Dinosaur Train!

Last weekend we took the boys to see Dinosaur Train Live. They had a show come into Austin and since it is one of Jackson's favorite television shows we thought it'd be a nice surprise for him.

 He was THRILLED to pieces. James was pretty excited as well. We made sure we planned out the day down to the bathroom breaks, for optimal viewing pleasure. Both boys took extra early naps so that they would be ready for the show and as it turns out, our planning was for the best.

 They both were well behaved. Jackson more so than his little brother, but James did his part to stay awesome at least through intermission. After that I hung out with James outside the theatre and let him wander while Daddy and Jackson enjoyed some serious sing alongs.

Jack said he was thankful that not only did they sell alcoholic beverages (in sippy cups no less!) but that they actually allowed them inside the theatre. Austin, we love you. 

If you would have told me years ago that this is how I'd be spending my Sunday I would have told you "YEA. Right."It's incredible the things we do for these boys, but in the end it's pretty incredible the things these boys do for us. I just hope they appreciate it one day. One day....

Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

Much like his older brother, James is quite the fan of this crazy song. These boys are dancers y'all.

Spring Break '14

As mentioned in the previous post we went to Houston this last week during Spring Break. It was a last minute decision and a great one if you ask me. The boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had so much fun visiting with my family...

 

In addition to visiting the family we thought it'd be nice to take in the Houston sights. We heard THE Magna Carta was in town and being the good nerds we are, we decided to check it out at the Natural History Museum...

Jackson surprisingly thought this exhibit was pretty cool (he is so our son) and told his teachers at school that he saw the Magna Carta in Houston and wrote it himself... 

aka he drew a replica...Regardless, they were impressed with his knowledge ;)

You know we couldn't leave the museum without checking out a few dinosaurs...

and even ride one! 

James asked to go see the insect exhibit, but the boys ended up being unimpressed... 

 Until we walked into the butterfly sanctuary. Then their faces lit up, especially James'. He seemed to love it...

Thank you momma! 

some brotherly love...

 

 and then we wandered outside in the park in order for James to finish out his nap in the stroller. Turns out there were some kids rolling down the hill and Jackson wanted to try it as well. He's never done this before so Jack and I had to show him a few times before he got the hang of it...

 The following day we decided to take them to Space Center Houston where the boys got to go into outer space and see planet earth from above....

 

 I'm not gonna lie, it sounds A LOT cooler than it actually was. In this day and age I feel as though our iphones can do way more than any space shuttle can and when we asked Jackson what his favorite part about the trip was he said, "the SLIDE!". Don't we look happy though!!?!?

 Best part about the Space Center was definitely the souvenirs. I told Jackson he could have absolutely anything he wanted and he needed to choose something for James as well, (he was asleep in the baby carrier). Jackson chose the 'space osito' for James (of course) and some astronaut gummies for himself. He didn't care that they wouldn't last more than five minutes and he had to share with momma and dada, that's what he wanted. So that's what he got. Oh, and they were gone in three minutes...

Spring Break 2014 in the bag. Houston, you were good to us. Cheesy Space Center and all. Family, thank you for having us and spending time with the boys. I'm so glad we got to see y'all and can't wait to see you again soon!

Gone Fishin'

Over Spring Break we went to Houston to visit my family and take the boys to some neat exhibits around town. While there, my uncle (per usual) took Jackson fishing to the Bayou near my grandfather's house. Jackson LOVES Tio Ito and Tia Sheila and he LOVES to feed the turtles near Tata's home.

Jack, James and I hung back while my uncle took Jackson all by himself. Jack and I are so thankful for my family--they are so wonderful with the boys and the boys just adore them. I mean truly, Jackson always asks to be left behind in Houston because he always has a blast with them. It also doesn't hurt that Tio Stephen (Jack's brother) lives there, the boys love him as much as he loves them.

This latest video is perfection. It's more than just a take on Andy Griffith. My uncle took it and it speaks volumes of Jackson, my uncle, their relationship, our relationship with him, my crazy family and the overall love we have for each other and of course the aforementioned show. Andy Griffith is a family favorite and Tio Ito's interpretation is gold:

Busy Bees

James Fish

James has started swim lessons. He actually started at the beginning of the semester (mid January) but we've only now come to a point in class where he can take make up classes on Saturdays. 

We've missed a class here and there and Jack has been dying to get into the pool with our Jamesie, (as Jackson calls him) so a few Saturdays ago we decided to take a make up class with Dada. 

 As you can tell, both guys were really excited about this. James couldn't believe it wasn't me that was holding him and I have to admit, I'm not big on sharing my boys. Even with their Dada. Jack promised me everything would be ok so I stood back and took pictures...

 James L-O-V-E-S the water so it wasn't even a question as to whether he'd enjoy swim lessons or not. I wasn't in the least bit concerned.

 Turns out he enjoys the pool even more than bath time. I really didn't even think that was possible, but it is! He's learning how to kick, hangs on to the side of the pool, is holding his breath for seconds under water and enjoys standing up and playing on the island.

He's so great. Sooooo easy going and we are really proud of him!

 Jackson is proud of him too, he was excited to watch James swim and thought it was sooooo cool that Dada was there.

 Jackson was making up a class as well (which is why he was swimming) and was thrilled to pieces to show James how he goes down the slide. It was really cute.

 And because Jackson isn't one to let me forget him, like ever, he asked me to take pictures of him in my most recent purchase and his latest obsession....

 His triceratops swim goggles go EVERYWHERE with us. If you think they are just for swimming you are dead wrong, let me tell you.

But back to our James....He is truly enjoying his swim lessons and is getting better and better with every class. Oh, and in case you were wondering, Jackson is too. He's such a great swimmer now and we are really proud of him as well :)

9 Months!!!