Random responses from Jackson

Within the past week, there have been a couple of instances where I have been rather surprised by Jackson's response.  Sometimes I forget how much new information he is absorbing on a daily basis and as a result, learning new words.

Yesterday morning, I had just woken up to my alarm (aka Jackson) and went in to get him out of his crib.  As I put him on the couch, he immediately asked for milk.  Still one eye closed, I shuffled over to the fridge to get his milk and as I was handing it to him, I heard "Dank you, Mommy" in a quiet voice.  What?!?!?  All of this manner-training seems to be working!  That was the first time I had heard a "thank you" without asking for it first.  Made my day.

This afternoon, I was preparing lunch for Jackson.  I asked him if he wanted some peanut butter and crackers.  He said "Yeah", and then as I was headed to the pantry, blurted out "Yeah Baby!!"  I just cracked up!  I didn't realize peanut butter & crackers was so exciting!  (His big sister has said that quite a few times, so he is obviously catching on.)

Within the last month, we have really noticed his speech developing.  These moments sure make it a lot of fun!

Lily's first day of Kindergarten!

One week ago today, my firstborn started Kindergarten!  She has been waiting for this day for what seems like forever!  We had the opportunity to attend her Back to School night and meet her teacher, Miss Gosnell.  It seems as though, with her personality, she will be a perfect match for Lily.  She is a born student and thrives at school.  We have no doubt she will make friends easily and work hard.  We are very excited for what this year has in store for Lily.

Since we are a week in already, I can share that she is struggling a bit with the longer days.  Her school is from 9:05am-3:45pm.  Although they have a "quiet time" after lunch in which some kids can take a nap, this is quite a stretch from her three half-days in Preschool.  She is adjusting, however, and we are doing what we can to help her through some crying episodes and irritable behavior.  Oh, the joy of school! :)

Enjoy some pictures of Back to School night and her first day of school!

Back to School night

looking for her classroom on Back to School night

Lily and her teacher, Miss Gosnell

 

with Daddy & Jackson at Back to School night

treat time!  sundae at Sonic

ready to head to school for her first day!

waiting in the lobby for the OK to walk to class

walking with friend, Chloe

Lily & Chloe

hanging up backpack

ready to go!  working on a project!

California Beach Trip- 2012

We were lucky enough to spend a second vacation in CA this summer- for our annual beach trip.  This year, Grandma and Grandpa rented a beach house for the family in Silver Strand Beach, Oxnard, CA.  We enjoyed the convenience of walking across the street to the sand on a spacious beach, allowing the kids to roam and play.  Every morning, Daddy and Lily got up and hunted for sand dollars.  We received a tip from Mommy's friend Julia that if you stroll the seashore early enough, you will find some.  And boy, did they! We also took a boat ride around the harbor and a bike ride through the neighborhood.  We had perfect weather and really enjoyed being outdoors.

at a local restaurant down the street for dinner our first night in Silver Strand

first morning on the beach!

lazy morning with the twins- Charlie & Ethan

Jackson's favorite thing was playing in the sand

first sand dollar found by Aunt Sarah!

HUGE (nasty!) sand crab...thankfully it was dead!

Daddy & Lily and their first sand dollar hunt.  Success!

 bike ride through the neighborhood

 the harbor

 boat ride

 day at Leo Carrillo Beach with Dyllin & Lucy

 in the tidepools searching for hermit crabs

hanging out with Brooklynne

After a week spent at the beach house, we drove back to Grandma and Grandpa's house and spent the remainder of our two-week trip there.  Here are some of the fun activities we did:

Lily's first British Tea at the Enchanted Tea House

La Brea Tar Pits

Ice Cream (and balloons) at Farrell's

We had such a fun trip and made many memories! 

"Appy Cake"

During our last trip to CA, we celebrated Aunt Sarah's birthday at the beach house.  Grandma made her a British trifle:

When Jackson saw this in the refrigerator, he had his mind set on it.  I tried explaining to him that we needed to sing "Happy Birthday" to Aunt Sarah first, and then we would have birthday cake.  He kept repeating some of the words I was saying, and the most understandable phrase was "Appy Cake!"  I just thought it was so funny that, with his minimal vocabulary, he would find a way to articulate "cake"!  I really should not be that surprised :)

So now every time he sees a cake or cupcake in a book or elsewhere, he shouts "Appy Cake!"

And if you think about it, it makes sense.  Who isn't happy when they are eating cake!?