A Big Day

Jackson is FOUR!!!

If we were in doubt before, I think it's now official that we have a little boy on our hands rather than a baby or toddler, which makes this day a little bittersweet for his Daddy and me!  Jackson started his day off with a lot of smiles and a couple of presents before his big party!

Of course, Thomas was involved.  Now that the party is over, we're even more overwhelmed with Thomas!  Of course, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Katherine even had a couple of 'happies' so she could unwrap something as well!

Blowing out a breakfast candle!

He was a little disappointed his muffin wasn't a cupcake!

But then he requested chocolate on his muffin . . . and well, the birthday boy gets most everything he requests!

Time to add another finger to the count!

A picture with Emma before leaving for the party!

Giving out a few smiles before loading the car and heading to the party where they had a blast!

Happy Birthday, Jackson! 

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect son!

{Up next, the party!}

Turkeys and Such

We headed back to the zoo today to burn some energy.  As soon as we stepped out of the car, we started sweating, so most of the pictures showcase some red little faces.

Trying to get a picture of the two, but it's impossible.  If I say "Smile!" or "Show me your happy face" Jackson immediately starts poking his lip out.  Katherine just thinks I'm nuts.

Calling the tigers!

Katherine's turn!

 Every time we passed a duck critter, I thought Jackson was yelling "Cookie, come here!" over and over.  Most of the "ducks" that we saw were black and white, so I just concluded that he thought they looked like an Oreo and decided to name them.  I finally heard him better, and turns out, he was yelling "Turkey" over and over.  I guess they do 'sort of' look like a turkey.

Miss Skinny Legs

I talked Jackson into sticking his head in this by telling him that if he looked through, he would get a better view of the prairie dogs.  He fell for it.

After making it through about half of the zoo, we decided it was time to head home.  Jackson and I kept Katherine awake most of the way home until she fell asleep with about 2 minutes left of the drive.  Once we were inside, I changed her diaper and she never moved an inch.  I guess the zoo wore at least one of them out.



Taking Matters into Her Own Hands

Katherine has turned into a big girl that likes to use a fork

(and a big girl that doesn't want pizza to waste).

 But, sometimes, the whole getting something on the fork thing just doesn't work out.

So, that's when you take matters into your own hands.

I guess 'mouth' would be more appropriate.

It's obvious she's learned this concept at an early age.

I Like Backpacks

 especially my big brother's

10:15 a.m.

This is what we were doing by 10:15 this morning.

 Jackson decided around 9:30 that he wanted ice cream and was relentless until I gave in.  Naturally, whatever Jackson has, Katherine wants as well.  I'm pretty sure this was her first ice cream cone and I think she enjoyed it!

 Once we went inside, Jackson decided he was finished with the ice cream and threw his in the garbage.  Katherine, on the other hand, decided she would dump her cone on the couch and play in it.

By 10:30 am, my kids were already getting a sugar high.  I'm not sure if that makes me a cool mom or just plain crazy.

A Few of the Little Lady

Katherine woke up from her nap the other day and had apparently slept well . . . she had a pretty good case of bedhead

Still not really awake!

A week or so ago I mentioned Katherine was saying, "I don't know" along with a couple of other phrases.  The following day, I caught her on tape.

While she eats, she has also started putting food on her head and calling it a hat.  Does that qualify as her first joke?!

Weekend

Grammy and Grandpa came down one day last weekend and Jackson kept them occupied by playing trains.  The person in front was the engine, the laundry basket was a coal car, and I guess Jackson was the caboose!  This lasted a good while with the train speeding up and slowing down regularly!

Katherine was more interested in putting things in between her toes

After they tired of trains, they rested about 15 minutes while watching Toy Story.

Later, they found themselves in Jackson's room and at some point I walked around the corner to find Jackson sitting on his dresser with a lamp on his head.  I took a picture and didn't ask.

I'm pretty sure they both enjoyed the attention for the day!

The next morning, I was up early with Katherine (she is our early riser so on the weekends, Zach and I usually alternate who gets up with her while the other gets a little extra sleep).  She was being nosier than usual, so to keep her from waking up Jackson and Zach, I decided we would go outside for a photo shoot--before 7 am.

My favorite from the morning

We were playing with bows and I had just put this one in and didn't realize it was right on top of her head until after the picture.  I love her little smile and for some reason she makes it extremely hard to get this smile in a picture!

 
Later in the day, we were playing in Jackson's room when Zach cranked up the tractor and they both jumped up to catch a glimpse!

And at some point following, playing nicely together!

Just for Size

Katherine is 15 months old today and celebrated by having a scheduled check-up and receiving two shots.  I really had no idea she would be getting immunizations today and my heart sank for her when that was mentioned.  (I know, I know, she's the second child and I should have remembered when immunizations are given.  Then again, she is the second child and my hands and memory are pretty full.)  Anyway, she's in great health and developing perfectly (except that she's still off the chart in her weight).

Her 15 month stats:

17 lbs., 14 oz.

30 5/8 in. long

17 7/8 in. head circumference

In celebration of 15 months, I finally got my act together and made a collage from her monthly pictures of her first year!  Just click on it and should open slightly larger.

Ice Cream

Occasionally we'll hear an ice cream truck go through the neighborhood, and of course Jackson also hears the blaring music and will ask what that is.  We usually tell him it's just a truck or something along those lines (yes, I know we're mean).  We were outside last Friday when we heard the ice cream truck coming and Zach caved and asked Jackson if he wanted ice cream.  Now Jackson knows all about the ice cream truck and since then has asked at least once a day when it is coming by again!

Excited! 

 Before we headed inside for the evening, I caught Jackson sharing with KC.