Happy Anniversary, Nanee and Papa!

To our Nanee and Papa Wilcox: Congratulations on 44 years of marriage.

Our Friend, Ducky

Happy to Share

A popular afternoon snack at our house is popcorn. Every once in a while, I'll pop some corn as Jack is waking up from his nap. On this day, Jackson decided to share his popcorn with Ducky.

He's working on sharing...now if he could just do it that easily with his human friends...

Ahhhh....Summer!

Baylee, The Graduate

Summer--here I come! Our niece, Baylee, recently graduated from preschool and will be a full-fledged kindergartener this fall. This picture of her reminds me of that feeling the last day of school brings --there's nothing else like it--the satisfaction of a year's hard work completed and the anticipation of those lazy summer days. Congratulations, Baylee! We're so proud of you!

Jack & Averi

Bring on the sun! This picture of Jack and his cousin is just so precious to me! The two were busy checking out the bird feeder (or foodbeeder, as Jack calls it), oblivious to the camera. Jack enjoyed a full week with his cousin who was visiting from Rochester, NY.

Fun at Katherine's

One warm, sunny day our neighbor filled up the baby pool and pulled up the slide for instant water fun! The kids took turns splashing into the pool and had a blast. I love the look on Katherine's face when she hit the water!

Jack-isms

Here are some fun and silly things you will hear from Jack:

• I want my shoes onoff (yes, "on" and "off" are one word)


• Faster, Mom, go faster! (when I'm driving)


• Oh my, Sammy! or Oh dear, Sammy! (when Sam's crying hits fever-pitch)


• Jackson Cilwox (when asked what his name is)


• I'm two! (also when asked what his name is)


• My toot-toot! (when he passes gas)
• My sleepy, too (when he's tired)


• Ummm...raisins. (his answer to "What would you like for a snack/bfast/lunch/dinner?")
• Foodbeeder (birdfeeder)


• Pray to Jesus? (when we sit down to eat)


• Come on, _______ (insert anyone's name here)--for some reason this is always said in a voice almost two octaves lower than usual.


• ABCD's (instead of ABC's)


• Daddy's home! (whenever the garage door goes up)

Happy Birthday, Grandma Harding!!!

We love you and miss you! Have a great day!

Love, Jackson and Sam Cash

Sam's two-month appt.

Jackson and I took Sam to his 2-month appointment this morning. We walked all the way to the doctor's office, enjoyed looking at the fish in the huge aquarium, and then had Sam checked out. Here are his stats:

12 1/2 lbs. (!) --just under 50th%

23" long --just over 50th %

Three shots (he's not a fan, if you were wondering)

One oral vaccination (also, not a fan--it just wasn't the same as momma's breastmilk)

Three stickers for Jack:)

Dr. Wrinkle checked him out and said his motor skills were great--he has great head control, and has even flipped over twice already!

Jackson and I then walked to our favorite little pizza joint for lunch with our friends, Alli (momma), Austin (2 1/2 yrs. old), and Tristan (7 mos.).

Gatlinburg, Tennesee

The Redneck Riviera

Two weekends ago, Rick (my wonderful, wonderful husband) surprised me with a childless (!) day away to Gatlinburg. With a battery-powered breast pump in hand, we were meeting our friends, Chris and Jill for a full day of adventure. I had never been to Gatlinburg, and when I told my friend that we were going she said, "Oh, the Redneck Riviera, huh?" What?

Despite the four million "made in China" stores that line the strip of Gatlinburg, and the amusement park-esque rides (which I can only guess to have sketchy safety regulations) in Pigeon Forge, we really enjoyed the big RR. We did realize a little too late that Gatlinburg has an awesome artisan community tucked away behind the strip (maybe something to enjoy next time). When all was said and done, I enjoyed the outlet mall in Sevierville the most--shopping with a friend, no kids, and great deals--pure fun! Rick and Chris enjoyed some hiking in the picturesque mountains, too.

Our trip to the big RR was a much-needed and enjoyed get-away.