Disney Day 1

We had such an amazing trip to Disney last week! We flew from Birmingham to Orlando Wednesday afternoon, and then flew back home on Sunday. It was Jackson’s first plane trip, and he loved it! He had a carry on packed to the hilt, and it kept him super entertained during the flight. After we landed  we were taken by Magical Express to our hotel, Pop Century, which was really cute. We stayed in the 50’s section, and our pool was shaped like a giant bowling pin, and it had gigantic Lady and the Tramp figures.

Our first day at Disney we hit Hollywood Studios. Because it was a trip for Jackson’s birthday, he wore a birthday button most of our time there and he got tons of special attention. The crowds were virtually nonexistent at all of the parks, and we were able to ride every ride during our entire trip with no more than a 10-15 minute wait. We rode tons of rides (even the “biggie” rides, more than once at all the parks. It was amazing! Jackson rode all the big kid rides, including Tower of Terror, but neither him nor I care to ride that ever again! We participated in an art class at the Art of Animation (taught by a Disney illustrator) and came home with some pretty cool pictures of Agent P from Phineas and Ferb. The illustrator even signed his copy and gave it to Jackson as a birthday present!

After lunch at Pizza Planet from the Toy Story movie, Jackson was picked to be the Junior Director at the Indiana Jones show later in the afternoon. We were nervous that he would chicken out, but he did great! His job was to say, “Lights, Camera, Action” to start the show, and I was so proud of him!

After a super fun day at Hollywood Studios, we headed to Epcot for dinner at the Garden Grill with Chip, Dale, Mickey and Pluto, which was yummy and super fun for Jackson. He had a lot of interaction with the characters, and they were super playful with him. After hitting up a few Epcot rides like Soarin (which was amazing), we then hopped on the monorail to Magic Kingdom to watch the Wishes fireworks show. We were exhausted by the time the day was over, but we couldn’t have asked for a more fun day. Enjoy the pics from Disney day 1!

We Will Never Forget…

A Magical Time With Our Big Kiddo!

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= A Magical Trip!

Pray for us to have a safe trip, good weather, and an amazing time!

Belated Birthday Party Pics

I realize that Jackson’s birthday party was 3 weeks ago, and I haven’t done anything with the pics. I apologize profusely. I’ve had this all encompassing thing called Disney on my mind, and I’ve been rather distracted. We were so thankful to Nana and Tata for letting us have the party at their house. It was so much fun with friends and family, and we had a fabulous time! Without further ado, here are the pics from Jackson’s Olympics themed 6th birthday pool party. I still need to get my Mom and Jeremy’s moms camera to get more family shots, but this is what I had on my camera. Enjoy!

5 Days Til Walt Disney World!

Any last minute advice on what to take, what not to take, what to buy in the park, rides not to miss, and rides to avoid? We’re so excited!!!!

I have to start packing this weekend, so keep those tips coming!

RIP Alvin

On Sunday, August 26, 2012, our beloved fish Alvin met his Heavenly father. It was a very unexpected end to his life; He was swimming around, well, swimmingly at 4 in the afternoon, and at 8 in the evening he was, well, not swimming anymore.

He was given a proper burial at sea by Jeremy, the best funeral director we know, and after saying some nice words about Alvin, ala The Cosby Show episode where Rudy’s pet fish died, we sent him on his merry way.

In lieu of flowers, Jackson is requesting donations for his upcoming Disney trip.

Let The Homework Begin

Jackson had his first homework assignment last night, and if last night was any indication, it's going to be a long and drawn out school career for the next 16 years. There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth, and that was just Jeremy and I. Jackson was a whole nother ball game.

It wasn't a hard assignment by any stretch; he had to read a story (which went great) and then copy his ten spelling words out twice. He started off great, for the first 2 words, and then it was procrastination central. The whole assignment should have taken 10 minutes max, but someone, ahem Jackson, insisted on carrying on an impressive drama king routine and dragged the whole shindig out for an ungodly 45 minutes for 10 simple spelling words.

Right now my Mom is probably sitting here reading this and thinking to herself, "Payback sweetie!" for all the years I did the exact same thing to her.

To Mom and Dad, I need to give you a public apology from the bottom of my heart. I had no idea that homework really was as terrible to you as it was to me. Trust me, I get it now....

The best part? When he was finally done, Jackson said, "That wasn't so bad!"

If  he only knew...

His First Harley Ride

Sunday night we had dinner with one of Jeremy’s “families” from work. They invited us over and we had smoked chicken, corn on the cob, broccoli salad, baked potatoes and watermelon. The food was delicious, and the company was super nice. It turned out that I graduated from high school with this couple’s son, and we had such a nice, easy-going, conversation.

After dinner Mike offered to take Jackson on his first Harley ride. He suited Jackson up in a silver helmet with orange flames and Jackson was grinning from ear to ear. We got Jackson settled on the back of the Harley, and I swear, I couldn’t have wiped that grin off his face if I had tried.

Jackson absolutely loved his ride on the Harley, and quickly announced when they got back that he was ready to go again! 

With the line of work Jeremy is in, I hate it when Jeremy  has “new” clients, but I was glad that we had the chance to meet some new friends. Definitely not a bad way to end a summer weekend!

Post Turtle

Jeremy got this in an email and forwarded it to me. After reading it, I had to share. There was so much truth in it...

While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75 year old rancher whose hand was caught in the squeeze gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man. Eventually the topic got around to Obama and his role as our president.

The old rancher said, 'Well, ya know, Obama is a 'Post Turtle''.

Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him, what a 'post turtle' was.

The old rancher said, 'When you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a 'post turtle'.

The old rancher saw the puzzled look on the doctor's face so he continued to explain. "You know he didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he's up there, he's elevated beyond his ability to function, and you just wonder what kind of dumb a** put him up there to begin with."

Best explanation I've heard yet of Obama.

First Day Success!

Jackson had a great first day of first grade! Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes for our big man. He loved his teacher, Mrs. Hicks, and he made lots of friends today. When I dropped him off this morning he did fine, and I got a big old lump in my throat when it was time to go! It was not quite as hard leaving him as it was for kindergarten, but it was still hard. He was like, "Bye, Mom." So much for being missed! We are so excited about this year, and look forward to an amazing school year. Enjoy the pics!

First Day Of First Grade

Jackson starts first grade today, and we are so excited. It’s kinda bittersweet for me, but he’s going to do amazing, and we absolutely love his teacher. I decided to interview Jackson, and at the end of the year I’ll ask him the same questions and see how he changes over the year.
What is your favorite subject in school? PE.
What is your favorite thing to eat for school lunch? Ham and cheese sandwich.
What did you like about Mrs. Hick’s classroom? She has cool desks for us.
What is going to be the best thing about first grade? You get to play.
What do you think about having homework? It’s gonna be hard.
What is your favorite color? Red.
Are you nervous about school? Yes, a little bit.
What are you nervous about? Going into my classroom and meeting new people.
How many friends do you think you will have? A lot.
How many girlfriends? (Insert blank stare.) ZERO.
I can’t wait to hear about his first day!!! I’m so nervous for him, but he will do wonderful. Wish him luck!

More Magical Advice Needed

We are 20 days away from our trip and I’m beginning to get into obsessive mode about planning. I have the meal reservations nailed down, touring plans app downloaded, and lots of Disney “souvenirs” to surprise Jackson with in our room. Here’s where I’m out of my element, and I would gladly welcome any advice y’all can share with me…

Backpacks: What to pack in it? Is it worth it carrying it around all day?

Autographs: What do you get autographed? I’ve thought of the autograph books, a pillow case, or a photo mat to frame a picture from our trip when we get home.

Strollers: Should we get one for Jackson just so he doesn’t have to walk so much?

Transportation: What is the best way to get from Epcot to Magic Kingdom?

Hotel: Do we go back to the hotel during the day to rest?

Water rides: Do your shoes get soaked and then you have to walk around in wet shoes all day which sounds like a major recipe for blisters? Do you take a pair of flip flops? Does your backpack get soaked?

Tower of Terror: Will this ride traumatize Jackson for the rest of his life?

Thanks for any advice y’all can share!!!

Dear Jackson,

Happy 6th Birthday, Jackson! You have been waiting for this day for close to 6 months, and you can now finally say you are six! Whoo-hoo! At six years old, you are one of the most delightful, polite and well behaved children I have ever met. I know I'm biased, but your sweet spirit and kind heart shine through and through. When kindergarten was over last year, you got the award for being the most kind in your classroom, and I wasn't surprised by that at all, because that is who you are all the time. You love your family so much, and your brother thinks you are the greatest person to walk this green Earth!

Your big birthday present from Daddy and I was a trip to Disney World. You are so excited about your trip, and we can't wait to spend some amazing one-on-one time with you in a few weeks. It's going to be such a special time with you, and I can't wait for the memories!

Jackson you start 1st grade on Monday, and I know that you are going to do such a good job.  You are smart beyond belief, and it's going to be so much fun to see what you learn this year. Although you aren't ready to summer to end, you are so excited about being in Mrs. Hick's class, and I know that you will grow leaps and bounds in the next year.

Thank you, Jackson, for being such a wonderful kiddo. You have blessed our lives beyond belief, and I'm so proud to be your Mama. Love you always!!!

Love,

Mom