A few of my favorite toys

Please begin singing now to the tune, "A few of my favorite things"

Toys with big buttons and bright shiny big screens

Toys that make noises and continue to sing

Stuffed animals all cuddly and soft,

this are a few of my favorite stuff!

Chairs I can climb up and tables to dance on

Couches to jump off and love sac to land on

pots, pans and spoons to bang, click and cling

these are a few of my favorite things!

When the battries die

when my mom sighs,

when I'm feeling bored

I simply look in new drawers to see what I find . .

and I'm sure that my mom don't mind!

Brotherly Love

I know that everyone has a sob story and this one definitely isn't the saddest one out there, but I still want to help my brother as much as possible. My little bro, Tyler, graduated from BYU in April with a business management degree. He had been looking for jobs ever since. His wife just had their first baby in August. He wants to provide for his family and is a very hard worker. I know that people tend to get jobs based off someone they know. SO, if you know of anyone who needs an entry level business guy, please let me know. The sooner they can get an income, the better!

Here's Jackson's recent cousin Grant Tyler (In honor of Tyler's favorite cousin, Grant who died 10 years ago)

P.S Dave is also looking for work next April in the MBA field. Keep your eyes and ears open!

Daredevil and funny boy

When it says "ride on" toy . . . is this what it means? Who taught this kid to do this?

Just for fun

The not-so-funny thing is that Jackson has actually made a habit of stepping/falling off very high objects (couch, chairs, etc). Since we usually catch him or he just bounces off the cushions, he thinks it is funny . . .

Terrific Texas Time

After Dave went to the Black MBA job conference in New Orleans (I know, I know, he isn't black), we met up in Houston to visit Lori (Dave's sister) and her family. I was so scared about flying with Jackson alone. I got a bunch of snacks and toys and lots of advice and prayers. Luckily, we got the only empty seat on the plane and I Jackson had a bit of freedom on the seat. He did great. Jackson's first flight:

I know this pic is ugly, but it is funny to me because it is Jackson: perpetual motion and grunting in this one because I won't let him touch the camera.

Our cute nephews and nieces!

Once in Houston, we played with our nephews and nieces and had a great time visiting. Lori is always a generous host.

We went to the temple. I actually enjoyed the humidity and heat.

We ate out at Pappadeaux for amazing alligator and other seafood.

My favorite part was taking Jackson to the splash park and seeing his very delighted face as he played in all the water his heart could desire.

Despite our flight being delayed 2 hours (we got in at 12:30), Jackson did well and fell asleep for the whole flight home! We feel very lucky to have a wonderful and happy little guy in our family!

P.S. I left my phone in Houston, if you are going to call in the next day, try Dave's number :)

P.P.S Jackson DOES like the new toys now. Thanks for telling me to be patient.

Failed Parenting

So I have been feeling guilty that our son doesn't have entertaining, stimulating toys to help him develop and learn. So I have been researching, asking friends and neighbors and visiting several stores and online stores to find the perfect gift. Since funds are tight, I wanted to find a toy that could meet several of his needs and provide hours of entertainment and fun. I literally spent 45 mins wandering up and down the toy aisles yesterday and left with nothing because I couldn't decide what he would like most. Then I called some more friends and finally decided on the busy ball popper. I went back last night at 10 pm to buy it- still looking through all the aisles to make SURE it was the perfect toy. I love Jackson and want to provide fun things to do in a small apartment this winter.
I have been hearing about this toy for over a year, many parents swear it is their kids favorite. I was so excited to let Jackson have a new toy, that despite Dave's pleas to keep it until a special occasion, I busted it open today. Here is his reaction.

Within minutes he was back up on the table dancing. I guess I should've saved the $30- thus saving my child some fears and tears.

Life as we know it is over

How many more times in my life will I say this?