West Coast Tour

We started our tour on June 18 when Josh drove us to Louisville. (When we started looking at vacation pictures yesterday Jackson saw this one and pointed saying-- "Josh Jenna's car!"). We

were excited and Jackson knew when we got on the airplane, that goes in clouds, we were headed to see Papa and Grandy!

He LOVED having his own suitcase to pull in the airport. I had a shining mother moment when we had our layover and got off the plane and everyone ahhhhed and owwwwed over Jackson and how cute and little he was with his own suitcase running like crazy like he was on a mission. He was so proud of his backpack suitcase.

THE BEACH: We went to the beach twice while were there. As soon as we stepped on the sand Jackson wanted his flip flops off to walk in the sand. He was a champ and walked all the way to the beach by himself. He

Jackson loved running away from the waves, and running through them. He totally enjoyed digging in the sand, pouring water on the sand and watching it disappear, and finding seashells and rocks. Drew was a trooper and just went with the flow.

THE AQUARIUM: Grandy, Julie, Jacob, me and the boys went to the Longbeach Aqauarium. Jackson's favorites were the starfish, and sting rays. The biggest hit of the day was the little "play place" with sharks shooting water out their nostrils and a boat with a steering wheel. We waited patiently for a long time for his turn.

Touching the sting rays. I was surprised how excited he was to do this.Normally he is pretty shy and reserved when it comes to contact with animals.

Jacob and Drew bonding.

I loved the tunnel with fish and sharks all the way around.

REYNOLDS FAMILY REUNION:

DISNEYLAND:

I will be the first to admit that it's pretty ridiculous that Jackson is not even 2 1/2 and he has been to Disneyland twice! It's also pretty awesome!

This year we had the good fortune and having a wonderful family friend of the Reynolds who had access to 3 free tickets for Disney and CA Adventureland. So Adam and I and Lauren took advantage while Wendy was sucked into being the driver for the day caring Drew back and forth to be fed, and bringing lunch and dinner. It turned out to be an awesome day! I couldn't have asked for the boys to be better. Drew was home for the first half and stayed through the second half and into the night. It was so fun to have Lauren with us! She was great company, and fun aunt, and knew all the ins and outs to Disney.

We got tickets at the beginning of the day for the new laser, light, and water show World of Color. It was really amazing and they did a wonderful job. Even though we were fairly far back, we had a great view and even got soaked! Adam and I were impressed and Jackson watched the whole thing. We had to get our spots at about 7:30, the show started at 8 and lasted till about 9. Rather than going home, we went and finished the day and finally left a little after 11.

Randomness

Yea for garage sales and craigslist!! We bought me a big and a double bike trailer so we can go on family bike rides!

I love kid swapping with Angela!! It is a beautiful thing! I get to spend time with my sweet nieces twice a month, I get 4 hours all to my self each month, and Jackson gets to be with his cousins once a week. It's a great gig! It has made for some great memories. Here are some pics of a couple of recent playdates.

The boys love playing and hanging with their Uncle Josh!

5 months!

He loves holding his little piggies, and will often stick his big toe in his mouth

For the last couple of months I have been in that stage of wondering if he will end up being a thumb sucker because I couldn't tell if he just couldn't get his thumb to stay in his mouth or if he didn't really like it that much. Well lately he has taken the double thumb approach. He doesn't so much suck his thumb as much has he just chews and bites his thumb.

This is Drew's trademark look. He sucks his bottom lip in and suddenly, in my opinion his whole face and look changes and he looks like a different kid. It is kind of bizarre.

I am in denial... still. I feel like he still so little and that I should treat him like a little baby. Yet as soon as I start playing with him, give him a toy, he responds and is ready for interaction. I have done a horrible job of starting him rice cereal with him. My pediatrician suggested I start doing it twice a day. So far, he has had it about twice--total. OH well. He is gaining plenty of weight and I love his little rolls and ripples.

He seems to be pretty coordinated as he has started reaching for things, holding the side of books, and learning how "disney in a box" (exersaucer) works. He loves to watch Jackson, play with his dangling toys on his jungle gym, and nurse! He is very stubborn when it comes to nursing and when he decides that is what he wants, nothing can distract him or detract him from that mission! He gets super angry when I feed him like an hour before he goes down for the night and try to put him down without nursing again. I always give in and let him nurse to sleep. I'm obviously not one of those Baby Wise mothers:) He has gotten to the stage where he kicks his feet and gets excited when I lay him down on my lap just before he nurses because he knows what is coming.

Since I'm writing this a month late... this is all that comes to mind. 6 months should be more detailed:)