King of the Jungle Gym

Since my quality time with Jackson is short-lived before our brief seperation while I am at State FFA convention I decided to take him to the park for the first time today. He loved it so much, I think it will definitely be a routine activity for us.

We started at the big kids playground but quickly discovered that other than the steering wheel it was a little advanced for Jackson!

The smaller jungle gym had slides that were much more his size. He had a blast going down the tube slide!

Swinging was by far his favorite activity...as long as I was pushing him high and taking his picture. When I stopped taking pictures because I had taken plenty, he started yelling cheese and pointing at the camera, I have created a monster!

Summer

Even though my teaching contract isn't officially over yet summer is slowly starting to begin. We have had some nice lazy evenings hanging out as a family which is a welcome change to to hustle of the school year.

Jackson had his 18 month check-up today. Chad took him so I don't know the full story but I do know he weighed 23 lbs. 8 oz....he is going to be lucky to make it to 25 lbs. for his second birthday! He made up for it tonight by eating a good dinner so I wouldn't feel so bad!

I leave for State FFA convention Monday which means Jackson has to go to Nana and Poppy's for a couple of days. I am dreading leaving him already!! On a bright note I do plan on spending so quality time with him this weekend to make up for it so hopefully lots of pictures will be forthcoming.

Down by the River

We Chad's niece Kelsey's birthday party this evening at the Shenandoah River. Jackson was such a well behaved gentleman and was on his best behavior which was great! He had a big time playing with all the dogs that were there, eating cake, and playing with the beach balls. Happy Sweet 16 Kelsey!

Check out Jackson's new hair cut too. We had Miss Jessica do it yesterday and he was such a good boy. He sat so still the whole time and even let her use the clippers! As cute as it is it makes me a little sad, it makes him look like such a grown up boy.

Yesterday was also Jackson's Little Gym showing. He did so great. This was the first time he walked across the balance beam by himself and he even followed the directions most of the time. The Little Gym has been so good for him in so many ways, I can really see how it is improving his listening skills, motor skills, and most importantly his sharing skills! We are looking forward to starting the summer semester Saturday!

The one and only picture Jackson let me take with his hat!

Fish

We have spent the weekend at Paul's pool with Reese, Regan, and Laura. I was worried about how Jackson would do this year with water...would he love it or hate it? Fortunately he loved it! He is turning into such a little fish. He LOVES jumping in of course and today even braved swimming on his own with his arm floaties. My hope is that he is a MUCH better swimmer than Chad and I!

Also, a big thank you to Laura to taking these great pictures for me since I was camera-less!

Finally!

A couple of weeks ago we went to Chad's mom and dad's for the weekend and accidentally left my camera there! Tragic I know!! So be prepared for an overload of catching up now that I finally have it back! Here are a couple of random things to start.

Chad saw Jackson step on something strange in the yard one day so he went over to check it out. Turns out it was a big old black snake! Check out Jackson's first catch.

Sweet sleepy Jackson ready for school one day, can you tell we have to drag him out of bed?