the little man is two!

Jackson turned two on July 30th.

We celebrated with happy meals from McDonald's.

Every time Jackson sees the "golden arches" he shouts, "Fries!"

Nice of Jackson to have a birthday, so I could get a happy meal and a new Littlest Pet Shop.

Full bellies=happy kiddos.  Off we go to Toys R Us to play with the trains and train table.

Please don't make me wear this crown...

I'm in heaven!

So many trains, so little time...

Check out these moves!

Madelynne helped bake the cupcakes for Jackson.  She is also the official taste tester.

Jackson woke up from his nap refreshed and ready to open some presents.

Jackson got out the pizza pan and requested, "pease some pizza".  We took that to mean he wanted pizza for his birthday dinner.

No birthday is complete without cake!  Mommy made puppy cupcakes for our little puppy loving boy.

Happy Birthday Jackson.  We love you a million billion zillion!

build and grow

Madelynne went to a build and grow workshop at Lowe's with her grandpa when we were in Pennsylvania.  She built a ball and cup game.  She had so much fun we signed her up for another one when we got home.    This time she got to go with Daddy and build a UFO with a real light.

Madelynne and Jackson both do this with their tongue when they are concentrating.  They get it from Matt.  He does the exact same thing!

These build and grow workshops are free and it has been so fun for Madelynne to spend time with the men in her life.  She is also learning some mad building skills.

the hiding place

Jackson discovered a cupboard at gramma's house just right for small boys.

Who can be inside?

Peek-a-boo! I see you!

fuller lake

We celebrated the Fourth of July with Matt's family in Pennsylvania.  We went to Fuller Lake for some festive American summer fun.

Wading in the stream.

Plenty of things to climb on and wide open spaces perfect for running.

The boys went exploring.

The adults relaxed in the shade.

Jackson on his never ending search for food.  I have decided my children exist in a permanent state of hunger.

Quality time spent with cousins.

What event is complete for Madelynne if it does not involve getting chocolate on her face?

my name is michael westen...

There is a TV show on USA called, Burn Notice.  It is about a spy who gets "fired", but spies don't get fired they get "burned".  The main character's name is Michael Westen.  He drives a black Charger in the show.  So, when I had to drive a rental car around for four days (our car was being repaired) this is what they gave me to drive.  A black,  2010 Charger.  I felt like I should star in an episode of Burn Notice.

so long, farewell

So, so sad to say good-bye to our friends as they finish school and move away.  Here are our cute friends, the Ellingsons.  We sure will miss them, but wish them well in Texas!

The kiddos.

thunder bunder

Say what?  Thunder bunder?  This is what Madelynne calls a fender bender car accident.  Now that your interest is piqued here is the story.  We were on the exit ramp from the freeway on our way to get my CT scan for my foot (which by the way I managed to break in four places!).  Jackson, took his arms out of the straps of his car seat (once his arms are out it is very easy for him to ditch his car seat completely-sigh).  I, wanting my baby to be safe turned around in my seat (my seat belt was still on) and was trying to get Jackson's arms back in the straps.  While doing so, my foot slipped off the brake and onto the gas pedal.  Since my foot has a big boot cast on it,  my foot was caught between the brake and the gas pedal making it impossible to depress the brake with my other foot until I got my  broken foot untangled.  You know what happened next-yes, I hit the car in front of me, got my foot out and finally stopped the car before we ended up in oncoming traffic.  It was such a horrible feeling not being able to stop the car and knowing I was going to hit the car in front of me!  We were all OK, no physical injuries to speak of, but my children may be emotionally scarred?  The lady's car that I hit had a small dent (I was at a complete stop before I hit the car, so was maybe going all of 3-5 mph).  The lady was out of her car and walking around within minutes of the accident.  She did complain of her neck being jerked from being hit from behind, which set her up perfectly for obtaining a lawyer and trying to take advantage of the situation.  At this point all we know is that she has obtained an attorney to sue for injuries incurred from the accident.  Really?  I was completely shocked when our insurance company called to tell me "the news".  I mean, it's not like we didn't have insurance and her car isn't getting fixed.  Some people will milk anything for all it is worth.  Pray this will all resolve and work out in our favor!  We need to catch a break...