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?

"Love and Hate" by: Jackson

Jackson has gotten very sweet in giving kisses (mostly after watching us kiss and mimicing. I think he finally has the closed lips kiss down, which is encouraging!

On the other hand, he is still our wild and active little boy. Lately he loves giving raspberries on our bellies and then using our belly as a trampoline and jumping. Here you can see his fun and hear my pain.

Life got very busy the moment we moved to Utah. Here's an updated list of things done

Brown Family reunion - About 200 people gathered for this event. I missed Dave for 2 days and then we enjoyed a rainy Saturday with the family. My mom did a great job planning and preparing for this one. I love family!

Teaching school started: I miss being with Jackson all day, but I am glad Dave is around to be with him. I like that I already know my students and they know me. That makes the teaching of rules and procedures SO much easier. I really love my job. I get to play games and help kids be active. I love it! This year I am trying to implement new things, so I feel really busy trying to plan and prepare for that.

Moving out of Boise and back in Orem: Even getting to leave our stuff in Orem, it still took (is taking) forever to re organize house. Thank goodness for Dave and his organizational and cleaning skills. I could never accomplish the task without him!

Trip to Zion Park: Details to come . . . very fun!

MBASA (the MBA spouse Association) has begun and that means alot of planning and preparing for social gatherings. Any ideas for large group Girl night out activities? I have about 10 nights to plan . . .Plus 2-3 date nights.

Signing off (and heading to school) for now.

Our little boy-all grown up.

Rolling his arms

Feeding himself and mommy

Playing Chase with mom

Running around in circles

Triathlon Triumph

You might be wondering why you didn't know I was training for a triathlon . . .that is because I wasn't. I heard about a tri for beginners that was right near our apartment in Boise (Y-not-tri). I signed up about 48 hours before the race started and just went for it. It was shorter than even a sprint tri, so I figured I could make it.

Here are pros and cons of the race:

Pro: The only people I was competing against were beginner triathletes.

Con: No training in the swim or the bike. I was still trying to figure out how to get my goggles on 15 seconds before the gun went off!

(I'm in the yellow)

Pro: The water in the pond seemed warm

Con: It was 60 degrees outside, I didn't get in the pool to swim at all- never even worn a cap and ended up doing breaststroke most of the race.

Find me!

Pro: My friend in the ward lent me her helmet and clothes for the race (and talked me through all my fears and worries)

Con: Riding a rented mountain bike, I forgot to adjust the seat before the race and had to stop and adjust; it was raining, and I didn't think about keeping my goggles on for the bike section :)

Look how fast I am going! haha:)

Pro: The run was only 2 miles!

Con: The run was only 2 miles . . . this is the only event I trained for and I wanted to use it to my advantage to get ahead more!

The big finish-

Dave was a good sport to bring Jackson out in the rain and take pictures to support me.

So it turns out, I got FIRST in my age group and 9th overall. I seriously thought I was at the end of the pack after the swim, but apparently I was disoriented and I came out about 15th! It was awesome to race against all beginners, because now I have more confidence and really want to try another one.