O Christmas Tree...

Jackson loves the Christmas Tree, unfortunately it's to the death of anything staying on it.

Enjoy our festive home and Jackson's decorating skills in action.

In & Out

In & Out...

This is Jackson's new favorite thing to do! Any box, drawer, lid or cubby and he will try to get in and out! He has developed a lot of new bruises trying out his new trick! It doesn't matter what is in the box or what was in it, he will find a way to squeeze in. Move over here he comes!

Diaper Box

Toy Box

Kitchen Drawer

Haircuts are for babies ;)

He was a little nervous...rightly so...but once he touched the clippers he decided that they might be okay. We took off about 2-3 inches, I can't believe we let it get so long. John and I compromised and agreed that after he turned 1 I could cut his hair. So here we are...

BEFORE

AFTER
He did cry a little bit when one of clippers was vibrating loudly, but overall he was a very good baby. He looks like a toddler now and not so reckless and wild, which we all know is just a facade.

A Jack-in-the-Box, an Army Soldier & a Half-Marathoner

Jackson was a Jack-in-the-Box for Halloween, complete with homemade "box," hand-crank, suspenders and hat. I was pleasantly surprised that he wore the costume for so long at John's work family Halloween parade. He was a hit right from the get go. John dressed up as a Army Soldier, his weapons consisted of a calculator, stapler and pens, very intimidating!

John and Jackson at work, before the idea of costume=candy got in Jackson's little head!

It took a few tries before he understood that you go up to strangers and hold out your pumpkin bucket for treats...he just wanted to say, "Hi," to everyone. Halloween really is a strange holiday.

Later he learned that you can actually keep the candy. Here he is showing off his spoils!

We visited Grandpa at work, this is were Jackson learned once you get the candy, you run to the next place to get the optimal stash of candy.

The crew, Jackson was a little pooped after a long day of lunging that box around. I'm sure he's thinking, "Thanks Mom!"

Too cute, I couldn't resist this picture as Daddy and Grandpa walking Jackson through his office building.

THE 1/2 MARATHON (13.1 miles)

The before picture, at the bottom of the race at 6:30 am YIKES!

The after picture! We made it! I am so proud of myself.

After 6 week of training, then 3 weeks off training for a foot injury and then 3 hard weeks of training after that, I made it. And in less than 10.6 minutes a mile!

Time: 2 hr. 18 min. 45 sec.

Thanks Babe for coming to cheer me on for the last 100 yds!

Halloween was an especially memorable one.

Happy Birthday Jackson!

Jackson is offically 1 year old!

We had such a fun birthday party, who knew that your child's birthday party could be SO much fun. We decided to have the whole extended family over and celebrate with cake and ice cream. He loved being the center of attention and people saying "Happy Birthday!" He loved opening presents, although it took awhile to catch on that he can tear the paper. I was pleasantly surprised that he wanted to play with most of the presents after he opened them and not just the wrapping paper. I made a cookie moster birthday cake with cupcakes for everyone else. It was a big hit for everyone. Jackson kept looking at me to make sure that it was okay to dive in and grab the birthday cake. He decided to taste is with a little finger swipe to the side. After a minute or two of careful consideration his instincts to make a mess took over and he smeared and devoured 1/3 of his 8 inch round cake! After the yummy cake tasting he went straight into the bath, I was pleased to note that the blue food coloring relented and left him pink and clean! After quick good byes to everyone, it was bed time. What a fun night!

Helping Mommy decorate for the party!

I couldn't get the picture to turn the right way?!?!?

Daddy couldn't just sit around, he had to "help!"

Sneaking in a last taste before the bath!
His loot! Thanks everyone for making his birthday so much fun!

Ta-Da!

Disclaimer: Please ignore the mismatched clothing, one sock, toys and such on the floor; it was the end of the day and Jackson loves to redecorate and redress himself.

Halloween is in the Air...

And in the water!