Happy 2nd Birthday Jackson

Jackson Thomas you turn 2 today! 

I still cannot believe it! You are the boy that made our family complete.  2 years and 9 months ago when I found out I was pregnant I was surprised, excited, and from day one I could not wait to meet you. You have changed our family and me in so many way but all for the better. 

A few of the things I have learned from you….is to SLOW down! You like to take your time and walk on the curbs, look at the cars passing, point out the trucks and even on days when we may not really have the time I make the time, because you not only demand it but deserve it! I've learned that raising a boy is WAY different then raising a girl. I've learned that there is room in a persons heart for many types of love! It is true you love each of your children differently! 

Things about you at 2! 

You love: 

Motorcycles (Pa's), trucks, cars, Daddy, Mickey Mouse, Nemo, Woody, the Ipad, throwing food, spitting, being outside, the RV, driving cars

Your favorite foods: fried rice, fish, soup, french fries, pirates booty, apples, cheese, apple sauce, cookies & sweets,  and DIP you love to Dip 

You are talking like crazy, and you like to play alone most of the time. 

You are strong willed and demanding.

You like kicking and throwing balls.

You hit and bite way more then you should (we are working on this)

You are cautious and daring at the same time! 

You are a perfect fit to this family and we love you! 

You don't like:

long sleeve shirts or jackets, or shirts without motorcycles on them

Vegetables (except carrots, peas, corn)

hights,  feeling unstable, straddling horses or rides at the mall, loud noises, sharing your toys, sleeping in your own bed, naps, sleeping through the night….really just sleeping at all.

You hate when people leave you always want to go!

Being told NO

You are strong willed and demanding! You know what you want and you want it that way. 

You keep me VERY busy, and on my toes. You make messes and are into everything. There are many days I wonder what you are thinking and why you do the things you do, I may never know but I love you just the way you are, Bad ass and everything!!!! 

Jackson (Jt, bubba J, bubbaghanoush, BOY, JACKSON THOMAS) You are one of a kind, funny, crazy, silly, smart, mean at times, lovable, and perfect!  I hope you had a wonderful day and felt the love from your family. We love you kid to the moon and back! 

The birthday fairy filled his room with balloons 

He LOVED it

Sleepy face

She was so excited for him

Birthday breakfast 

Happy 2nd Birthday sweet boy

Birthday lunch

Where's Jackson?

Surprise!

Opening Gifts

Mommy made your favorite a Cookie cake!!! 

I hope we made your 2nd birthday special! You were spoiled with all the gifts you received from family and friends! We love you boy!!! Thanks for being YOU!

A weekend away!

This year I really went back and forth on wether or not to give Jackson a big party. Then I decided why not, you only turn 2 once so I booked the park and started planning.  Steve came home and said I booked the campground we are going away to Disney for Jackson's birthday! Party plans stopped and Disney planning started!!! To be honest I really just didn't feel like he "needed" the big party this year so I was kind of relieved! Matt, Emily and Ben were coming with us. It was Ben's first time at Disney and Emily hasn't been in years!!!! We also brought Ashley along to help with the kids (really to help the parents) She was a huge help! It is always nice to have an extra hand! Also we were able to sneak away to a nice dinner on Saturday evening. It was such a great trip, a day of Disney for the kids, a day of relaxing and enjoying the camp ground, an adult evening out, and a peaceful ride home!!! Everyone was happy! 

I know that most people think Disney is high stress, or "to much work" but as a family we love it! Our kids love it! We make our Disney days about the kids and enjoy every moment when we are there and when they start melting down as all kids do we gracefully call it a day!!! 

The early risers exploring the camp ground! 

Look at the excitement on those faces! It was our first ride of the day!!!! 

Stitch is one silly guy! 

Ashley and Makayla wait to ride Dumbo

Donald still the only character Jackson with go near!!! 

Makayla loves her some Minnie 

Love when this happens 

Makayla loved having Ashely with her! 

I love this picture of Makayla and Ben in front of the castle 

Best photo bomb 

The kids really did have a great day but this picture from the end of the day is classic!  I think this might go down as my all time favorite photo from Disney

Makayla and "her horse" Binge  she has had her picture with him for the past few years! She really thinks this is HER horse! 

Playing on the playground!

Our dinner date out at California grill! The last few years Steve and I have enjoyed out anniversary dinner here but last year in was closed for a remodel. They have made some beautiful changes. We enjoyed a rooftop fireworks display and an awesome dinner the company wasn't bad either!!! 

enjoying the fireworks and a view of the castle

Matt and Emily

Lifelong friends

Steve and I

The last day my boy will be 1

Sunday morning the last time I can say my boy is 1! This is the last day I will have a one year old, he will always be my baby but he is growing up so fast! He wakes up tomorrow as a 2 year old!!!! This mom is having a rough time with it this year!

Oh this boy….

This boy who is almost 2 keeps life fun, fresh, busy and exciting!!! He is crazy to say the least but that is what I love most about him!!! Life for him right now is amazing and new and FUN!!! Thanks for keeping me young and on my toes kid!!! 

Happy New Year

Steve and I are not very big on going out for New Year's Eve. We would rather be at home with our kids celebrating the start of a new year. This year we had friends over to help celebrate. What a great night!!!! We had great food, champagne, wonderful company. I could not have asked for a better way to start the new year! Makayla actually made it to midnight this year! It's the first time ever! Last year she fell asleep about 10 minutes before the ball dropped but this year she did IT!!! So did Jackson but sadly this didn't surprise me….he hates to sleep! 

I got sparkling apple cider and glittered up rims on champagne glasses for Ashely and Makayla so they would feel like part of the party! Makayla loves being one of the "big" girls!  Shortly after midnight she was OUT!!!! Jackson on the other hand…. 

Matt, Jackson, Jenn Emily, Ashley, Me, Makayla, Steve

Big Girl making it to 12:00!

First family photo of 2014

A few nights later we went out to celebrate and toast to a new year! My phone also didn't make it past 2013 as that evening it ended up shattered! I needed a new one anyway. These are the first photos I took! WOW what a difference, I love it!

Happy New Year to all our friends and family! We have been blessed beyond belief this past year. We defiantly had our struggles and at times were tested to the limit, but we stuck together and made it through and that is what matters. My kids are healthy, our marriage gains strength daily, my patience is tested and we all survive it.  Our family of four is my focus this coming year, I want a healthier relationship with my kids, my husband and myself.  I have new goals and fresh start….so with one step in front of the other here I go, making this year a year I can look back on and say" I did it! I am healthy, I have healthy relationships, I made a difference for myself and my family!!!! Here's to us to be the best we can be in 2014!!!!