They Fit!

Batman! -- With Bed-Head

Skippy Bones

Most words that Jackson uses we understand. If he calls an item by another name, we usually understand why. But this -- we have no clue! He's beeing eating these graham cracker sticks for a little while now. I call them graham sticks at home, but for some strange reason Jackson calls them "skippy bones."

Teddy Bear Park

On Memorial Day we spent the morning in Stillwater. Our first stop was Teddy Bear park where Jackson had a blast! It's best said in photos:







We followed it up with lunch at Luna Rosa and because Jackson was such a good boy he got to ride on the mechanical horse and get gummy sharks at the candy store.

Tie = Doctor

Last night Jackson picked up an old Christmas photo and pointed out Mommy and Daddy. I asked him who was in the photo and he pointed out a few cousins and aunts and when he go to Uncle Terry and Donnie in the photos he kept saying "doctors." I was pretty confused but then he asked what was on their chests. I explained that Uncle Terry and Donnie were wearing ties. He said they are "doctors." I guess he equates wearing a tie with being a doctor. I suppose that's the only men he's seen in ties really. How funny.

South Dakota Friends

Last week our friends came to visit from South Dakota. It was so nice to see Katie and Jesse and to meet baby Liam. Liam is just a doll and a real happy baby. He slept a lot while we visited, but he sure was fun to watch. We grilled out and had hours of conversation around the dining room table. We wish it could happen more but are looking forward to our visit with them next week!

Family Update:

Ron's dad: Joel was admitted to the hospital on Thursday of last week. He seems to have a number of problems affecting his health and the hospital staff is doing what they can to get him back on track. Last night was a scary one and it looked as though we could lose him, but he has pulled back out with the help of some medicine and kidney dialysis. We are hoping for the best.

Jackson's allergies: A couple of weeks ago we gave eggs a try again with success. He didn't have any reaction at all, so we've completely incorporated them back into his diet. We've been kicking around the idea of trying dairy, we just haven't gotten to it quite yet. We won't try any nuts until next year at the earliest, but will probably do a skin test before even attempting that road. He's due for an appointment with the allergist, so we'll see what she thinks. He is still having problems with eczema on his face that we treat nightly with Eucerin Cream. He has a persistent spot under his chin that we battle. He has reactions to lotions and sunscreen with any fragrance or dyes in them, so we stay clear. And so far only Tide Free works for washing his laundry.

Jackson's vocal talents: Jackson has really taken to sing lately, and in key, believe it or not. He's taken to a few songs in particular:

Alice
Twinkle, Twinkle
Take me Out to the Ballgame
Monkeys Teasing Alligator
If You're Happy and You Know It
ABC's
The Wheels on the Bus

Ron's world: In addition to spending some time at the hospital, Ron is managing to have some fun. His softball season is in full swing, and he's trying to improve his game. On Saturday morning he woke up at the crack of dawn to head to Mora, MN where is friend Russ is building a cabin. He spent the day with the guys building and putting up walls. Cutting wood and using power tools for the day was followed up with racing Go Karts with a bunch of other friends for a bachelor party. After coming in third on the race track he and the guys headed to Hooters for food and beer! Ron's current project around the house is fencing in the backyard to keep a little 2.5 year old contained!

Sara's agenda: Sara's time is still greatly consumed by school these days. She spends most evenings working on a simulated business for her Marketing on the Internet course or writing essays for English Comp. However, she does make time for a few dates with the MN Twins and the couch. She is looking forward to a scrapbooking evening this weekend with girlfriends and a much needed haircut.

The garden: The herb garden is planted. The soil is ready for our vegetable garden and the vegetable plants are basking in the sun from our porch, just waiting for the weekend to be put into the ground!

Baby Addie: Baby Addie is 27 weeks along and kicking like crazy. It's actually been difficult to sleep through her pokes and prods. She's going to be an active one if this keeps up. We have a closet filled with clothes for her. We were lucky enough to have a friend with a girl Jackson's age and a boy on the way. What better way to gain a wardrobe? Swap! We also have plenty of family members who adore buying pink. Though I'd like to incorporate other colors in her wardrobe too... purple, red, green, yellow perhaps?

Running the bases

Grandma took him for his first run around the bases. I'm not sure his foot actually touched home plate, but the umpire call him safe at home.

The Dariette...

No summer is complete without a stop in at The Dariette.

Time to roast the marshmallows...

Jackson liked the bonfire at Grandpa's house and LOVED the s'more. However he wanted mom to hold it for him, so he didn't get his fingers sticky?!!

Likes and Dislikes

Jackson likes: S'mores, prosciutto, climbing on top of mulch piles, tattoos, getting his hair cut, seeing Doctor Jeff, oatmeal with raisins, Go Diego Go, playing with cousin Luke, playing with neighbor Elijah, picking dandelions to feed to the neighborhood kitty, tofutti ice cream bars, eating in the car at The Dariette. (pictures coming later this week)

Jackson does not like: getting his hair washed, staying in the yard, loud lawnmowers, letting go of his old picnic table for a new one.

Cute vocabulary blunders:

When trying to teach Jackson the sound a pirate makes: "Arrhh, matey" Jackson translated "Arrhh, baby."

Jackson has opted to combine the words yard and garden. So now he calls both the yard and the garden: "the yarden."

A Mother's Day Walk

My mom and I had a tradition of spending Mother's Day walking the Race for the Cure. But over the years the walk has gotten too crowded (I know, this is a good thing). It ended up not being a very enjoyable walk so instead we donate our money and take a walk around a local area lake. This year I invited the crew to our house to walk around the nearby lake and sit down for a scrumptious brunch after.
Getting ready for our walk

Jackson on the walk

The boys playing in Jackson's bed when we returned

A Sunday picnic in the park...

On Sunday we took our dinner to the park in Oakdale and had a picnic on the blanket. Some sandwiches, fruit and Orangina to drink. Then Jackson spent the rest of his energy playing. A fun event!





(Kids can get away with wearing socks with sandles, right?)

Jacksonism...

The exchange when I came to pick up Jackson from school:

Jackson's Teacher Alexis: "Jackson are you going to go home with Mom? Or are you going to stay here with me tonight?"

Jackson: "No, I need a break from this."

He's 2.5, where does he learn this??

A Day in May...

On Sunday we attempted to take in the May Day parade in South Minne. Well, it didn't quite go according to plan. We started with a front row seat, a blanket on the curb. However "Minnesota Nice" is actually a myth. There was nothing nice about the three rows of people that crowded in front of us, blocking our view as the parade began. Feeling that I couldn't stand for an hour or more and Jackson could not sit a top Dad's shoulders for this amount of time, we headed off in search of a different kind of entertainment. It was such a beautiful day that strolling around Powderhorn Park eating hot dogs, baklava and snow cones was incredibly enjoyable.

Our prime parade watching locale before the many "nice" people stood right in front of us blocking our view.

Decorated boats for the festival.


Enjoying our lime snow cone treat.

Go Twinkies...

On Saturday Ron got home from work and suggested we pack up and head to the Twins game at the Metrodome. The Twins played the Kansas City Royals. Jackson enjoyed watching the people, eating a hotdog and catching some of the game. It was an exciting one, The Twins would have the lead only to have it taken from them the next inning. We had hoped to make it for the whole game, but had to leave after the ninth inning, it was getting far too late. The game went into the eleventh inning and the Twins could not pull out the win.




(Wearing his rally cap!)

A little catching up...

I had not downloaded pics in quite some time from the camera that stays in the diaper bag. Here are some updated posts:

A trip to the mall
Cheese Gromit, Cheese
Farm Babies
Trike riding
The cutest face
Bean bag toss
Play ball
Java Train

Monday Feature: Likes and Dislikes

Jackson Likes: Hot dogs dipped in ketchup, the Metrodome, stocking feet in the sandbox, lime snow cones, stegasaurus roars, books on cd, climbing stairs, going on adventures, apple juice, taking baths, strawberries, playdates with friends, having picnics and playing at the park.

Jackson Dislikes: Getting out of bathtub after splashing too much water to the floor, cantaloupe and going inside.

Adeline Irene...

The 24 week ultrasound photos of little Adeline (the top right is a foot):