Kansas or Bust

We went back to Kansas this past week for a few weddings and Jackson's birthday.  While it was a very busy trip, it was so good to see our family and friends.  As with our last trip home, we wish we had more time to spend with everyone.

We started our trip out with a great flight from San Diego to Kansas City with Jackson spending the majority of the time looking out the window.  He has never had the chance to look out the window, as he's always been facing backward in his car seat.

My brother picked us up from the airport on Friday and we headed to his place in Vassar, or as Jared and I refer to it "home base" because that is where we keep all of our stuff as we make the rounds around Kansas.  My nephew, Kendall, was met with a surprise as Jackson came through the door.  He was a little bigger and more boisterous than the last time he had seen him at Christmas.  They played really well together during the week, only having two fights over toys, which consisted of both boys slapping their hands at each other like they were in a cat fight.

The following day, Saturday, we headed up to Kansas City for a birthday party for Jackson at 810 Zone on the plaza.  Several friends and family showed up to help us celebrate.  Jackson was pretty reserved and clingy to me the entire party, but I can't blame him since he is used to quiet days with mom and Oliver, not 45 people all wanting to hold and snuggle him.  I'm hoping the next time we are back he will be over his shy and mommy stage so more people get to interact with him.

The party was a baseball themed party complete with baseball balloons, a baseball smash cake, KC royals and San Diego Padres cakes and the birthday boy wearing a baseball jersey.  We asked everyone to bring a plush toy or stuffed animal to donate to Children's Mercy Hospital instead of a gift for Jackson.  This was a huge success and we were able to donate 10 bags of toys to the hospital!!  Big thanks to everyone for their generosity.

The birthday cakes.  The one that looks like Jackson go to it was actually
dropped on the floor by yours truly. Doh! 

Birthday Boy's shirt- Back 

Birthday Boy's shirt- Front

Surveying the situation. 

Mommy helping him out. 

Now he gets the idea.  

YUM.  

I'm pretty impressed with his work.  

Such a big boy!

Saturday night we headed to my friend Jimi Sato's wedding reception in my home town, Madison.  Jared and I were pretty exhausted so we only stayed for a little while, but it was so good to see her and catch up.

On Sunday we headed to Salina, KS to see Jared's dad, Jim, and celebrate Father's Day.  We had a nice relaxing time at his place and had our first, but not last, BBQ of the week :)  Jim has a cat and Jackson was obsessed with it.  All he did was chase the cat around the entire time.  Poor cat had a little less hair once we left :(  

Jackson chasing the cat.

Jackson showing Great-Grandma and Grandpa Teach how to use the computer. 

On Monday we headed out to Hope, KS to the Davidson Family Farm to see Jared's mom's side of the family.  Jackson got to meet his new cousin, Dalton, and got a tour of the farm, complete with goats, pigs, cows and a ride in the Combine!  

Monday night we headed back to Vassar to spend the night.  Tuesday and Wednesday were spent in Kansas City visiting with some friends and driving to Greeley, KS to see my Grandparents.  

Thursday and Friday we went to Topeka, KS to see Ann and Nancy, Jackson's Grandma and Aunt.  Needless to say he was spoiled with lots of hugs, kisses and many trips outside to roam around.  We cooked out Thursday night and had yummy Belgium waffles on Friday morning.  We hit up Taco Villa, a T-town favorite, on Friday afternoon before heading back to Vassar.  

Jackson showing off his computer skills.

Jackson's full-length K-State bib!  Where was this on macaroni night?  

Jackson, Aunt Nancy, Jared, Grannie Annie

Saturday my parents picked us up in Vassar and drove the family up to Kansas City to a friend's wedding.  My parents watched Jackson at our hotel (which happened to be the same hotel Jared proposed to me at) while Jared and I went to the wedding.  We got to see a lot of friends on our final night in Kansas City.

On the rooftop at The Terrace on Grand.  KC Plaza and Light District in the background.  

Sunday morning all of us were up early to catch our flight back to San Diego.  It was such a great trip and there were so many memories that reminded us of how much we love Kansas City.  Although the humidity was not one of them :)