Friday, March 29, 2013

Medieval Times!

 This past weekend we celebrated Jackson's best buddy Aidan's 4th birthday. Instead of a big party, this year she decided we would take the boys to Medieval Times! I was so excited for Jackson. He loves to dress up as a knight and pretend fight, so I was sure this was going to be the best time! When we pulled up to the castle, Jackson just couldn't believe he was going in to a real castle!
 As soon as you walk in, you get a crown matching the color of the knight you are rooting for. Ours was the black and white knight!
Here they are with their flags and swords ready to get to our seats!
They got special slushy drinks in a special goblet! All was well! Then the show began! Jackson loved watching the horses and the jousting. Unfortunately, our knight was not very good, but that was okay. Then.....the fighting began. And that is when the fun stopped. Jackson was so anxious and would cry every time one of the knights fell down hurt. He hated it! He wanted to go home! I kept trying to explain to him that this was not real and the knights were not really hurt, but he just didn't get it. It was actually one of the most touching moments I have had as parent. To see your child express true pain and empathy for a perfect stranger was priceless. I was sad that he didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped, but it really was a special moment for me.
 Dragon enjoying his apple sauce! Beckett really didn't pay attention to the show. He just wanted to get down and walk all over the place!
 After the show, they had some lights moving along the floor. Jackson was all smile again running around!
Picture with the knights!
FREEDOM! Beckett was so excited when it was over and he could run around!
 This week was Jackson's teacher's birthday. All the kids were to bring her one flower. Jackson picked it out all by himself and couldn't wait to give it to her. He really does love Miss Graceann!
 Enjoying a glimpse of spring! The weather here has been so crazy! One day it is 70 and sunny and the next day it is snowing! I think we have had more rain this month than all the other months combined! Hopefully that will mean some beautiful spring flowers!
We also took Jackson to the car show! He loves to climb in all the cars, trucks, and jeeps. They also had plenty of characters to keep him entertained. Here he is posing in front of the batmobile. I love how he has hands in his pockets!
 Scooby Doobie Doo!
 Jackson's favorite Superhero! Spiderman!
Thor! Thor was quite large and had a very big hammer, so Jackson was  a little intimidated by him. He also doesn't really know this character so he wasn't too sure about him!
 A boy and his broom! Whether it is a broom, baseball bat, or mob, this boy loves to have something in his hands!
 Bubbles! Sweet Peyton kept blowing more bubbles for Beckett and Beckett would just run around popping them. It was really quite sweet!
 The world's largest marshmallow! Guess who loved it?
 We also decided to kick off the Easter holiday with some friends and egg coloring! They were all so excited to dye some eggs! They did great and loved coloring the eggs and adding all the glitter and sparkles! Then they realized that they were actually eggs that they could eat. If I had known that all I had to do was color an egg to get Jackson to eat a hard boiled egg, I would have done it a long time ago!
 Jackson with the finished product!
 2 little bunnies excited for their Easter egg hunt at school!

Monday, March 18, 2013

First Haircut!

 First haircut! Beckett's hair was getting a little crazy, so since it was time for Jackson to get his haircut, we decided to cut Beckett's as well! Here is the last picture of the mullett!
 So happy before the haircut! Bye Bye crazy hair!
 Poor Beckett! He hated getting his haircut! We tried everything....lollipops, animal crackers. He was not having it! Luckily there wasn't that much to cut!
 Post haircut pic! My sweet little boy!! As soon as he got out the chair, he was all smiles :)
 Jackson loves to set up his army men. His brother loves to knock them down. Doesn't always make for the best combination in Jackson's mind!
 We were so lucky to have a 2 week visit from Noni! Jackson loves his Noni so much and loves spending every second with her! Here they are playing Jackson's favorit game...sword fighting!
 Wheee! Jackson loves giving his brother a ride. Sometimes I think he forgets that Beckett is still a baby and pushes a little too hard!
 Supporting his brother at tee ball! Jackson is still loving tee ball and every game he gets better and better. The last game he actually made a double play! He was playing short stop and grounded a ball. He then tagged the plate and then the player who was trying to run. So proud of him!
 Look who got caught with his hands in the Dorito bag! Beckett has pretty much become a full time walker. He still takes quite a few tumbles but he picks himself back up and keeps on going!
Driving with Noni! 
Silly boys! I was upstairs making the beds and when I came downstairs, this is what I saw. When I asked Jackson what they were doing, he said "Playing Underwear Knights!"







Who turned out the lights?
 Too funny! I am definately keeping this one for his wedding!!
My sweet toddler! Ever since Beckett got his haircut, he looks more like a little toddler and less like a baby. This year has flown by and I am just trying to hold onto to every moment with these two precious boys!!

Friday, March 8, 2013

Little Slugger!

Tee ball season has begun! Jackson is playing on a tee ball team at Oregon Park and couldn't be more excited! We were supposed to have 5 practices before our first game, but because of all the rain that we have had, most of the practices and even the first game have been cancelled. This is Jackson at his first practice. We really didn't know what he would need, so poor Jackson went to his first practice without any gear. He had to borrow a helmet that was way too big, but Jackon didn't mind and couldn't wait to get out there and hit the ball! He did great! He hit the ball but really didnt' know what he was supposed to do after that. It didn't take him long to figure it out, and he ran aroud the bases like a champ! After his first practice, we were off to the baseball store to get him his own gear! He loved picking out his helmet, bat, glove, bag, and of course....new shoes!! 
Batter up!










My little slugger!











After his first practice, we headed to Panera to celebrate. Jackson couldn't wait to put on his uniform! Not only does his shirt have his name on it, but so does his hat! He is Nesmith 10!!











 We finally had our first game last night! Daddy had been practicing with Jackson so he was ready! He got up to bat and actually hit the ball without needed the tee! He ran to first like a champ and eventually was batted in to score! We were so proud of him! Daddy not only had worked on his batting, but also catching grounders. For outfield, Jackson actually played the pitcher spot where is where most of the balls are typically hit to. Jackson grounded the balls great, but didn't know what to do after that. He would pick up the ball and then hold it. Eventually he learned that he needed to throw it to first, but I don't think he understood why :) For only 1 practice, he did great and really had a great time playing!


 In the dugout after scoring!










 My silly boy! As soon as Jackson wakes up, he is in his closet getting dressed. This is typically what we end up with. Shorts, teeshirt, superman pajamas as a cape, tee ball shoes, Knight hood, light saber in his belt and dragon sword behind him. Today he also decided to bring out his Halloween medal :)
 You gotta love him!
 My sweet Beckett! This boy wants to be outside at all times! Unfortunatley, the weather has not been very cooperative! He is really walking a lot more and is getting more confidence with it.
 Give this boy a stick and he couldn't be happier!
 Still loves to eat! He loves spaghetti night!
This past weekend I went to Florida with some girlfriends to run in my first half marathon. The race was in Seaside, so we were able to spend a lot of time with Cortney, Scooter, and sweet Gracyn! She is such a happy, adorable little baby! Cortney and Scooter were kind enough to let us stay with them and Scooter even woke up at 6:00 in the morning to drop us off at the race! We had the best time visiting and can't wait to see them again! We love you guys!!
 Kristin and I picking up our race numbers! My goal for this race was to finish in under 2 hours and I did it in 1 hour 54 minutes. That was the furthest I have ever ran and I was glad when it was over! It was absolutely freezing that morning but we all did it! Vera Bradley was the sponsor, so we all got a Vera Bradley tote after completing the race. Such a fun girls trip!
Best buds! These 2 boys are like 2 peas in a pod! I actually had to take both boys to work one day with me and I was a little nervous how they were going to behave. I cannot tell you how proud I was of my sweet Jackson! He played leggos for 4 hours and kept his brother entertained the entire time! Whenever I would hear Beckett start to fuss, Jackson would get him a new toy or feed him a snack. I was so proud and impressed by him!!
Love these two! As far as the housing situation, we have had several showings and even had a couple come back yesterday for a second look. Keep your fingers crossed that it sells quickly because keeping a house clean and ready to show at a moments notice is not easy with 2 kids and a massive dog! On another note, Jackson had his pre-K interview at Walker last week. He went the first day for a one-on-one interview with a teacher and I was a little nervous he was going to be shy and not talk. When the teacher came, she asked his name and he told her right away. She then asked if he would come with her and he took her hand right away. As they were leaving, I heard her ask him where he goes to school. Jackson said, "Well, actually, I am in the 3s. But next year this will be my new school." I hope he wasn't to presumptuous :) The second day was an hour observation with a bunch of other kids. I knew this wouldn't be a problem for him because he tends to make friends easily. Sure enough, he met a buddy and they played together the entire time. The only feedback the teachers said was that he did great, so I guess we will find out in April!