Mom and some things from their Dad.
Jackson:...and you get some things from your Grandmama and you get some things from your Granddaddy.
Reese: Yep...like candy.

Unfortunately, this is only a slight exaggeration.

First Day of Pre-K

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 15:42:00 +0000

Today was the day Jackson has been counting down to for the past two weeks. Back to school! Reese joined in the fun this morning wearing her backpack, too, even though she was coming right back home.

Jackson loves pre-school, and this year he will go four days a week and take Spanish.

He was most excited about seeing Levi and his other friends. These boys love each other.

On the information sheet for his teacher, Jackson said he wants to be a paleontologist/scientist when he grows up. He said he is special because he goes to work everyday and takes care of lizards and bugs (I.e. his imagination is creative and blossoming). His favorite color is, of course, yellow. And, his favorite foods are chips and chicken.

We are so thankful for his little school, and that he loves it! Here's to another happy year!

Rain or Shine...Happy Birthday, America!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Jul 2013 16:05:00 +0000

Water-skiing, swimming, grilling meat in the sweltering July heat, slow-churned ice cream, and late-night fireworks celebrations - these are the things I look forward to every July 4th. Tropical depression Uncle Sam, had other plans, but we did Independence Day 2013 Rain or Shine (and there was no sunshine, except on these little faces).

We fired up the Green Egg, and smoked a Boston Butt between the raindrops.

We ate homemade vanilla ice cream under a blanket while we watched movies, and spent time with our sweet families.

Jackson and I even swam in the lake for hours on end, jumping on the water trampoline even in the downpours until we were blue-lipped and shivering. We finally decided, it didn't matter that it was still daylight, and broke out the fireworks.

The crowd was rapt with anticipation. Don't they look rapt?

Jackson has never been a fan of the intense and sudden noise of the fireworks, but this year he was eager to help. This was the real show. Carefully lighting....

Then, running back to the crowd!

We had an encore Sparkler display, and this little, baby girl was cautious the sparkler might "sting me".

But, it didn't stop her. She was grinning from ear to ear.

Jackson was serious about putting on a show with his sparklers.

Making big circles...

Running...

Hopping...

Even catching a little air with this move.

Reese was getting a little reckless with her Sparkler Interpretive Movement, and Gaga was more than happy to assist.

Who cares that it was 72 and raining? THIS...

is the Fourth of July!

Happy Birthday, America!

Birthday Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:19:00 +0000

Contrary to evidence here, I have not abandoned the blog. We've just been very busy with two kids, moving, working, going to school, enjoying life. I have a lot to catch up on, but right now I just couldn't let this day pass without celebrating our sweet boy's FOURTH birthday here! It literally seems like four days not four years since this bundle of joy and life and love bounded into our lives five weeks before his due date!

After he was born, at 4 lbs. 14 ozs., they bundled him up in warm blankets and a hat and let me hold him for just a few seconds before he was wisked off to the NICU, but those big, dark eyes were wide with wonder. I will never forget how alert and engaged he was the first time I held him, and the spark in those eyes.

He had a bit of a reputation in the NICU because of his rock-star/fuzzy duckling hair. It was pretty great.

The past four years have been beyond great. Our Jackson-bear has a flourishing imagination and creative streak. I haven't downloaded pictures from the big camera in forever, so is just a sampling of snapshots from my phone.
He loves to "claw me" with his dragon claws (which is really just pulling at my legs with his fingertips).

He is such a sweet and loving big brother, even when Reese is having a major meltdown at the visit with Santa.

He still, like his mother, can not stay awake in the car.

We had to postpone his shark birthday part a few weeks because we were all sick, but somebody had to eat the cupcakes!

This is the Christmas Parade 2012, just waiting on Santa pulled by a John Deere tractor.

We love this little stinker more than words. He is hilarious, kind, joyful, fun, dirt-loving, would wear a yellow shirt and road sign underwear every day if he could, happy, helpful, lives off of chicken nuggets and crustless PB Honey sandwiches on white bread, remembers everything including the details of a komodo dragon's poisonous bite, curly headed, has "tell me a story" on repeat, loves to play outside with trucks and watch old Tom and Jerry cartoons on YouTube. He cracks me up when I say, "I'm so proud of you!" or "Be a sweet boy!" and he says, "I'm so proud of you, Mommy" or "You be a sweet girl!". Happy happy birthday, Jackson bear! How did we get so lucky to be your mom and dad?

Looking Back May 2012: Day Out with Thomas

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 13:00:00 +0000

We made a return trip to have "A Day Out with Thomas", but this year we planned ahead and rode in one of Thomas' passenger cars.

It was a bit hot and stuffy, but it was pretty exciting to ride in the passenger cars behind Thomas.

We saw lots of other trains at the train yard throughout the day.

Our first stop after the train ride was the petting corral. These goats and sheep were pretty feisty.

Then Daddy and Jackson practiced their putting.

These cut-outs crack me up. Jackson didn't want to be the conductor, but he was happy to stand with Daddy, the conductor.

This year, Jackson was really more interested in the real trains and cranes than the "Thomas" character stuff, but they indulged me with a photo-op anyway.

He waited all day for the railroad derrick demonstration. He said, "Mom, that is not Cranky."

It was a great Day Out with The Family.

JPC 3.5

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 19:44:00 +0000

I uploaded these pictures about 6 weeks ago, but never got around to adding copy. There just aren't enough hours in the day for this boy.

With these long summer evenings, it is quite often we hear, "I can't go to sleep yet, the sun is still up!"

Occasionally, we see this face when we have to go inside and he just isn't ready yet.

Thankfully, he usually recovers pretty quickly.

Back to School

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 15:22:00 +0000

He got a new backpack with his name on it, and a matching lunchbox packed with all his favorite things. We bought brand new school supplies, read books about it, and laid out his clothes the night before. We've been talking it up all summer.

Finally, after weeks of preparation, today was the day, Jackson's first day of Pre-School.

His new friend, Levi, is in his class. Levi's mom and I went to Kindergarten together, and we were best friends. Levi and Jackson are both going to "school" for the first time, and they both had a little anxiety about the whole thing (so did their moms).

But, we all made it though drop-off without any tears. I'm thankful they have each other, and they are in such a wonderful place. This is going by way too fast.

Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 19:35:00 +0000

Shortly after the Fourth of July, we re-introduced Jackson to Sparklers. My favorite...

Looking Back: May 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:31:00 +0000

In May, we celebrated Gummy's birthday! It takes a couple of pictures to get everyone looking at the camera.

We love you "TH-I-I-I-IS Much"!

The Great-grands came to town to celebrate Granddaddy Melvin's birthday (in April), and Reese found her buddy.

We had a great time running circles in the basement.

Looking Back - May 2012: Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 19:31:00 +0000

I ran across this "awesome" (just kidding, could it be more grainy?) pic on my phone taken after our lovely Mother's Day brunch. Capped off with naps, and a 5K in the rain, it was a perfect Mother's Day.

Not pictured but celebrated and much loved on this day, the other mother's in our family - Gummy, Great-Gran, and Great-Grandmama Evelyn/Grandma. We are so blessed to have such wonderful, loving Mom's in our lives.

Looking Back April 2012: Strawberry Pickin'

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 14:12:00 +0000

I knew it had been a while since I had found time to post on the old blogger, but I didn't realize exactly how long it had been until I downloaded pictures from my camera today. Yikes! If anyone is still out there, I'm going to try to fill in what we've been up to since April. The first free (and non-rainy) day we had, we set out for the strawberry patch. This year, Jackson was a worker.

He picked twice as many as baby and I picked.

Netnet was there to help. Jackson sang, "Don't pick the green ones. Only pick the red ones."

After all of the picking, we took a little rest in the big rockers and enjoyed the creamy, cool homemade strawberry ice cream.

Here is the same rocker post-picking in 2011. See what I'm saying? Time is passing at warp speed.

Reese loved the strawberries and the ice cream. What a delicious tradition!

Reflection on Fourteen Months

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 20:09:00 +0000

I wrote this post several weeks ago, but time has slipped on without me hitting the publish button. So here it is.

(All of the photos in this post are courtesy of our friend and photographer January Shiflett @ Unscripted Photography. They are Reese's "One-Year" photos, but she was 14-months-old)

14-months is just the best. Reese has grown so much since her birthday, not necessarily physically, but her personality has blossomed with effervescence. About a month ago, she was cruising like a champ, taking 5 or 6 wobbly steps on her own. One balmy Saturday she took a nap, and when she woke up ::snap:: she was walking. Almost a month later, she is running (chasing after her brother, mostly, which he relishes). Her vocabulary has expanded to include "shoes", "juice", and my new favorite answer to what does a dog say?, "fuff-fuff-fuff". She has also mastered the sign for kitty-cat, milk, and what does a lizard say? But, beyond actual words and signs, it is her expressions and non-verbal communication that keep us rapt.

The girl loves some music and dancing, even the Local on the 8's background tunes of the Weather Channel get her shoulders bouncing. She and Daddy have developed a funny ritual when he comes home where they throw their arms up in the air and say, "Heeeeeey!" Reese's little pointer-finger gets quite a workout when we are reading. She loves to point to all of the animals. But, Reese loves animals, period. She seems to be drawn to them more than Jackson ever was. She loves to "pet" the cement dog or bunny in the yard. And even given her not-so-nice encounter with dogs in the past, she tried to tackle our neighbors little mini-dachshund at their daughter's birthday party. You can hear the excitement in her voice when she hears a dog bark, or a cat or squirrel crosses her path, as she announces, "Dog! Dog!" (no matter the species).

Which brings me to my next point I begrudgingly admit, she is a thrill-seeker. Eager to be in the middle of everything and try just about anything, we must watch her like a hawk. She loves jumping off the side of the pool (with assistance), and willingly sticks her face in the water. A favorite pastime is jumping on the bed, throwing herself into the pillows, and teetering along the window-seat. I know this isn't exactly bungee-jumping, but at 16-pounds, Mommy has had many a wind-sucking, heart-stopping moment. I do love that she will try anything on her plate, though. Two of her favorites, spaghetti and enchiladas, leave her looking like an Oompah-Loompah and require an immediate soak in the tub. Our little pumpkin is full of life, love, and adventure.

Easter Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:43:00 +0000

We had a lovely Easter Sunday. After church, the grandparents joined us for a delicious lunch and more playtime.

Jackson was feeling better on Sunday, and chased Salty and Brewster back and forth across the yard.

They were very good sports.

Silly girl!

Netnet and Jackson had their own Easter egg hunt. Though I'm pretty sure Jackson had Netnet hiding and finding the eggs at one point.

It was such a beautiful day to be outside!

We let the baby ducks go for a swim, and they were thrilled. Diving and splashing to their hearts' content.

Easter Egg Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:33:00 +0000

On Saturday, April 7th we rallied the kiddos for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Jackson was feeling a little under the weather so it took a bit of convincing to get him pumped up for the event.

He eventually got the hang of it.

While Reese was content to hold her egg in Daddy's arms.

After all of the eggs were hunted, Jackson and his buddies enjoyed some playground fun.

After naptime, the kids woke up to find a certain bunny had left a trail of lettuce and a few little surprises.

...and ducklings! Baby Reese was ecstatic! "Duck! Duck! Duck!" she said.

Jackson named the little duckies "Salty" and "Brewster".

Daddy had to give a little instruction on how to be gentle, even though their little heads look like a handle, that is not how we should pick them up. Sheesh!

What a Hoot! Reese's First Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:49:00 +0000

On Saturday, March 17th, we were so excited to celebrate our little night owl's first birthday with family and friends.

The scene was set. Perfect weather, fun decor, and yummy treats.

Jackson loved making Rice Krispie bird nests for the owl party. He was meticulous about what color eggs should go in what nest. I thought they turned out cute.

Everyone was happy to celebrate our little girl's special day. Gummy and Mac giving some birthday love and cheese.

The guest of honor with her two sweet grandmothers.

We loved having baby Charlotte, our neighbor, who is just 6 weeks younger than Reese. These girls are going to have fun growing up together.

Reese is mesmerized by whatever Uncle Kevin is telling her.

A rare family of four pic.Not perfect, but hey, we'll take what we can get.

After running and playing, these boys were ready for some snacks.

Then, time for cake. The birthday girl l.o.v.e.d. her chocolate and pink icing cupcake.

I love this one. Great faces on all three of these little munchkins.

Kaylee is serious about mastering the tricycle.

Reese is telling Aunt Lauren something very important here, maybe "what a nice profiles we have." ;)

Then we broke out the bubble machine, and baby girl was in heaven.

You can almost hear the joyful laughter and surprise. I really love one year old.

Jackson looks like he is about to crash after all of the excitement and running. But, we still had to open presents. It was a group effort, and all of the kiddos pitched in to help Reese open her surprises.

Uncle Michael is always good for some acrobatics.

"Just one more time? Pleeeease?"

We had such a fun time celebrating the first year of our little angel. Reese, you bring such joy, and love, and laughter to everyone you meet. Life is overflowing with you in it. Happy birthday, baby girl!

Story time: Ode to Three-Years-Old

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:22:00 +0000

Oh, three-years-old is a box of chocolates.

In the throes of potty training, it is important to keep a sense of humor (I keep telling myself). I've got to hand it to him, Jackson really seems to have turned a corner in the whole process. However, the other day I was in the kitchen feeding the baby and fixing lunch and Jackson is playing outside the sunroom windows (it is about 60 degrees out there). He comes in the kitchen wearing no pants, no socks, no shoes (just a shirt), poop smeared down both legs and serious as all get out. He looks at me and with a sigh says, "Mommy....I have to tell you sumpin'."

With a totally straight face, I crouched down and replied, "What is it, buddy?"

"I had an accident."

Now that we are :knock on wood: almost on the other side, things like this leave me doubled over in laughter.

Jackson is really into his "letters", i.e. his initials. At kids church last week, the volunteer asked him, "What is your name?". He said, "Jackson Phillips Craig. J.P.C." I'm not sure if he that sounds like Alex P. Keaton, or more like a law firm.

Usually his precocious expressions are cute, but occasionally they leave us scrambling to smooth things over. We were dining at Waffle House, and a very (VERY) heavy man walks in the restaurant. Jackson said (loudly), "That man is HUUUUGE!" Thankfully, I'm (pretty sure) the man did not hear him, and Jackson learned about being polite.

Jackson loves to hear stories, and loves tell them, too. I walked into the tail end of Jackson recounting baby sister's recent ER visit to my dad in great detail. He said, "...and she cried and cried and THEN, Mommy and Daddy took her to the hospital so she could get her some whiskers!" I was the one left in stitches, and it was certainly perfect timing for some much needed comic relief.

How did we get from this fuzzy-headed baby to ...

this curly-headed boy in 3 short years? Every night, as Jackson says his prayers I ask him to name something he is thankful for...one night, he said, "I'm thankful for baby..." (my heart swelled) he continued, "I'm thankful for baby when she is asleep and she leaves my trucks alone." That's more like it.

Oh, three-years-old, you are trying, but you are hilarious.

Today is your day!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Congratulations! Today is your day! You're off to great places! Today is your birthday!

One year ago today, you were just a little bundle who brought immeasurable joy to our lives. But even before you were born, you were loved. We wanted you to wait until your due date, and once it arrived, you couldn't get here fast enough.

With your big, brown eyes, and little pink cheeks, you encompass sweetness and love. These past 12 months, you have grown and changed so much, and with each milestone we celebrate.

You are curious and fun and so proud when you say your first word, "dog" (now you've added duck, dad, 'dat to your vocabulary. I see a pattern here).

You make a "stink face" when you are figuring something out. It never fails to bring a smile to our faces. You are expressive and animated even without (many) words.

Just yesterday, when the very long grass was tickling your legs, you decided to stand up all on your own.
We still call you "baby" or "baby girl" more than your name, but quickly you are losing those itty-bitty infantile needs , relishing the independence crawling, crusing, and self-feeding afford.

In my heart, I know you will always be our "baby girl".

One of the things I remember most about the day you were born, was the first time you met your brother; how overjoyed he was to see you, touch you, and to be your big brother.

He still tells you every day, "I love my sister."

So today is your day!

We celebrate you, your smiles and your tears

your sleepy lamb and snuggles,

your triumphs and fears.

We celebrate the drool and dresses in pink

and the tiny little razor sharp nails, the patty-cake, and the stink(face).

We celebrate the wave and exploring new things

and raspberries and laughter and the sunshine you bring.

Today is your day!

Happy Birthday, Baby Girl!

eleven

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:05:00 +0000

Sweet girl, at 11 months old, you are knocking on the door of your first birthday. As the trees and flowers begin to bloom, I am reminded of how the world felt as we anticipated your arrival this time last year - beautiful, warm, and renewed.

Seemingly overnight, you have made great strides. One day, it was just too much to eat thick oatmeal; the next you are feeding yourself 90% of the time. Your favorites are black beans, avocados, bananas, and peas, but you will try just about anything. It probably helps that you have FOUR teeth now (two top, two bottom) and two more up top on the brink of erupting.

With very little instruction, you have also mastered "the wave". It is very proper and ladylike. Instead of the typical toddler air-grab bye-bye, you have chosen the royal wrist-wrist parade gesture.

You have also taken to signing "all done" (which looks a lot like the wave, just with both hands), drinking from a sippy cup, playing peek-a-boo, and my favorite, pushing brother's trucks while making the motor sound with your lips.

You are getting more and more brave with letting go and standing on your own. Though practicing walking is just too slow in your book. Sure, you indulge Mommy for a few laps, but soon drop to your knees to get where you want to go (usually up the stairs - a major no-no).

Here, brother is performing a little tune-up on your hippo walker. He's looking out for you.

You, both, are such a joy.

The Other December Birthday: Christmas 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:51:00 +0000

Jackson was well versed in the order of birthdays in the month of December. "First, it is my birthday, and then it is Baby Jesus' birthday!" I wasn't sure how we were ever going to readjust after Eight Crazy Nights of presents and cake(due to spreading out the birthday and the Christmas among different family gatherings).

Netnet joined the four of us for Christmas Eve service at our church. Even though we passed Reese and Jackson between the three adults four or five times, they really were great and all of the distraction and coloring and bouncing was worth it to stand with our little family, singing Silent Night, reflecting on the advent of Christmas. And, even if Steven had to relight his candle because Jackson kept blowing it out. What? It was Jesus' birthday candle, right?

After the service, we stuck around for the live nativity which was really beautiful (and freezing). I think it was special for Jackson to see the Christmas story life-size. He may have been most excited about the donkey and sheep.

After we got our jammies on, laid out a snack for Santa and the reindeer, and watched "Prep & Landing",

we downloaded the Santa Tracker app (or "Santa Cracker" per JPC) which alerted us to the jolly old elf's location, eta, and gave us a sneak peek at the "Naughty" and "Nice" list. Jackson was thrilled to learn that he and Reese were on the latter.

Still a little bleary-eyed creeping down the stairs Christmas morning, but he was thrilled to see Santa brought him the race track he requested.

Reese was checking out her new stacking and crawling snail.

Granddaddy and Netnet popped in to see the kiddos wake up Christmas morning.

Old Hinds-ey may have been the most excited with his gift, an orthopedic bed. Old man made himself right at home even before Santa's chimney exit.

After we finished at our house, we packed up and headed over to Mom and Dad's where Jackson got to play with his best truck buddy, Granddaddy Melvin.

After a little nap, Reese played happily with Grandmama Evelyn.

It was a VERY Merry Christmas!

When Gummy returned home, we continued the festivities with

more presents, and food, and sweet time with family.

Here is Jackson "working" on his new Chuggington computer. He will open it up next to me on the dining room table, and say, "I'm just gonna get a little work done."

It was a wonderful Christmas full of joy and love.

"Nothing Runs Like a..." Three-Year Old

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:45:00 +0000

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we paused for a morning to celebrate the birthday of our tractor-loving, energetic, ticklish, chicken-nugget-eating, jumping bean, ball of fun and joy.

He was so excited about having a tractor party.

Granddaddy took his turn entertaining baby bear with her super-serious face here. I think she is jealously watching the big kids through the window.

We really lucked out, and even though it was a little nippy, it wasn't too bad for jumping and sliding.

Jackson's buddies jumped...

and flipped...

and ran and played,

until their cheeks were flushed and fingers were crunchy.

This is our attempt at a group shot of 2, 3, and 4 year-olds - ha! nice try.

After all of the bouncing (and a failed attempt at pinata-wacking) we re-fuled

with a little lemonade and cupcakes.

And then presents; where Jackson opened lots of cars, trucks, farm equipment, a forklift, and a dinosaur puzzle. He. Was. Thrilled.

Everyone had a great time celebrating

We were so thankful to use Netnet and Gaga's flat back yard for the bouncy house, and their basement for all of the other wonderful craziness that is three.

Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Santa Brunch 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:16:00 +0000

December was a whirlwind of activity, events, traditions, and celebrations. One of our favorite traditions is Santa Brunch with Netnet, Gaga, and Gummy.

It is so delightful to get dressed up, share delicious food, and spend time with those who do so much for and mean so much to us during the Christmas season.

The Santa visit at CCC is a great set up where the kiddos are called up for their turn, rather than waiting in a long line. No big smiles with the jolly old elf, this year, but no tears is a win, in my book. Jackson told Santa he wanted a race track, and Reese was enthralled with the white beard. I was afraid she might yank on it, but I think she knew it might land her on the naughty list.

Gaga got his fill of sugar entertaining Reese while the rest of us finished up our sampler platter of desserts.

"Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas."

--Peg Bracken, author

Double Digits: 10 months old

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:10:00 +0000

Dear Baby Girl,
Wow! Has it really been 10 months? These past 3 weeks have been major for you. On December 21st, you started crawling like a big girl on all fours (a couple of days preceding it was kind of a my-leg-is-asleep drag behind). But once you nailed it you were off! It wasn't long before you mastered pulling up, climbing stairs, chasing Jackson, and playing in the dog's water bowl.

Speaking of...you are completely enamored with Hinds. This isn't a one sided infatuation either, he's pretty fond of your pats and smiles (though I'm pretty sure he is only tolerating you pulling his ears, trying to crawl into his bed, and poking his toes). You also love your Mommy. Don't get me wrong, you love the rest of the family, too, but you are often my little shadow while I cook dinner (let's be honest, once in a blue moon), and especially when it is supposed to be bedtime. It is exhausting, but wonderful all at the same time.

You have gotten very brave in the last few days letting go with one hand while you are standing, and going head first off of the step (thankfully, I have been right there to catch you).

You are still a happy, laid-back baby, but we are beginning to see some adventurous spunk. You already communicate well your wishes and desires.

We went for your 9/10 month check-up, and you are following in your brother's footsteps dropping off of the weight curve at 13.6 lbs., but maintaining your 50%-ile height. When you got your shots, Jackson was right there, offering his gigi, saying, "It's okay, baby. It's all right, sweet girl." (He really is so good with you).

You absolutely gobble up apples and oatmeal, cheerios, fruit, and sweet potatoes, but it takes a lot of negotiation to get a green bean or squash in your belly (you get that from your Dad).

You love books, your paci, sleepy lamb, peek-a-boo, and anything Jackson is playing with. You smile easily and your laughter ignites the room.

We love you, baby Reese!

Monster Tires, Monster Fun, Monster Jam 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:07:00 +0000

(Sorry for the silence. Planning to update all of the Christmas/Birthday Festivities soon!)

For Christmas, Netnet and Gaga surprised Jackson & Daddy with tickets to Monster Jam at the Georgia Dome. I got to tag along, too. This was a first for all three of us, and a rare opportunity for JPC to have Mommy and Daddy's full attention (Reese stayed home to practice her crawling and standing, but more on that later).

We went super early (almost 5 hours before the event) for the "Party in the Pit" - whoop! whooop! Which actually means, all 5,000 of the hard-core monster truck fans get to go down on the arena floor and talk to the drivers, touch the trucks, check out the monster madness up close and personal. Only problem...Jackson was looking at everyone's knees unless he was perched on Daddy's shoulders.

It was very cool to see the "crush cars" and get to know the competitors before the event.

We all picked our favorites, and this was mine. "Madusa" (shortened from Made in USA) was the lone female driver sporting a new hot pink paint job. A former wrestler and "model", she caught more air than anyone. Jackson is humoring me here by getting in the picture

Ready for action in his "ear puh-teck-shun" and (over-priced, but worth every penny for the entertainment it provided) Grinder the monster truck in hand.

I was also a huge fan of "Monster Mutt", but after a debilitating belly up :20 sec into his Freestyle, we didn't get to see many tricks from this old dog.

So, as I alluded to before, the action was a little slow to get started (i.e. we arrived at 3:30 and the main event didn't get revved up until around 8:45p). However, the people watching was at an all-time high. A monster truck rally wouldn't be complete without an engagement on the jumbo-tron. I just hope there is a wildly romantic story behind this. She seemed pretty happy (in her Grave Digger t-shirt) and the answer was "yes".

Here is El Toro Loco causing some major destruction.

And Iron Man defying gravity.

Two trucks into the freestyle competition (9pm), little Jackson-bear was lights out. Yes, the arena lights were blazing, and yes, it was 140 decibels. Maybe he was dreaming of trucks. It was just a really, long, fun-filled day for a barely 3-year-old.

Steven and I enjoyed the rest of the competition, waking him up for the last three. My girl, Madusa, caught some Mad-air. Unbelievable!

But, the real show-stopper was Jackson's boy and our overall favorite, Grinder. This guy did not one, but TWO somersaults landing on his tires. He ended up in second place, but he was robbed by the godfather of monster trucking.

We decided Monster Jam is the cousin of wrestling (wraslin') in the entertainment industry, and though it is vehemently denied, the outcome was fixed. Grave Digger, celebrating his 30th anniversary, drove away with the trophy in both the racing and freestyle competitions. Though he put on an impressive display, it was no match for Grinder. Maybe next time.

In spite of this, we had a wonderful time, and Jackson can't stop talking about all those trucks!

Catching Up: Down on the Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:11:00 +0000

Way back in October, we took a field trip to the Pumpkin Farm in Alabama. This time we took Gaga and baby sister with us. They did everything. Jumping into the corn was a favorite.

We found corn in our pockets, shoes, and car long after we left the farm.

Jackson loves this combine converted into a slide.

He waited patiently for his turn, and was in heaven when he was in the driver's seat.

Remember last year "Down on the Farm"?

This year, they "milked" a "cow".

Went on an archaeological dig for dinosaur bones.

Slid down the hay.

While baby Reese watched (and slept).

Jackson shot the corn cannon with Gaga.

And fed the goats.

He rode the cow-train all by himself.

Then we took a hay ride to pick our pumpkins off of the vine. Jackson isn't taking his eyes off of the John Deere tractor that is pulling the trailer.

We hunted around to find the perfect pumpkin.

Then everyone painted their pumpkin.

Silly girl!

So thirsty after all of the playing!

And...more playing in the corn pit.

We had SUCH a fun time!

Classic

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 22:50:00 +0000

Classic entertainment - pots and pans.

Under the watchful eye of Old Hinds-ey.

Who she just can't get enough of. If he is close by, she wants to touch him (and of course he loves every second). It's pure puppy-love.