Springtime Fun

Easter Family Photo

Jackson and his friends hunt Easter eggs at school

More egg hunting at a friends' house
This are pictures from Easter day at my grandmothers' house in Columbia. We had lunch with my family. Since Jackson and Drew are the only grandkids, Jackson had a solo Easter egg hunt. A total of eight adults watch him hunt eggs. Everytime he would find an egg, he would hold it up and say, "ta da." One of the eggs was open when he found it, he looked at us and said, "it's hatching!" Next year, Drew can join in on the action.

We are looking forward to more pretty days outside. The Easter bunny brought Jackson a Spiderman scooter, and he is thrilled about riding it outside. He had to ride it in the garage this morning. Jackson also got a miniature Zamboni. He is obsessed with Predators hockey right now. He told several people at church on Sunday that "the Easter bunny hooked me up." Drew got some CD's, a book, a bib, and a music set. He is in the process of cutting his first tooth. I felt the little ridges in his mouth yesterday, so it should be visible soon.

Baby Shower for Melissa

Melissa and some new personalized burp cloths
Jennifer, Amy, Melissa, me, and Mandy

On Sunday, I went to Kentucky with some friends for Melissa Hanvey's baby shower. Baby Asher Thomas is due at the end of April (maybe he will be born on my birthday!). Melissa looked beautiful and got lots of fun and useful baby gear. Amy, Jennifer and I hung out with Melissa and Steve after the shower at their house. We all sat on the bed and talked just like old times at Twin Oaks and Royal Arms. It was great to spend a day with my wonderful friends and celebrate this exciting time with Melissa.

Snow Much Fun...sort of!

Andy and our neighbor Terry
Andy and I giving Mr. Snowman a kiss

Here are some pictures from the recent snow. We took Drew outside long enough to take his picture and just see the snow then he was in the bed for a nap. Jackson wanted to make a snowman but lost interest after about 2 minutes. He spent most of the morning in the house or watching the garage. He told me it was too cold outside, so Andy and our neighbor ended up building the snowman. Andy thought it was like something on a sitcom where the kids are all excited about snow but end up inside while the parents are let to actually do all the work.

Lots of Firsts

UT basketball game

Ready for a big day in DC
Waiting for the Metro


Jackson at the Air and Space Museum

Over the past weeks, our family has had several firsts. Drew went to his first Predators game on the 23rd. He had fun drinking his bottle and looking at all the lights. Last weekend, we took our first family trip with 4 people. Quite an adventure...we drove, yes drove, to DC last Wednesday. It was much better than anticipated. I did sit in the back seat almost the entire time so everyone could be entertained. Drew gets lonely since his seat is facing backward, and Jackson wanted me to read lots of books and do stickers with him. This was also Drew's first time out of state and first night away from home (other than Vanderbilt). It was Jackson's and Drew's first time in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Jackson, Drew, and I rode the Metro to the Smithsonian one day. That was an experience with a double stroller. Jackson loved the underground train. While we were in DC, everyone but Drew saw the World War II Memorial for the first time. For some reason, right in front of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, he decided to go crazy. So we took turns viewing the WW II memorial and trying to console him. We think Jackson was a little confused at the Lincoln Memorial. He thought Abraham Lincoln was Abraham from the Bible. A difficult concept to explain to a three year old...so we didn't try! On the way home, we stopped in Knoxville, ate at Litton's for the first time (yummy!) and went to see UT play Kentucky in basketball. This was Jackson and Drew's first UT home game, and UT's first time to be ranked #1 (even if it only lasted for a week). UT beat the Cats which is always a thrill.