Finally....

I am finally getting motivated to update things. There is so many things that I am behind on and since I want to keep it in order I have really procrastinated doing this but I guess the time has come. Where to start....

After we got home from our trip we were able to enjoy Ryan's parents for another week and a half and it is always sooooo nice to have them here. I know I have said it before but I am so blessed to have such amazing in-laws. Not long after we got home we continued our celebrations with Jackson's 3rd Birthday!



Jackson really wanted to go sleep in a tent (aka. camping) for his birthday. Things were actually working out great; Ryan had the weekend off, his parents were real troopers and going to come along, and we live like 5 minutes from an awesome lake and campground. On Friday, while Ryan was at work the kids and I headed over with Ryan's parents to select a camping spot for the weekend. Remember the place is serioulsy less than 5 minutes away but as soon as we pull in Madison is insitant that we find a potty. We pay our fee and drive to find a spot and a nearby restroom. I knew Madison wouldn't be thrilled about the whole bathroom scene but to our surprise she did ok...but then again they were flushing toilets. (She was a bit concerend at why they were silver and not white though.) While we were washing her's and Jackson's hands we literally get attacked by mosquitoes! For any of you that have not been to Texas after several weeks of rain...be grateful! These things are HUGE....my kids freak out! Madison is yelling, "Run for your lives" and Jackson is holding his head in his arms screaming that they are gonna eat him. We quickly discover that our mosqito dilema is out of control and there is no way we would survive a night with three mosquito eaten babies. Lucky for us we were able to get a refund on our money. We went home and decided to camp out in the backyard. Little did we know that were slowly being infested with these little critters too. To avoid making this post too long, we were able to roast our hotdogs and marshmellows over the barbeque and make it indoors before we got eaten alive. We have our little outing on hold until it stops raining....if that ever happens!

Here is a few pics. from the weekend...



Thanks everyone for the fun gifts!

Jackson is truly the "personality" of our family. He is the most energetic, yet most lovable little kid I know. At only three there is nothing he wouldn't do for anymone. He is constantly looking out for Madison and Bryton and so worried if either of them are hurt or upset. He is full of energy and mischeif and has attempted or done anything you can imagine. He spends much of his day in timeout because he just has to test the limits. (He usually goes pretty willingly to the corner and on his way he grabs his Book of Mormon that is sitting on a shelf in the front room and sits and looks at the pages. I really should teach him to read because at this rate he could have it read in no time. :) We tried to discourage this because we don't want him growing up associating the book to punishment but the trade off is much worse so for now he can have his book.) At three, Jackson loves sports, being outside, playing with Madison (even if it is dress-ups) and teasing Bryton (although he is good to play with him too.) He loves cars, balls, his monkey George, Lightening Mcqueen, picking out his own clothes, singing songs, reading books, and learning his letters. Jacks you still love Hot Dogs and chocolate! He is ADORABLE and has brought so much happiness into our family, Jacks we love you buddy and hope you had a great third birthday!

Here he is in all his glory....who needs a campfire anyway?



Happy Birthday...we love you!




And to Ryan's parents...thanks again for watching our kids so we could get away for a bit. We sure love and appreciate all you do for us. It was so fun to have you here with us. We miss you already and can't wait to see you at Christmas!!