Pigeon Forge Trip

Last week, we went with my family to Pigeon Forge. The boys had so much fun. Here are some pictures of us playing putt putt at Firehouse golf. Jackson loved it, even though he does not have the entire concept of golf.
Andy helping Jackson learn to putt.
Jackson and my grandaddy
Our entire group (Drew is asleep in the stroller)
Jackson and Andy riding go karts on the Wild Woody. Jackson loved it. He told me, "it went like super fast."

The Parkers after a very delicious and filling meal at The Apple Barn...we love the apple fritters!
Jackson and Andy swimming
Drew and I in the pool. This was the first time that he did not scream when he was in the water. I think the other times the water was too cold.
Jackson and his grammy
We went to Dollywood one day and had so much fun. Here we are on the ferris wheel. Jackson really enjoyed all the rides.

My Little Camper

Jackson had his first of many camp experiences. We went to visit Andy at Camp O (a camp for kids with kidney problems) on the carnival night. They have several inflatables and rides for all the children. Jackson had a blast doing all the fun stuff. He even did the trampoline bungee and rode the swings. Luckily, I rode the swings after he did because I would not have let him ride. While he was swinging, he had the most hillarious look on his face...terror mixed with excitement. We also feasted on some carnival foods...popcorn and cotton candy. Yummy! Drew and I went back home but Jackson spent the night at camp. The next day a helicopter from Fort Campbell came, he stuffed a bear, did a rock climbing wall, and rode on a Gator. When I went to pick him up, I did not think he would leave. By the way, as a Top Gun fan, my favorite picture is Jackson in the helicopter with the helmet and sunglasses. He is looks like a toddler version of Goose!

Jackson on the trampoline bungee...whee!

Shout out to Jeff and Jill! They are so fun and even rode the Barrels of Fun with Jackson.

Baby Bible Presentation

Rebekah, Drew, Andy and Jackson


Rebekah, Drew, Christine, and Walker

Drew and Savannah

Sunday night was our Baby Bible Presentation during worship. It is always so special to see all the new babies and their siblings at the front and hear our entire congregation affirm our efforts as parents. As soon as I received Drew's Bible, he started to pat it (so cute!).

Brothers

"Big brother, little brother, buddies true and strong.

Life is truly twice as fun since he came along."

--Big Brother, Little Brother by Marci Curtis

Drew at seven months

Having fun outside on the deck

First Sunday in the buckets at church..."Oh, I love to pat the Bible..."

Here are seven things about Drew at seven months:

1. I love to smile and smile big. I open my entire mouth and will show you my two bottom teeth and the start of another three on the top, which causes me drool all the time.
2. I am usually happy unless you want to change my clothes or show me my bottle and not give it to me immediately. Really, why does it take so long to put the powder in and shake it?
3. I adore my big brother, Jackson. He is so entertaining! I will be big soon and join the action, but for now I am content to sit and watch.
4. My exersaucer and jumperoo are super fun. I could jump forever. It may help my legs to develop definition other than baby rolls, which my mom thinks are so cute!
5. I would rather chew on my bib than eat my baby food. The bib actually tastes better than some of the stuff they try to feed me.
6. I am very ticklish and love to belly laugh all the time. Mommy and Daddy love to get my tickle spots and hear me giggle.
7. I can roll from my back to my stomach, however rolling back over to my back is always a struggle.

Anniversary

Andy making breakfast
Jackson with his rose for mommy
Drew with his rose for mommy (attached to his crib...don't you love the bottom in the air when they are sleeping!)
Dinner at Maggiano's

On Tuesday, Andy and I celebrated our 8th anniversary. It seems like yesterday that we got married. I am extremely blessed to have such a caring and sincere husband. Andy and "the boys" surprised me with breakfast and roses when I got back from my morning run. It was so sweet! Jackson was so excited to give me the rose, but he wanted to make sure I did not touch the pricklies. Drew's rose was attached to his crib, and Andy had the rest of the dozen on the island in the kitchen. Breakfast was incredible...chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, and omelettes. YUMMY! For dinner, we went to Maggiano's. Of course, it was delicious and relaxing. Jackson and Drew had fun with Mama Linda and Aunt Amanda.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone! Here is a prayer that the director at Jackson's preschool shared with us at the beginning of school. I wanted to share it with all of you. Warning: it is a tearjerker...

A Mother's Prayer

O, God, you are the perfect parent.

You know my children so well-so much better than I.

You know their inner needs.

You watch them growing and truly understand them.

You care deeply for them and love them unconditionally.

For these reasons-I ask your help in raising my children...

No, I hand them over to you.

Just don't let me get in your way.

Don't let me interfere with your parenting.

But, dear Lord, when you need human help-Use me!

When they need to hear words of love-Use my voice!

When they need comfort-Use my arms!

When they need teaching-Use my mind!

When they need understanding-Use my heart!

And when they ask about you-Use my faith!

So that they will come to know you as The Perfect Parent!

Amen

Mommy and her boys on Mother's Day

Jackson and I at his school's party for all the mothers

Country Music 1/2 Marathon

Bright and early before the race...my shirt said "Birthday Girl" and Andy shirt said "Jack's Dad" on the front and "Drew's Dad" on the back.
Jackson is so proud of his daddy!
Andy and Amanda walked the 1/2 marathon together. This was Andy's sister first 1/2 marathon...way to go!

Andy and I did the Country Music 1/2 marathon again this year. It actually fell on my birthday again. Many of you remember 5 years ago when I ran my first marathon, 26 miles, on my 26th birthday, April 26. I am such a geek when it comes to silly number coincidences like that. This year, I ran 13 miles on my 31st birthday. Before I started training for my first marathon, I could not run an entire 3 miles. Now, I am totally hooked. Yes, it is a crazy obsession. Our next race that we plan to run is the Disneyland 1/2 marathon in California on labor day weekend.

After the race, Jackson had to use the bathroom and was determined to use the bathroom in the lockers (aka port-a-potty). They were disgusting, so he got the privilege of peeing in the grass by the car. Now he thinks he has the right to pee in the grass anytime and anywhere. Last Sunday night after church, we were walking outside to the car. I look back at Jackson and he has his pants down and trying to get his underwear down so he can pee in the grass in front of BHCC. There are never dull moments with boys!

Drew is 6 months old

Is there anything sweeter than a beautiful sleeping baby?
All smiles :)
"I love my toes...they are my favorite toy!"

My sweet little has turned 6 months old...no, I cannot believe it. He is the most precious little baby, who is a genuine cuddler. He loves to sit in our laps and watch Jackson play or watch the TV (his addiction has started early). Jackson can definitely make him laugh all the time. The other day, Drew was cackling from watching Jackson jump off the slide at the playground. I love to observe the two of them together...it is hillarious. Jackson can get a little too rough sometimes, but it never seems to upset Drew. Second children must be more resillent. Drew can sit up unassisted for brief periods and has started eating baby food. Well, I should say we have been feeding him baby food. He is yet to master the art of swallowing it. Most of it is on his mouth, bib, clothes, bouncy seat, etc.

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.