Jackson's birthday celebration(s)

Since Jackson is in preschool this year we were able to do a nice little party at his school. There's no way I would normally take on a birthday party for 14 three & four year olds, but with the help of the teachers, McKay, Sherri, and a couple of Moms I think it turned out good. The kids had fun and Jackson got TONS and TONS and TONS of presents. We did a pirate theme and it was really fun.

Here's a picture of his invitation.

All the kids (including McKay) got eye patches and earrings. I bought this pirate hat for Jackson, but his dad liked it more I guess. ;-)

The making of the cake.

After looking at pictures I think I should have done the smile without the teeth. He looks pretty goofy...oh well.

Jackson also got a package in the mail from Grandma Gifford with gifts and some of McKay's friends from school sent home some fun stuff. This boy was very spoiled with gifts this year!

We went to a pizza buffet/arcade for Jackson's birthday dinner. Here are a couple pictures of that.

Thanks to everyone who gave/sent gifts. I can't believe Jackson is 3 years old already! What's even crazier to think about is that we've celebrated all of his birthdays here in Virginia. He was only 10 months old when we moved here! CRAZY. Thanks again everyone. He had a blast.

Happy Birthday Jackson!

1st day home from the hospital

1 year old

2 years old


3 years old

Happy Birthday my little man!

A few fun things

Today Sydney and Jackson got a letter in the mail from Grandma Gifford. It was a puzzle with a message on the back. They had lots of fun putting it together to find out what it said. Thanks Mom, they loved it!

Last night Jackson found a half used roll of crate paper. I saw him pull it out of the closet and thought about taking it away...but thought what the heck. Needless to say it entertained us all for a few minutes.

Sydney got this t-shirt kit for her birthday back in January. It's been in her closet this whole time and every couple of weeks she would ask if we could make it...and I finally said yes. It came with crayons that you color the shirt and then you iron it and it makes the color stay. She was so excited to wake up this morning and wear her new shirt.

So, things are going good here. The kids are loving preschool and we have Jackson's birthday party planned for this coming Monday. He's having a pirate themed party, so be watching for pictures of that. I'm coming up on 32 weeks along and am still feeling really good. I've been having some braxton hicks contractions over the last couple of days. I don't recall having many with Sydney or Jackson...especially not this early...maybe it's just because it's my third baby?

McKay is moving right along in school. He has a lot on his plate this semester but seems to be handling it all pretty well. He's working hard now preparing for when the baby comes just a couple weeks before finals. It's going to be a hectic November for sure.

Fall is on it's way. We're enjoying cool evenings and mornings. The temperature is staying in the 70's during the day and I can't wait for the leaves to start changing in the next couple of weeks.

I think that's all the news for now. Life is good. :-)

Preschool!

This morning was Sydney and Jackson's first day of Preschool. They are going to the same school that Sydney went to last year, so they were both familiar with it and excited to start. Now I've just got to find something to do with my 9 hours of time to myself each week...I'm sure that won't be too hard. ;-)