1st Birthday party!

Jackson was still taking a nap when everyone came over. He was so tired, I just couldn't keep him up any longer. Finally, he woke up and was super sleepy during the present-opening part of his party.

I didn't get any smiley pictures because he was still trying to wake up and then overwhelmed with everyone looking at him. He did, however, love his presents. Of course, Maddie loved them too and they learned to compromise and share the rest of the day.

1st Birthday cake...

At first, Jackson just stared at the cake and everyone singing to him. But it didn't take him long to taste the frosting and decide that he liked it.

Then, he just kept grabbing more of the cake and licking/biting what he could off of his hands.

Finally, the smiles came... although he was pretty serious about eating his cake.

One Year Old (on December 31, 2007)

I knew that since I haven't spent hardly anything on Jackson's pictures so far, I wanted to get good, professional photos taken for his "one-year old pictures".

We went to Kiddie Kandids because they do such a great job with the kids are you're not broke when you leave. Jackson was a perfect little boy. With outfit changes and Maddie jumping in for a cousin cowboy/girl pose, the whole sitting took about 30 minutes. I think that's pretty good! The photographer was so impressed at how easy it was to get him to smile and get a perfect shot. Needless to say, Parker and I were beaming with pride... and grateful that we were able to time his nap schedule just right for that afternoon!

More One Year Old pics...

These are the last two. The only hard part about this photo shoot was they all turned out so good... I couldn't decide. So, I just got a few of each.

Cousins... Maddie & Jackson were dressed from head to toe (including Maddie's pink "neigh, neigh belt) in cowboy attire. They were hilarious. It was definitely trickier getting a good pose with two in the picture rather than one - more coordinating involved.

Baby Jackson's First Christmas!!!

I can't believe it's Christmastime already! Last year at this time, I was wanting to hold Jackson - outside of my body - so badly! This year, it was so much fun to watch him enjoy opening and playing with his presents.

He and Maddie have had so much fun playing together while we have been visiting! I can't believe he'll be 1 year old in just a few days!!

More Christmas Morning Pics...

Here are a couple more pictures. Christmas sure was different for Parker and I this year. It was so much more fun watching Jackson enjoy Christmas!! Being a parent is awesome!

First Santa Pictures!

First Christmas means first Santa pictures!! My Mom was so good growing up... I have not missed a year yet with Santa - (except one Christmas in Brasil). Anyway, I was excited to start this tradition with Jackson. They turned out pretty cute! We took one of just Maddie and Jackson first, then our traditional "family Santa picture" with all of the kids. I think those of us who are technically adults are going to get kicked out soon because we hardly fit in the picture anymore. Plus, Santa just gets lost underneath all of us. It was fun to dress the kids up, though and go downtown Seattle and then out to dinner to the Spaghetti Factory - another annual Christmas tradition that we love and look forward to!

Christmas Ship in Seattle

We took some pictures on the Christmas ship... the Argosy Cruise ships go out on Lake Washington every Christmas season and tour around, stopping at ports where there are crowds of people waiting for us to come. On the main ship - The Spirit of Seattle - there is a different choir each evening. Their music is "speakered" onto the other 3 ships and then to the ports when we stop. It's a fun evening and very relaxed. We've been doing it every year and look forward to the annual tradition!

Early Christmas in Portland

We were in Portland before Christmas this year (we trade off every other year between Seattle and Portland). Anyway, Jackson worked really hard on opening up his gifts. It took him a really long time because he would pull off these tiny pieces of wrapping paper. Finally, he got it!
Yea!! A baby grand piano! Jackson played the piano all day, everyday after he opened it.

Daddy's 24!!

This blog is usually all about Jackson because he is the cutest of the three of us and Parker & I are pretty boring in comparison. However, I had to post a few pictures and say: HAPPY 24th BIRTHDAY, Parker!!! We love you!

"Helping" Daddy with Christmas Tree Lights

Jackson has been fascinated with lights (and ceiling fans) since he was born. So... Christmas lights were the ultimate entertainment for him! He would get all tangled up in them (right after Daddy had untangled a strand) and then giggle with excitement because they were all around him and he couldn't "get away". It was really funny to watch (I think those videos are on Snapfish).

Walking!!! and PB&J...

Another PB & J picture... I know, I need to stop.

Also... this is a picture of Jackson taking off walking (it's from a video). I think I have the videos on Snapfish, so if you're that curious, look there. Anyway, he's finally doing it all by himself! He still trips sometimes because is balance isn't the greatest yet, but he just keeps getting back up and trying again! We are SO excited!

Saturday at the Park...

I guess we kind of had a busy Saturday! Football in the morning, then off to a birthday party, and then we played in the park. It was fun to take pictures of Jackson... he was giggling because the snow kept landing on his nose! How cute is that?!

Week-after Turkey Bowl...

Parker, Benjamin, and a bunch of their friends were really bummed about so many people being out of town during Thanksgiving weekend and therefore, not being able to participate in the local Turkey Bowl. So... they organized a "week-after Turkey Bowl", which obviously took place the Saturday after Thankgiving weekend. They had a blast and Jackson and I went to cheer for Daddy and his team!

A Birthday Party!

Jackson got invited to the birthday party of our friend, Bella. It was at the McDonald's playplace. Jackson loved the "playground", the french fries, and the cupcake!