Jackson is 4!!!

My Jackson, aka my Lovebug, turned 4 years old on Saturday! We had an awesome time at Jackson's McDonald's birthday party with a big turnout of about 14 or 15 kids. We had my friend Ashley, who does facepainting on the side, come and paint the kids...and a few adults. :) I met her about 2 months before Jackson's 2nd birthday in one of my classes and she said that she wanted to come and do face painting at his 2nd birthday and has now done it at his 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. She and I have become such great friends over the last few years in school and she will be starting her first teaching job in the fall--yay!!! Jackson's friends seemed to really enjoy the party and we did too. I'm so glad that he is still so close to his old friends from school, since he'll be going back there in the fall.

Jackson is such an amazing kid and I am so proud to be his mom. The things that can drive me crazy on a daily basis are the qualities that could very well make him a huge success in the future--his determination to do his own thing, his overwhelming energy, the way he doesn't take "no" for an answer, his expert negotiating skills, and his fearless attitude. Jackson is so smart. He is a born leader. He can make friends so easily in any situation. I don't have to worry about him, because he will walk into any new situation with confidence. He knows who he is and he knows what he wants. I've overheard Jackson with his friends and it is so amazing to me that Jackson can say no to his friends if he doesn't agree with something and stand up for what he believes in. What an amazing quality to have and I hope that I never have to worry about him being a "follower". I overheard a friend of Jackson's say to him, "Why are you wearing that shirt, and he responded, "Because I like it. And because my mom gave it to me to wear." I think it's great that he can stand up and speak for himself and with such confidence. I'm looking forward to an amazing life for him.

I love you so much, Jackson!!!

Jackson's Q&A
Age 4
July 28, 2009

1. What's your favorite color?
Orange and red
2. What's your favorite song?
ABC's and 123's, Thank you God for feeding me, Amen
3. What's your favorite number
70
4. Who is your best friend?
Cole
5. What's your favorite thing to do?
Play
6. What's your best feature?
My smile
7. What's your best day ever?
Saturday, at my birthday party
8. What's your favorite tv show?
The Backyardigans and Super Why
9. What's your favorite store?
HEB, because I like to get suckers
10. What's the best place you've ever gone?
Sonic, because I like their drinks and their food.
11. What's your favorite book?
My dinosaur book
12. What's your favorite game?
Tiger Woods (Playstation)
13. What's your favorite letter
"J"
14. What's your favorite movie?
Elmo
15. What's your favorite thing to do in the summer?
Go to the beach
16. What's your favorite toy?
My rocket
17. What's your favorite dessert?
Chocolate ice cream
18. What's your favorite thing about dad? When he plays with me

Gavin is 7 months

My little sunshine is growing so fast. I can't believe how fast this time is flying by. I have really enjoyed all of the time that I've had with the boys.

A couple of tidbits about Gavin: He loves to "talk". He babbles and babbles all day. I love to hear him. He loves his feet and loves to put them in his mouth. He scoots on his back to get where he wants to go. He loves to roll around. He is constantly reaching for things whether it's my cell phone that I'm talking on, or my swimsuit top, or a box of wipes, he is constantly grabbing for things. He seems to really be taking a lot in lately. Sometimes I look at him and he is watching something (usually Jackson or other kids) so intently that you can almost see the wheels turning.

Yesterday we went to the zoo with some friends. Jackson decided that it would be a good idea to touch a cactus, then told his friend that he should try. This little stunt ended us all up in the First Aid station where they used tweezers to remove the cactus pricks. The rest of the day was lots of fun.

Matt got off a little early today so we took the boys to the pool at about 5 and Jackson had swim lessons at 6:45. This is Jackson's second session of swim lessons and I think that it really helped to get out there with him before lessons. Gavin got in for the second time this summer and seemed to enjoy the water. The first time he didn't like it as much, but this time I eased him into it and he kicked under the water as I held him.

I wish this summer could last forever. I'm having such a great time!!!

Looking forward to a great weekend!!! Jackson's birthday is on Saturday as well as Gavin's baby dedication at church. We'll have lots of friends and family around all weekend. We're really excited!