Where oh Where Have the Teachs Been?

Well hellllloooo there. Wow- it's been quite awhile since I have posted!  In my defense, I did try to post earlier this week, but accidentally deleted the batch of photos I was going to upload :(

Things have been going really well with us out here in sunny SD.  The weather has been ... well, the same as usual; low to mid-70's.  There have been a few overcast days where I pretend the leaves are falling outside and put on a sweater and make some soup.  But that only lasts a day or so and then it's back to sun. And BELIEVE me- I am NOT complaining!  But I do miss the midwest fall.

Jackson is growing unbelievably fast and seriously learns something knew every day.  He is pointing and jabbering at anything and everything.  It is crazy how much he can understand- if I tell him we are going upstairs to take a nap or bath he heads straight for the stairs.  I'll ask him to open or close something and he will and the other day I asked him where my shoes were and he went and found them and brought them to me.  Hmmm .... I wonder how long it will be before he can get me the remote and a refill on my diet coke?

His favorite toys include his train set, his lawnmower, his cell phone and any type of car.  He loves to say "vroom, vroom" when he plays with his cars and loves to "mow" the tile with his lawnmower while I am sweeping.  And I am happy to report we have went almost three months with no cell phone incident!  Woohoo!  He knows if he has mommy's cell phone he is to give it back to her, NOT hide it or throw it or chew on it.

Oliver and Jackson are still playing really well together; although, we are starting to notice a little bullying going on FROM Oliver.  The other day Jack was carrying around a piece of cheese and Oliver was trying to get to it, but Jack was holding it up above his head and running.  Oliver backed him up against the corner of the wall, forced him to sit down and then put his paws on Jack's shoulders and stole the piece of cheese right out of his hands.  Of course, Jack thought it was funny and went and got another piece of cheese.  I know Jack is keeping track of all of this so he can 'repay' Oliver when he's bigger.

Here are some pics of Jack for your enjoyment.

Taking a break from mowing to catch some 'toons. 

Back to work ... 

What Jack's train set looks like by the end of the day.  

Track missing, bridge collapsed, mountain topple over.   

Daddy and Jack snuggling in bed.  

Pumpkin Patch

We took Jackson to Bates Nut Farm a few weeks back to pick out some pumpkins and go to the petting zoo.  He happened to be teething (a molar!) that day, so he was pretty cranky and didn't want much to do with the animals, but he thought the pumpkin patch was the BEST.

Trying to figure out how mommy is driving the tractor.  

Wheeling some pumpkins around.  

Picking out his pumpkin.  Of course he chose the LARGE one.   

Mom thought it would be a good photo op.   Jackson did not.   

Feeding the goats.   

Jackson got fed up with the goats, so Daddy fed the rest of the corn to them. 

Sneak Peak ...

Here is a sneak peak of our Halloween outfits this year.  Can you guess who the family is going as?

Monkeying Around

When I walked into Jack's room this morning to get him out of bed, this is what I found ...

Evidently his monkey is not only a toy, but a fashion accessory too.

The Big Red

We went to a birthday party this weekend and a special guest showed up to greet the kids.  ELMO!

Jackson lasted about 5 seconds longer than we thought he would.

Fun with Paper

There's nothing more fun for a 15-month old than getting a present in the mail ... and playing with the packing paper instead of the toy.

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 ...