Christmas time!!

This was technically Jackson's second Christmas, but the first time he had "an idea" of what was going on...He enjoyed opening all of his presents, but was more interested in the wrapping paper than he was the actual present. It is amazing how much "stuff" this little guy has already accumulated in the last 15 months. As you will see below, Jackson's Igloo tent was a big hit--even with Mishka!

We spent Christmas Eve at our house, Christmas at Yaya and Pop-Pop's and a late Christmas/birthday celebration for Zane in Redding the weekend after.

Jackson is growing, talking and bossing people around like crazy!! We are having so much fun and enjoying every second of this stage.


The "kids"


On the way home from Redding...This makes for a looooong drive.



Just loves his cousin Zane



Good times with Yaya

I think he is more interested in the horse than he is the camera!

Raspy Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving holiday took a turn at the last minute. Jackson has been fighting a cold and cough for the past few weeks and we were advised by his doctor Tuesday afternoon that we shouldn't be traveling. This would allow Jackson to relax at home with his own bed, toys and routine.

Jackson trys to say "mama, dada" but has a raspy little voice that we think is absolutely adorable, but you know he doesn't feel so hot.

To make this Thanksgiving holiday have some normalcy without our extended family, Pete and I decided to cook Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings...We got a quick learning curve in how to prepare our very first turkey...and it turned out perfect!

Jackson enjoyed eating turkey, stuffing, mashed taters and a little pumpkin pie!!

Here are a few of Jackson's latest pictures!


Having a good time eating Thanksgiving Dinner


Playful with the camera



Tired of the turkey, stuffing and the camera

We love Green Eggs and Ham with Dad!

Snotty noses when we don't feel good

Pumpkins, Pirates and two hours of driving

Pete and I have lived in the Sacramento area for almost 9 years now and have heard great things about Apple Hill but had never made the drive. With Halloween quickly approaching, we figured this was a great place for Jackson to run around, pick a pumpkin and experience all there is at Apple Hill.

However, I think just about everyone in Sacramento had the same idea as we did. What would have normally taken us 25 minutes to get there ended up taking us 1.5 hours. After numerous outbursts and hunger pains, Pete, Papa, Yaya, Jack and myself FINALLY made our way to Abel's Apple Orchard. We stood in line to buy food, stood in line to buy apples, and yes, stood in line to pay for Jack's pumpkin. After a couple of hours, we were quite sure we had seen all that Abel had to offer.

Here are a few pictures of this fabulous adventure! :)


Captain Jack Muir


Getting ready to pick the perfect pumpkin



We drove two hours to take our picture with a fake cow?????

Found it!

Wait, this is the one!

Tahoe Vacay

We decided to venture out of Sacramento for a much-needed 5 day vacation to North Lake Tahoe. In doing so, Jackson and Mishka were able to see and touch snow for the very first time. We enjoyed relaxing, watching movies, going on hikes and spending time together.

Here are a few pictures of our vacation.


Hikes are so much fun when you have a Sherpa Daddy!


Even Mishka made the trip



Taking in the snow...for the first time

Wearing Papa Wayne's beanie

Jackson's 1st Birthday

Jackson had a great 1st birthday. We spent the day with him at the Folsom Zoo and then followed it up by a little party at our house. He got to see Mimi, Jess, Zane, Yaya and Papa. He loves all of his new presents and has been playing with them non-stop.

Pete baked Jackson's cake and we thought he would love to dig his fingers in it and eat the frosting. But, it was quite anti-climatic. He took a couple of bites but didn't show too much interest in getting himself dirty--oh well!

We can't believe the year has come and gone, but at least one thing is for sure....We are sleep deprived!!


At the Folsom Zoo



Out for a stroll in the new wagon


So many presents to choose from


Very serious about things



Blowing out our candle

Botancial Gardens

Wow, two posts in one day!!! Last weekend we had some fabulous cool weather which allowed us to spend a lot of time outside. We again, frequented the park in our neighborhood, but also spent an afternoon with a picnic at the Botanical Gardens to celebrate Jackson's 11 month birthday. This picnic was full of walking, looking at trees, flowers, acorns and butterflys.

Jackson has been walking now for almost two months and on occasion thinks he can run. While at the Botanical Gardens he started running, got wobbily and fell. He had a little bruise on the side of his head for a few days but definitely did stop him from having fun.

Enjoy this latest group of pics!




Absolutely love this picture...Walking with daddy!



What? Sorry, I can't hear you tell me to turn around and come back...too busy!!



Taking a break with daddy AKA Baba.


Pointing to a butterfly at the Botanical Gardens


Silly daddy...I might just grab your glasses when you least expect it.

Fairytale Town

A few weeks back Mimi, Zane and Auntie Jess came to visit us and spent a Friday babysitting while mommy worked for a few hours. Jackson got to play with Zane a lot and took a walk to a fabulous little park located in our neighborhood. Jackson frequents this park with mommy or Yaya on a daily basis to swing, walk and throw the ball.

It was so great to have Jack and Zane together although Jackson did not stop giving him kisses the entire weekend. Zane was a good sport and just sat there while Jackson smooched away!! We spent the next day at Fairytale Town where Jackson got to give Humpty Dumpty a lot of kisses, walk around the park, listen to music and go down a few slides...with mommy of course.

Jackson is to the point where he absolutely loves being around kids and although he is usually the youngest one...he is also the bossiest. Here are a few from these two adventures!




Giving kisses to Humpty!


Very content just sitting in the grass--and holding a leaf.


Eyes are focused on Auntie JJ's Blackberry...Ready to swoop in and take that as soon as she is done with the picture.


On the swings with Mimi


At the end of the day..tired baby boy!