This is not a Valentine's post...this is just a tribute

We were asked to make Valentine's to be handed out to the elderly at a retirement home. Obviously they don't know Jackson nor will they get to meet him, but I figured they'd appreciate something that they can look at for always.

I decided it would be nice to buy some canvases and paint and have the boy go at it. This was also (suprisingly) a lot easier then sitting down and glueing, cutting, glittering, etc regular cards. The pictures can speak for themselves...

Downtown for a day

What do you do when it's too cold to let a lion cub pounce around outside? You take him downtown to the Children's Museum! He got all his pouncing done indoors this past weekend and LOVED it. 

He completely surprised us with the light box display--I honestly didn't think he even paid attention to me when I showed him letters but believe it or not he made the letter J! 

Just kidding folks, I spent a little TOO much time at the light box and even fended off a few 4 year olds when they threatened to take apart my masterpiece before I took a picture of it. 

 

Once Jack peeled me away we continued on to the golf ball room, the room had all kinds of contraptions to put golf balls into. Jackson really wanted to throw the balls at the kids instead of the contraptions so we didn't stay here very long either.

I have to say Jackson's favorite display had to be the kitchen. This Gordo doesn't pass up a good meal...even a fake one...

Smelling all that plastic food got Jackson in the mood for some real food so after the museum we took him to lunch and then decided to grab a margarita/milk at the W across the street. 

He was realllllyyyyy into the fireplace but Daddy did a good job of explaining 'no toque' (do not touch) so instead he just tempted fate a few times.

 

 Jack got his attention though by telling him there was a Mardi Gras party going on outside and he had go see it.

Turns out there was a 4 year old having a Mardi Gras themed birthday party  at the W and they had a mini parade outside the hotel (Jack--idea for MY birthday....hello...awesome).

Since Jackson was watching in awe, one of the parents kindly invited him to join in and handed him some beads, but this cub was getting sleepy so we opted out.

This little lion had a heck of day and was tuckered out by the time we got home. He once again thanked us profusely for such a great day. What's more--after his nap his Tia Karla and Tio Tony came over for a visit and brought him a present! 

This boy had one GREAT day...

Tio Ito & Tia Sheila

We are verrrrryyyy close to my Tia Sheila and Tio Ito. My mom used to ship my brother, Jorge and I off to them every summer for two weeks and we always had a BLAST getting into all kinds of trouble.

This past weekend they came into town and gordo and I got to spend the day with them. I'd like to say everything was gravy baby but that was NOT the case. Hard to imagine this kid can be 'difficult' at times, I know, but BELIEVE ME HE IS. This day in particular he woke up on the wrong side of the crib so we were doomed from the start.

THANK GOD my aunt and uncle were around to help out and whip the cub into shape. They may have had to buy me a margarita at lunch to calm my nerves, but I think they enjoyed their time with the boy. We ended up visiting my little brother Bibi on campus and I think Jackson enjoyed his 'fraternity time' a little too much...

 In the end the cub apologized for his behavior and said he thoroughly enjoyed the time he got to spend with HIS Tio Ito and Tia Sheila. Love you guys!!!

Dough Boy

Jackson LOVES having his stomach poked...he thinks it's HILARIOUS....

And the Party Continues!

This weekend we celebrated Jackson's birthday for the 3rd time! My parents, aunt, uncle and grandma from Honduras came into town to wish our sweet boy a Happy 1st Birthday. He was ELATED to see them and loved their company. 

Mostly he loved all the eating out he got to do but he very much appreciated all the hugs, kisses and presents he received as well. Here are a few shots from all the eating out we did...

And by out I mean outside...The cub was getting a little fussy at the P.F. Chang's dinner so we had a visit with the horse statue. Funny enough he stared at this thing for a long time and didn't seem to get tired of it at all....

 

 After some horsing around (wow) we got back to business and ended the celebration with what?!! ANOTHER peanut butter/banana cake!!!!

 No one seemed to want a slice of the cubs' cake, they thought the flavor was a bit odd--but you-know-who once again LOVED his cake and tore into it just like he did at his last celebration. 

 Gordo told me to tell the fam, "Gracias familia por la visita y MUCHISIMAS gracias por el pastel que me dejaron!". Thank you sweet family for your visit and for the cake you left for our lovely Gordo :)

Birthday Celebration Numero Dos

This past Saturday we celebrated the cubs' 1st birthday once again with Jack's family. Also with my cousin, her husband and kids and my brother, Bibi...I didn't want the grandparents to feel left out so we had a quiet time at home with some sodas, a birthday cake and of course...PRESENTS!!!!

I'm going to brag here....Jackson's two absolute favorite foods in this entire world are bananas and peanut butter. I looked/called/pleaded with about 13 different bakeries here in Austin and I finally found one who not only makes a 'banana' flavored cake but also makes a banana flavored cake WITH peanut butter frosting! OH, and to make it even more special? edible 24-karat gold flakes! 

Yes, I know, I'm kind of awesome for finding it. I thought about baking it myself for about 3 seconds and then Jack reminded me what a 'good baker' I am. 

 Jackson was confused at first when there were 15 people singing 'Happy Birthday' to him but then he caught wind of the cake and got really excited.

 I am pleased to say that the boy LOVED his peanut butter/banana (or the 'Elvis' as it is called at Sugar Mama's) cake. Not only did he dig right in but he just about finished that whole slice in the picture. Look at his face, it says it all!

 The rest of the afternoon was spent playing with his new presents and swinging on the old one.

Thank you family for joining in on the fun! 

A Boy and his Bike

Watch out streets of Austin, TX--Jackson's got wheels and he ain't afraid to use 'em!