Jackson's Birthday

Jackson celebrated his sixth birthday on Friday, January 7th. Drew and Mommy took Krispy Kreme donuts to his class during lunch. Mrs. Conway made this birthday crown for him to wear all day. On Friday evening, Jackson had his birthday party at Pump It Up with his friends. He was so excited about his Star Wars cupcakes. All the kids had a blast on the inflatables. They were running around and sweating! Jackson was so blessed to have friends from school and church join us to party!

Christmas Programs

Jackson played the part of Joseph in the Christmas play at our church. He really just stood beside the manger. They performed at both Children's Worship Services on Sunday morning and then for the entire congregation on Sunday night. It was the sweetest chorus of little voices singing "Joy to the Lord" and "Go Tell it on the Mountain." They also recited Luke 2:11. "For unto you is born this day, a Savior who is Christ the Lord." Jackson and his friend (and shepherd) Aden
Mary and Joseph with the little baby Jesus
After the service, the children as well as others from our congregation sang Christmas carols in the Family Life Center.

Drew's preschool had their annual Christmas program. He did really well during the program with the songs and hand motions. They sang the "Christmas Hokey Pokey," "Jingle Bells," "If You're Happy and You Know It," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas.""Someone" let big brother go late to school, so he could see the preschool show. Jackson was so excited to go back to his old school.
This is Drew and Walker chillin' with their candy canes after their performance. They are too cute!
There truly is nothing sweeter than hearing the voices of little children singing, especially praises to God!

Christmas Parties

Jackson and Drew had so much fun at their school Christmas parties this year. Jackson's kindergarten class made Gingerbread Houses. The kids had so much fun designing their very own creation. He has made some sweet friends in his class that he likes to play with. This is Drew's first year at preschool, and he loves it and all his friends. He does not provide much information about his day, but I know he is having fun. He has the sweetest little class!

Pictures with Santa

Jackson and Drew with Santa at the Bass Pro Shop

Pictures of our family at our church's annual Breakfast with Santa

The First Christmas

It's a story known the whole world 'round
About a shining star and a little town
Shepherds watching their flocks by night
Saw the star, saw the light
Three kings traveled very far
Guided by the shining star
They reached the place where the baby lay
Away in a manger on that special day

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:11

Merry CHRISTmas!!

On Thursday, we took the boys for a little surprise (a last-minute visit to Santa). When we got to the parking lot of Bass Pro Shop, Andy said we are going to see "someone who is very important this time of year." He asked them to guess who it was. Jackson immediately yelled, "JESUS!"

More Chicago

On Monday, we took the boys to the Shedd Aquarium. They were fascinated by all the fish and Jackson loved the interactive screens. Each of them had to measure their height by this huge fish.

Jackson's favorite part of the aquarium was the sharks and all the bigger fish.

Drew loved all the turtles. He loved to find them in the tanks. Both of the boys also found Nemo or some other orange clown fish which they were thrilled to see.

There were even penguins there and the kids could pretend to be penguins and play in the polar area. Drew is modeling a nice penguin suit.

There was a great view of the Chicago skyline from the front of the aquarium. Jackson and Drew would always point to the "tall, tall tower" (Sears now Willis Tower).

For lunch, we went to Ed Debevic's which is a 50's style diner. It was a really neat atmosphere and the servers are rude to you and joke with you the whole time. Jackson thought that was so funny!

Andy and Rebekah (all photos of us are courtesy of Jackson)...not bad for a little photographer!

After a quick dip in the pool at our hotel (which I may have counted as the boys' bath), we headed to the corner of Clark and Addison, Wrigley Field. It was so fun to be back there. Not much had changed from when I was younger. Wrigleyville is such a neat area. We had fun walking around before the game and seeing the rooftop seating (which had been added since I was there, people used to just stand on the rooftops). Here are some pictures of us at Wrigley Field. This was our souvenir stop for the trip--Andy and I got shirts, Drew got a hat, and Jackson got a pennant and Wrigley Field sign.

We sat on the first base side under the upper deck.

Family photo under the lights at Wrigley Field. Luckily the score cannot be seen on the scoreboard. The Cubs lost the game 18-1.