More visitors

We had more visitors this month: Nana and Papa came to visit!!
It looks like we are all smiles during this visit. Nana having fun with the kids

The kids having fun together

Jackson and Papa had a great time in the playroom playing with an old crane of Papa's that Jackson is thrilled he brought so Jackson could have it "for keeps!"

More smiles at breakfast---over Kolaches!! YUM YUM

Even Bear had some smiles (although it doesn't quite show it here)

Smiles by Anna and Daddy

Nana brought Anna her old doll cradle which Anna just adores! It has plenty of room for all Anna's babies. And we even got some pretty stickers to make it just perfect

Anna showing her babies how to go to sleep

And in true Nana fashion, we did some shopping for the kids. Anna got a very precious outfit complete with bows and socks and purse and bracelet and Jackson lucked out with two great Winter shirts and some more silly bands! Here is Anna this morning before Church modeling a dress Nana bought a couple of months ago. Too cute!

Thanks Nana and Papa for everything!! We miss you!!

Big boy day

So for lack of a better day we called last Saturday Big Boy Day. Jackson got some one on one time with Mama and Daddy. Jackson and I went to breakfast--but first a quick stop at the fountains to make a wish and a cute picture

Then on to enjoy a HUGE cinnamon roll! yummy!

And before walking over to Barnes and Nobles to spend a birthday gift card (in which he bought a Francis book and Star Wars book) Jackson wanted to take another fountain picture!

Then it was off to Lowe's with Daddy to make this week's special building item: a dog leash! How much we actually need this item! We promptly hung the dog leash in the laundry room and it will get lots of use! Thanks Jackson and Daddy

Then for some free play in his room Jackson turned his new castle into quite an event. Here we have a space ship landing, a train--providing water for the fire rescue helicopter (in case the castle should be on fire) and food for the King and Queen (do you see the burger they are eating?) and of course the very handy pinchers--just because what castle playtime is complete without pinchers? It was quite an entertaining day!! And of course Mike and I were loving every minute with our fun loving BIG boy!

(here we have a close up---FYI the horses are asleep---shhhhh)

First day of school

Here is Jackson all set to go to his new school! Tuesday was the first day of school for him with Ms. Heidi (his awesome teacher). Jackson has known Ms. Heidi since he was 3 weeks old so we knew she would be fabulous and of course she is. Jackson goes Tues/Wed/Thursdays this year and so far it's been a great experience. The school gives out tote bags and the kids can decorate them. Here is Jackson with his new lunch bag (he's never eaten lunch at school before) and his decorated tote bag. Thursdays are puppet show days and treasure box days (all provided by Ms. Heidi) so that ends the week on a good note getting to pick out a new treasure

Anna's trying to give Jackson a hand with his lunch bag. She thought it was pretty cool too

Labor Day weekend fun

Mimi and Dow came to visit this weekend! It was fabulous weather so we got lots of play time outside too. Jackson enjoyed showing off lots of his new birthday toys and playing castle with Mimi

And no Mimi/Dow visit is complete without making Dow's pizza. Dow forgot his pizza hat so he and Jackson made a new one

Even Anna got in on the action this time (and ate her ENTIRE pizza)!! Her toppings included: spinach, black olives and pepperoni--just like her big brother

Making the dough....

And the best part--eating the pizza and watching a movie. Toy Story

We also had a dance party to celebrate Mimi's recent retirement. Dow rocked out on Jackson's guitar

having champagne and cake

Enjoying the back patio in the great weather

And we played in the fountains before eating lunch at Jackson's favorite restaurant--Blue Goose

It's always hard to say good-bye to Mimi and Dow! We miss them already!!!
Summer is officially over for us. Jackson has his first day of school tomorrow. So sad to see Summer gone.

The Big 4 birthday

It's really hard to believe Jackson turned 4 yesterday! WOW. He's just getting so big. He's a very good negotiator and is as expressive as ever! He's a funny little guy as well and always keeping us laughing. He's also just about the sweetest big brother around. Here is he before opening his birthday presents (at 7:05am)

Jackson and Anna ready for the Par-tay

17 of his closest friends joined us at our house for a puppet show, pizza (with black olives) and cake. The lady we hired was awesome! All children (even Anna's age) were captivated for over 30 minutes

This little puppy barked the happy birthday song to Jackson

This lion jumped on kids heads

And clowns popped balloons

The pizza was good but of course the highlight of any party is cake!

Here's a run through of all his 4 cakes so far!

#4

#3

#2

and #1

Happy birthday Jackson!!! We were all exhausted last night and in the words of The Berenstain Bears---We had "Too much Birthday!!" But it was well worth it for sure!

Look who's 4 today!!!

Happy 4th birthday Jackson!!! Lots of pictures to come soon. Jackson had a birthday morning with family, birthday party puppet show and more birthday this afternoon!!!