Family Reunion

Last month everyone was able to get together in Illinois for a family reunion which turned out to be so much fun. It has been a very long time since we were all able to be together at once-except Michael of course, we definately missed him. We started in Chicago hanging out at Scotts house and moved on to Indiana Dunes National Seashore where we were glad to stay in a nice beach house. We spent time playing games and hanging out on the dunes and at the beach. From there we drove down to Cuivre River State Park and did a little camping. And yes we were all able to camp-the kids-Jackson and Eliza, pregnant Erin, Grandma, everyone. I have to be honest, I have missed camping seeing as how it is not so fun in hot humid Florida. While at Cuivre River we did some hiking, playing in rivers, crawdad hunting, and of course cooking over the campfire. Tim met us in Cuivre River and it was pretty fun to see the look on Jackson's face when he saw his dad show up. Classic, I wish I got it on camera he was so excited.

Grandma and Jackson playing in the laundry

Dad, Aaron and Akela

Jackson waiting to eat


Erin showing Eliza a frog, she kept wanting to touch and then screaming when she did =0)

Picnic lunch

Danny enjoying lunch and the bridge

Eliza and Akela

Aaron and Akela

Scott looking for crawdads

Scott and Jackson snuggling at the beach

Eliza and Akela

Lindsey and Steve chillaxing in the lake

Everyone playing in the water

Except Jackson, he is sleeping in the sand

Good morning!!

Man, it is like we are on vacation or something.

We made a couple side trips as well. We were able to go up to Nauvoo for a day. We wandered around the town, saw quite a few demonstrations, brick making, blacksmith, the guns, and of course the famous Nauvoo Pageant. At the end when they lit up the temple in the background was my favorite part. It was beautiful!

Nauvoo

We took another side trip to Illinois Caverns which happened to be the coolest cave system I have ever been through. Thanks so much to mom and grandma for watching the babies, because I know they were a handful. Especially since we were still camping at that point and there is only so much you can do with two kids. The caves were pretty amazing, one long big tunnel with lots of little side tunnels that were skinny and short. Oh, did I mention there was also water running throught the whole thing.

Caves

Then we all headed home! Can't wait till next year!

Jackson Pictures

Cause we all know thats what this blog is all about - pictures, pictures, and more pictures of, well, mostly JP.

Jackson and Uncle Josh reading a book - well Josh was reading Jackson was trying to push the train noise buttons.

Gotta hold on to something and Daddy's finger was very convienent.

Peek-a-boo!

I sleep just like dad, with my arm straight up in the air.

Aunt Evie and JP, boy is he out.

Stellan and JP playing together. They do have fun.

Playing at the Fountains

So a little while ago Lindsey and Steve came to visit. It was great to have them down and spend time with them. We did lots of fun things outside. Okay mostly we hung out at the beach, but they did spend a day kayaking-and I think they had a ton of fun. While they were kayaking Tim and Jackson and I hung out at he fountains at the park there. (Unfortunately we are slackers and don't have pics with Steve and Lindsey.)

Jackson crawling around, enjoying the water and the fake grass.

Sporting his cool little swimsuit and bear walking.

Just chillin'

Check out my shades!

We also hung out at the swing abit. I don't know if he enjoyed the swings or his hands more =0)

Contemplating eating the swing.

After all that playing poor little guy was all tuckered out.

The many faces of Jackson...

And other random pictures!


Such a pouter...please come play with me!!


Isn't this interesting, so many things to see.



Man, I love showers, I taste all clean afterwards.

So we tried rice cereal to help him/us sleep a little later. Thanks to Krissie for her help. Despite his face he did like it, he just got full and was mad I kept shoving it in his face =0)

He is out like a light, nothing could wake him up.

What??!!

This is JP's standard mode of transportation, he is getting pretty good, and fast too!

Fun to play with and yummy too!

This might be his favorite toy- he is pretty content laying under it for quite a while.

Looking at his toy, trying to figure out the fastest way to get under it.

Please, please, please get me out of here! What a lower lip!

This is just moments later, it doesn't take much to put a smile back on his face.

Project Finished!

Here is the much talked about quilt that I have been working on. For many years the idea of a t-shirt quilt has been appealling, but who has enough t-shirts with the same theme to turn into a quilt. I'll tell you who- my sister-in-law Evie! She is the athletic director at a middle school and has coached every sport at one time or another. And we all know with sports comes the team t-shirt. So we organized-without her knowledge by the way- a bunch of her shirts into this design and the process began. It took awhile, but after many calls for guidance from my mom, this is how it turned out. Plus it was a ton of fun and a great sense of accomplishment. Maybe this is the first of the t-shirt quilts??!!!


I think it is safe to say that Evie was speechless, or as Tim put it giddy. I am glad that she loves it and that we could do something for her. Not sure if you can tell but all of the sports are represented as well as the athletic logo-alot of these shirts she designed herself. Go Blue and Gold!

Make a Smilebox photobook

So its been awhile...

Here is a quick update on all that has been going on in our lives this last little while via some fun pictures. Hope you enjoy...

Jackson got sick for the first time, daycare sent him home with 102 degree temp. Luckily the doctor said it was just a virus and he should get better soon. Here is his days at home, doesn't it look like he is enjoying it and not feeling too bad? I hope this faking sick thing isn't something I need to worry about later on!

Sick again, still seems to be enjoying it!

No, I have not drugged him, although I do like to call this his drunk and disorderly pose. Really he just likes to sleep with his arms up, his eyes half open and the chupa hanging out of the corner of his mouth.

Oh yes, he has not only learned to roll, he has started to scoot on his knees and forehead. I am a little worried about rug burns but there is no stopping him.

Jackson in his crib, playing happily until dad is ready for work.

Jackson holding his own bottle. We have been really blessed with great family and friends who help us out when I am working late and Tim has meetings. I wish I had pictures of everyone, but for now here is Phil and Jackson. Thanks to Evie, Phil, Josh, Krissie, Sara, Brother and Sister Douglass, Lauren, and everyone else who helps us out!

Austin and Daddy are getting me started early on golfing. Maybe I can go when I am as tall as the club!

Look at me, look at me, look at me! Yes I stand with the support of toys and couchs now. Balance isn't so good though.

That about sums it up for now! More to come with actual stories later.