Harger Family Fun

Our good friends, the Hargers, came out to visit us over Labor Day Weekend.

I was a little nervous with how Jackson was going to act around Campbell and Coleman since he has a bit of anxiety when it comes to other kids being in HIS house.  But he did great!  There were a few fights over toys, but other than that things went smoothly.  In fact, towards the end of the trip, Jackson was following Coleman around the house trying to be a big boy too!

Coleman and Jackson playing with the train set.  

Campbell taking a break in the tent.  

Shaking their booty with the dancing candy cane. 

We went to the Safari Park with the kiddos and they had a blast.  We rode the tram which took us around Africa to see all of the wild animals.  The Giraffes were a big hit with the kids.  

 Campbell, Cari and Coleman on the African tram. 

Jackson and Jared chillin' on the African tram. 

We also took a trip to the beach one morning.  I have to say that I was preparing myself for the worst.  The last time we went to the beach Jackson had a huge meltdown and got sand all over his face, which made the meltdown even worse.  But now that he can walk, he had a blast.  He walked around barefoot in the sand and played with some sand toys Coleman and Campbell brought with them.  We only stayed for about an hour because the tide was getting too high, but that was enough time for everyone.  When we left Jared and I both agreed that the beach trip was a SUCCESS!  You never know which way it's going to go with three kids that are four and under :)  

Jared, Jackson, Campbell, Cari and Coleman getting ready to get wet.  

The parents got to have some fun as well.  We got a babysitter one evening and had an amazing dinner in La Jolla along with a few tasty beverages as well!

Our view at dinner. 

Goofing off with our Seafood Tower appetizer.  

A great dinner with great friends!

Thanks for coming out and seeing us Jordan, Cari, Campbell and Coleman!  We can't wait to come visit you in Tucson for Thanksgiving!!!!

This is How I Roll

If you're gonna watch some Mickey Mouse Club House, you might as well watch it in style ... on your scooter!

Playroom

While Jared was out of town in Colorado for work, Jackson and I spiffed up his playroom.  We put up curtains, a red shelving unit and brought out some toys I've been saving.  Oliver liked the new playroom as well because there was a pillow for him to lay on.

 Jackson checking out his playroom. 

Jackson playing with his train set Grandma and Grandpa Wine got him.

Oliver seems to think the stuffed dog is more comfy than his pillow. 

Boys Will be Boys

Oh, do you want this toy, Oliver? 

This toy right here? This is the one you want?  

Too bad, it's mine.   

 No really, it's mine.  

Give it to me.  

Don't make me put you in a headlock.  

Nany Nany Boo Boo ... I have your toy.   

Ok, I've over it.  I found mom's camera case. 

Please do not Feed the Animals.

What's that Mr. Alligator?  You are hungry?

Would you like some of my string cheese?  Yes?  Ok ...

Happy Cooker

When my parents were out here in July my mom taught a few of us in my mom's group how to sew adult and children's aprons.  Of course I made one for Jackson so he could *help me in the kitchen.

*Help me = pulling out tupperware, banging wood spoons on the floor, throwing food off the counter, etc.

 Lobster apron!

Shoes Aren't just for your Feet

The past few weeks Jackson has become increasingly interested in Jared and I's shoes.  He thinks it's funny when he puts them on his hands and walks around with them.  He also thinks it's funny to take our shoes and throw them anywhere but where they should be ... trash can, bathtub, dirty clothes basket, in his toy box, etc.

Update on Oliver

Well, I haven't posted about Oliver in a few weeks, so I thought I would give everyone an update on what he's been up to.

He found himself a new spot to relax ...

He is still getting chased by Jackson ...

He still enjoys Macaroni night ...

31 Great Years

Nici, my friend from college, came out to San Diego last weekend to celebrate her 31st birthday with the Teachs!  Nici is one of those visitors where you don't have to clean your commodes or cook any fancy dinners.  Just give her some Dr. Pepper and the Beach and she is happy!  So, I gave her some Dr. P and the Beach and she left with a smile on her face :)

Since Jackson has started to come out of his "mommy/stranger anxiety/shy/cranky" stage, he warmed up to Nici right away (well, maybe it took 1/2 a day).  He even let her hold him when I was in the same room- for those of you who have been around Jackson in the past two months know that is a HUGE breakthrough!

Drinking Dr. Pepper and going to the beach weren't the only things we did while Nici was in town.  We went to Cordiano Winery for some yummy pizza, wine and a beautiful sunset.  We had a girls day out, which consisted of pedicures, a trip to the Yellow Deli and a run through Trader Joes for some yummy snacks.  On her last day here we went to Caprillo National Monument to see the Veterans Cemetery that overlooks the ocean and down to SeaPort Village for some last minute browsing.

Thanks for coming out, Nici.  We had fun!

Enjoying lunch by the ocean.  

Nici and Jackson checking out the waves. 

Wine tasting at Cordiano Winery 

 Jared taking his turn chasing Jackson down at the Winery

Sunset at the Winery 

Someone has a little too much wine!

Start Your Engine

Jackson took his first steps about three weeks ago and every day he just gets better and better at it.  Now he can pretty much walk clear around the living room and even turn around and walk back before he falls.

It's been hard to catch him on video the last few weeks because he only did it every once in awhile- but now that he is walking more I finally captured it!

Note the whistle I use to call him over to me as if he was Oliver.

Like a Fish Out of Water

We are hosting mommy and me swim classes at our pool this summer and Jackson has become quite the fish out of water :)  I know, I know ... the saying is usually "fish in the water", however for Jackson that is not the case.

He isn't quite enjoying the classes as much as I thought he would.  It might have something to do with the class being during his nap time or it could be that he is too concerned with all the other kids playing with his toys to pay attention.

We have made progress, however.  At the first class he cried screamed the entire lesson.  Now he is pretty calm until we get to the part where I put him on his back to float.   None of the kiddos are fans of this.  At 11:25 every Wednesday and Friday it sounds like a torture chamber in our backyard.   

Here are a few pictures of Jackson and I during lessons.

One Less Thing on my To-Do List

Grandma and Grandpa Wine came in to town a few weeks ago and we had so much fun.  Jackson is slowly coming out of his stranger anxiety stage, so he was much better with allowing Grandma and Grandpa to hold him.  I think he spent more time in Grandma's arms than he did on the floor :)

It is a little difficult to get out and about with Jackson these days due to his nap schedule.  Due to this, we mostly stayed around the house during Grandma and Grandpa's visit, but I was just fine with that because it meant my "to-do" list got some attention!  We planted flowers, cut down trees, mulched the beds and fixed the sprinklers.  Home Depot knew us by name!

We did get out of the house a few times to do some fun touristy stuff.  We toured the Midway, a retired naval ship, and ate at some yummy beach-side restaurants.

It was so nice to have extra hands around the house to help out.  We can't wait for Grandma and Grandpa to come back out to see us!

Having lunch at the Fish Market in downtown San Diego. 

Grandma Wine getting Jackson some pilot wings.  

Jackson exploring his wings. 

A favorite position during the visit- Grandpa asleep on the couch, Jackson cuddling and watching tv. 

Drawers Aren't Just for Cups

Jackson 0; Coffe Table 1

Jackson put up a good fight, but unfortunately it wasn't enough and he finally succumbed to the coffee table.

Here are the stats:

Round 1:
Shiner under his left eye

Round 2:
Fat lip with a cut on the inside of his mouth

M-E-L-T-D-O-W-N

Wow.  Meltdowns and the beach do not mix.

Going ...

 Going ...

Going ...  

Gone.

Don't worry ... I did pick him up and wipe him off, but I HAD to get pictures first!