Surviving the Winter

Jackson and Dawson running in the halls and loving every
minute of it!

Playing arcade games...

Swimming...

At the museum with Aiden.

Covering Daddy on the couch with ALL of his toys...

We have definitely been trying to get through these gloomy winter days. Last Monday our friend Andrea asked us to go to the Children's Museum with her. Jackson LOVED it. Him and Aiden did such a good job playing nicely and enjoying all the exhibits. The new museum is downtown on the square and it is quite nice. We packed our lunches, played most of the morning and then headed home around 1:00. I thought FOR SURE that Jackson would be ready for a good long nap. I was tired at least...needless to say he didn't sleep. Ahhh!!! We are hoping this isn't a pattern yet! Andrea also showed me what life is like with two kids and needless to say it was nice to have each other maneuvering around there. We were so thankful for the invitation and a fun day at the museum.

Then over the weekend we headed up to the Dells with the Allens. It couldn't have been better. We had a very nice three bedroom condo which was amazingly pretty child proof. The boys ran around but I think their favorite was to run up and down the hall. We headed up Thursday night and spent most of Friday (minus nap time) at various water parks. I think Jackson and Dawson were in heaven! It was such a great way to spend some gloomy February/March days. We stayed through Saturday and headed home. For the first time at the Dells is was a very successful trip and brought much relaxation and down time with an incredible family...looking forward to more trips in the future!

Jackson lately really has been so much fun. We just keep commenting on the joy he brings us. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't chuckle at something he says...here are some of the things he has been up to lately:

• Still digging anything trucks, cars, tractors, or machinery. Tends to sleep with something of the sort at night and gravitates towards them. Monster trucks are one of his favorites.
• Is beginning to learn right from left. In the car he tries to tell us which way to turn...he's is starting to become more accurate (although it's only a 50% chance I guess ;0)
• Is taking longer and longer to go down for his nap. He spends about an hour/hour and a half talking to himself/playing in his bed before he finally falls asleep.
• Has switched from calling us Mommy and Daddy to Mom and Dad. It's such a weird transition (I personally hope he goes back). But it is clear those are our new titles.
• Loves to put on his boots...and wear them out. Says "need boots to go outside."
• Totally loves his little bike (with training wheels) and his motorcycle. I think he is ready for some warm weather to ride those things outside.
• Wakes up occasionally at night having had bad dreams...the last one was a goat. He told Michael, "Goat eat me all over." So sad but allowed for some cuddling with him the rest of the night.
• Falls at least once daily. Most times just gets up and shakes it off, even if it means bruising or blood. He's so resilient.
• If he gets his feelings hurt says, "Need hug." How can you resist that?
• Loves to pray at meal time. We need to record this. It's so cute. His favorite line is "Thank you God for Jesus." May that always be his prayer.