A Mother's Dream

Jackson 11 Months

Isn't he adorable?! I can't believe he will be one year old in just a few weeks. He's just a beautiful boy with so much personality. He is very sweet and loves to explore. He is walking well and is very fast on the floor. Jackson can even pick up a full size basketball and take a few steps holding it! His favorite food right now is pasta with marinara sauce. He loves to play "catch me if you can" with daddy. He also loves to hug stuffed animals (see video below:). Rhonen doesn't like to share his cars with Jackson, so he'll sneak in some play time when his brother isn't around.

His biggest and best accomplishment is that he has started to sleep through the night! He can say "mama" "dada" and "hi" (we think he can mimic Rhonen's "what's that?" but we're not sure). Jack loves to be outside playing in the dirt, water, or with sticks. I see him watching our chickens all the time and I know he's is plotting his moves to catch one. We're so in love with him and amazed at how fast he is growing!

Jackson Walking

It's Official...we have a walker! He is now walking everywhere and doing quite well. Dustin and I always say that he looks too small to be walking, talking, eating, and drinking as well as he does. What can we say...he's advanced :)

Santa Cruz 2011

This year we decided to take the boys to Santa Cruz for our vacation. Rhonen is now old enough to enjoy the boardwalk and the beach. We met up with Dustin's sister Shawna and our beautiful niece Ekite. Rhonen and Ekite loved all of the fun rides on the Boardwalk. The next day we all went to the beach. The water was pretty cold but that didn't stop us. Once Rhonen got used to the cold water he was loving the waves and the sand. We stayed in Santa Cruz for a night and then traveled over the hill to San Jose to stay with Shawna and Chad. It was so nice to see our kids together. We enjoyed a nice steak dinner at home along with some great wine! Dustin and I have realized that vacations from here on out are going to be a bit different. It's all about the kids and keeping them entertained. We will try to squeeze in a little time for ourselves but overall...Rhonen and Jackson rule the show!

Giants 2011

We started our vacation off with a Giants vs. Phillies game...and they won! Of course, it was because we were there :) They boys had a great time on the trolley car and Dustin and I got our garlic fry fix. We stayed in the city for a night. We went to Buca di Beppo for dinner and enjoyed the lights and sounds of the city. Dustin and I both LOVE San Francisco...so anytime we get to go is a real treat.

First Steps

Yes...that's right. Jackson took his first steps yesterday! I had just come home from work and Dustin stood him up (because he's standing alone very well) and he just lunged forward and took 3 little steps to me. All day today he has been attempting the same stunt, sometimes successful and sometimes not. He seems to be very brave and confident. I don't think any of us are ready for Jacka to be walking...of course that doesn't matter :) because he's ready!

On another note...we are departing tomorrow for a vacation to San Francisco (it's time for our annual Giants game) and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk! I can't wait! The boys have never been to the ocean. We'll be visiting Dustin's family on the trip and Rhonen and Jackson will get to see their cousin Ekite. Stay tuned for vacation pictures to follow :)

Learning to Walk

From the front and back :)