Jakson Turns 4!

Jakson turned the big #4 last week. Here are some of the things he got and we did. Thanks to Nana and Papa who came up the weekend before to celebrate before they went a-cruisin'.

We took Jakson to Chuckie Cheese and had lots of fun.

One of his gifts was a new bike. Nick and Alec from a few houses down were gald to help him out.

Jakson chose to have yellow cake and yellow frosting with red on it. Actually pretty tasty.

Nana and Papa got Jakson a new scooter.

Other fabulous goodies were money and some nerf rockets from Uncle Richard and Aunt Carolyn; a butterfly house and 3D bug book from Maddie, Ethan, Maren, Jeff and Lora; Monsters Inc DVD, flashcards, and electric toothbrush from Allie, Jessie, Megan Doug and Kirsten; a toy Jeep and some moolah from Grandma, clothes and cash from Nana and Papa (and scooter); and a watch from mom and dad.

Thanks to everyone for the great gifts.

4th of July

This year we spent the holiday in Sioux City. Thursday and Friday nights were X's baseball (even though we're Canaries fans, it's always a good time - Go Canaries!) Jakson got to eat "snacks" at the ballpark (aka junk food) and we saw some nice fireworks. Even though we had to leave early on Thursday as Jakson sometimes get so anxious about the noise he doesn't enjoy it, but Friday was better. Friday we also went to the little burg of Bronson for their parade. let em tell you - small towns really get into this. Rescue vehicles, tractors (or lordee lots of tractors) old cars, and horses. Oh - and candy - did I mention candy?!! Jakson soon figured out that if you way to the guys driving the tractors they will unload a downpour of candy. I had pockets filled with it. We also hit the pool in the afternoon for some cool fun in the sun.

Saturday we made the trek down to Richard and Carolyn's in Des Moines for some fun and food. Uncle Richard has all sorts of fun stuff a 4 yr old can do. Little fishing pond, golf carts, water guns....you name it - it was probably there somewhere. Jakson met up with some of his 2nd cousins (I think anyway) and some new friends and had a good time. Too much food later we headed home back to Sioux City. Sunday was a catch up day but not before we had to visit the kitchen at Red Lobster for a tornado warning before heading home to SF.

Here is a compilation of things we did on the 4th of July (in no particular order).

Papa trying his hand at catching a fish. No luck...

Me trying my luck.....no luck. Richard claims there are fish in here but I wasn't so sure at this point.

Jakson has some patience. About 30 seconds worth. Although we did finally manage to catch a bluegill before we left.

Jakson leaping for Karla at the pool. He is really becoming the tadpole. Swimming lessons start next week.

Jakson really liked the zero-depth part of the pool.

Jakson, Nana & Papa waiting for the parade to begin.

The Bronson Shriners.

Waiting for the next tractor to drive by and throw goodies! (notice the full hat - that's probably the 2nd or 3rd full hat's worth)

Tractors!

One of the neater firetrucks in the parade.