Easter

We had a wonderful time celebrating Easter the past few weeks.  A few weeks ago, the church hosted an awesome preschool egg hunt.  Brian and I were attending a marriage conference at church the same day, so my parents brought the kids to the egg hunt, and they all had a wonderful time.  Jackson's 2K class also had an Easter party and an egg hunt.  I was so excited this year, because Jackson has been learning more about Jesus at school and at church.  We have been reading Easter devotionals at bedtimes, so Jackson can retell the Easter story this year. I really pray that Christ will work in his life, and he will have a passion for reading the bible and growing in the Lord.  

 The boys on the train with Papa

 Will finding some eggs 

Having fun in the ball pit at the egg hunt

The Saturday before Easter, we all took a family hike.  The Lord was really speaking to me through the beauty of his creation.  It was such a gorgeous day outside!  I felt his presence all weekend as I reflected on what he did for us those many years ago on Easter.  I am so thankful for his grace and forgiveness and my salvation through him.  Easter Sunday we had a wonderful time worshiping at church, and then enjoying Easter lunch at my parents.  That evening, we were able to skype with Brian's family, so it was fun to get to see everyone via computer.  Although we were a little late, we dyed Easter eggs Sunday night.  Will wanted to hold his hands down in the cups, so he had very colorful hands by the end of the night.  

Jackson on the bridge 

 Will and Daddy looking in the river

 Climbing a big rock

Will and Jackson on Easter morning with their new kites Grammy and Pap Pap sent

Super Hero Invasion

How couldn't a mama love some cute super heroes flying around her house?

 Super Diaper Spidey

Diapey Spidey and Gree Hornet Nemo 

Super Hero Dinner Time

Hiking

We have been enjoying a burst of spring time weather during the past few weeks.  Although this week has been quite frosty, you wouldn't have guessed it from some of the days during the previous weeks.  One of the boys' favorite past times is to go hiking, so Brian has taken off a little early  a few days from work so we could go hiking on some of the nice days.

Will and Daddy crossing the bridge

 Jackson loved his walking stick/sword

 He still has the sword towards the end of the trail as we made it to the reservoir

 Posing on top of a rock at the end of the trail

Will tries to jump off the rock!

Terrific Three

So far, Jackson being three years old has been terrific!  He is so much more reasonable and agreeable than ever before, and thank the Lord for that, because Will has hit the almost terrible two.  For the past month, he has wanted to be held for about 90% of the day.  While I am trying to savor all of those sweet moments of cuddling with that little butterball, he is 30 pounds, and carrying him around all day is doing a number on my back.  I am so thankful for the show, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, because that is the 10% of the day when I get things done around the house.  I have started recording it and Will seems to love every episode.  I am really trying to be grateful and enjoy this season of life.  Itreasure cuddling with this affectionate little sweetie.  I know every stage is so fleeting.  I look back on the stages Jackson has gone through, and have thought how quickly they have come and passed (except for the long days that sometimes feel like they creep by).  I can't believe my little guy will be two in a few months, I know the time will fly and he will be hitting the terrific three before I can blink my eyes.

Back to my sweet Jackson, here are some moments I want to record so I never forget them:
- Lately Jackson has been running up and hugging me tight and telling me he loves me
- He has also started waking up happy (he used to be a total grump in the mornings)
- He has been really sweet to Will (Today when Will was crying, he said, "Here brother, play with my new toy.")
- He is saying some really funny stuff.  Today he told me that I needed to stay home and wash dishes while he and Daddy had a man day (I guess I will have to work on him not being a male chauvinist.)
- He is so enthusiastic about doing things.
- He is telling me the food I prepare for him is delicious daily and thanking me for cooking for him (without being prompted)
- He loves going to school and church and playing with his buddies
- He is trying really hard with his potty training.  He is really proud of himself for earning so many stickers on his potty chart

I realize that I really need to start taking pictures this year.  I don't think we have hardly any from 2013, but below are a few from Super Bowl night.  Grammy and Pap Pap gave the boys Ravens shirts.

Jackson chillin in the Spider Man chair.

All Aboard the Potty Train

Well, once again we are trying to ride the potty train, at least that's what Jackson says.  To say Jackson has been potty resistant is an understatement, but he is actually excited about wearing underwear this week.  I have always heard you have to wait until your child is ready, so hopefully Jackson is ready now.  For the first time in a while, we are trying big boy underwear again.  I had tried to potty train Jackson a few months ago, but we ran into some bumps in the road.  So we were on potty vacay for a few months.  Now with our potty chart up, potty books being read aloud for fun (the one below is one of Jack's favs), and some fun new underwear, Jackson will hopefully master the art of the potty.  Prayers are definitely appreciated!

The Greatest Show on Earth and Some Decorating

This year we took Jackson to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus at the Bi-Lo Center.  He really wanted to go last year, so we were all super excited about seeing it this year (We left Will with Mimi and Papa, because we weren't sure if he'd sit still for that long).  We were also able to meet up with some our besties, Kolas, Jaymes, Katie, Ian, and Ta.  The Circus' theme "Built to Amaze" seemed appropriate, because we were all amazed.  The acrobats and animals were awesome!  The elephants were my favorite part, while Jackson's favorite part was the woman being shot from the cannon, and Brian's was the acrobats on the "Wheel of Steel."  A good time was had by all, although we all seem to be coming down with colds.  Jackson fell asleep on the way  home from all of the excitement.  We can't wait to go back next year!

 Daddy and Jackson watching the show

 Ta, Katie, and Jaymes (Jaymes had to have her own snow cone, no sharing with Kolas!)

Watching the man below walk upside down

This picture doesn't do him justice, he was really high!

Jackson and Katie enjoying the popcorn 

The boys watching

 Ta and Jaymes snuggling

 The grand finale

  Our ride home, Jackson fell asleep

On another note, we have been trying to decorate the boys' rooms the past few weeks.  I am terrible at decorating and making decisions about our home.  So even though we've lived in our house for two years now, we are just getting around to decorating some of the rooms in our home.  A few weeks ago, Brian finished a book shelf and colorful shelves (boxes) for Jackson's room.  Jackson loves anything construction so my friend, Elizabeth, gave us the cute hanging decoration below.  Jackson decided to get in on the action and had to get out some of his tools to help Daddy hang it up.  I have wanted to do a train theme in Will's room for a while.  My Papa Jack loved trains and steam engines, so they hold a special place in my heart.  When I saw this train mural online, I just loved it, especially since it is a circus theme too.  I put it on my wish list for the Gannon Christmas gift exchange.  Brian's brother, Uncle Dave, gave it to me for Christmas.  So I was really excited to put it up.  It was really easy to do since it is basically just stickers that go on the wall.  Will likes it and keeps going up and pointing to it and saying "Chooo Chooo."

Jackson's new decoration

 Jackson hammering a nail

 Will's new mural

Will cuddles up with some animal friends while we work

January Round Up

We have had a lot of fun at home this January.  It has been really cold and rainy this month so we've spent a lot of time indoors.  We've had fun playing with our new Christmas toys. Some favorite gifts have been the Leappads that Grammy and Pap Pap gave the boys.  Even though Will mostly just turns his on and off over and over again, he loves to press the power button.  Will has had fun wearing the Spider Man bike helmet around the house that Santa brought Jackson.  The boys have also enjoyed their new play guitars and the new books they received   Jackson was super excited to go back to school to Mrs. Heather (Hedder as he says).  He is learning several letters now.  He loves to point out colors and environmental print (like Lowes, McDonalds, Home Depot, etc.)  He is also counting a little bit.  

Will and his new turtle Santa brought 

 Playing with the leappads

 Gorgeous January sunrise in our back yard

Will loves dragging out toilet paper and diapers and using them as pillows  

Spider Man Helmet (It hasn't been used for intended purposes, just as a hat)

New Year's Eve 

Bubble Bath Fun 

Happy Times