Fall Festival

Noah's school had their Fall Festival this weekend. You'd have thought we were going to Disney World again judging by how excited he was! He had lots of fun playing all the games. Our kindergarten booth had "Plinko" like the game from "The Price is Right". It seemed to be a big hit...there was always a line to play.
Looking for a "needle in a haystack" to win a prize.

His favorite thing of all...the big inflatable slide. I think we used most of our tickets here!!

It was pretty steep, so he shot down like a little rocket! As soon as it was over, he run around to do it again. Maybe we need one of these at home? Not sure where I'd be able to fit it in though!

Pumpkin Patch

Last Friday, Noah's kindergarten class took a field trip to Tate Farm's Pumpkin Patch. David, Jackson, and I got to go along to join the fun, too.
Scarecrow Noah

Scarecrow Jackson

Jackson loved all the pumpkins! He learned to say Pumpkin Patch and there's no telling how many times we've heard him say it since!

Playing in the corn crib!

The perfect pumpkin! He insisted on getting a really big one this year.

Daddy and Jackson

Jackson's Birthday

I'm running way late on putting pictures of from Jackson's birthday, but better late than never! His birthday was on a Monday, so the Sunday before, we had lunch to celebrate at our house after church with MawMaw, PawPaw, Aunt Wendy and family, and GG & Grandy. We had an Elmo cake which Jackson loved!
We actually had a hard time keeping him out of it! He wanted to dive right in as soon as he saw it.

Just thought this picture of Noah and Olivia was too cute!

Jackson loved it when we sang "Happy Birthday" to him...he even knew what to do when it was time to blow out the candles. He had a little help from Mommy, but he tried it on his own.

Finally getting to eat cake! His favorite!

Opening presents with big brother Noah to help. Noah did so good helping him with everything...I don't think he was any happier on his own birthday!

Two sweet little boys! They looked so cute sitting together checking out a couple of little toys that Jackson got. We're so thankful they love each other so much.!

Jackson had lots of fun (and we did too) at his birthday party. Can't believe he's already 2! We love you little buddy!

Tough Week at Work

Whew!!!


It's been a tough week at work. First it was Miami Beach on Monday...

Then, got some work done Tuesday at a meeting at our helicopter base in Miami. Leaving the Tamiami airport I was able to see a some history of the Bay of Pigs with a displayed Cuban Air Force B26-C Invader.

Then the nerd in me had to swing by The National Hurricaine Center in Coral Gables just because it was close by.

Then it was a nice drive down past the Everglades into Key Largo and Islamorada...

I've been to a lot of hospitals and in a lot of ambulances over the years, but I've never seen either like this! A Turtle hospital and ambulance. I've seen it all now!

Longest bridge on the Overseas Highway. The Atlantic Ocean is on the left side and the Gulf of Mexico is on the right. This is the point where the two meet. Pretty cool!

It was a beautiful drive, but I was glad to finally get to Key West!

Duvall Street is packed with unique shops and eateries. It's kind of like South Beach though; a little too unusual for a hillbilly from Tennessee.

Went to Sunset Pier and watched the world famous Key West sunset Tuesday night. It was amazing; just like they say...

Then on Wednesday after some meetings and work with our base in Key West I got in a few final tourist sites before time to get to the airport and fly home. Saw all of the classics like Hemmingway's Home...

The end of US 1 (which I have been at the beginning of in Bar Harbor, Maine) and mile marker "O" for the United States roadway system.

The Key West Lighthouse was absolutely beautiful!

Flagler Beach wasn't too bad either...

Complete with the clearest water I've ever seen at a beach anywhere. This water was even clearer than in the Bahamas!

They claim to have the "best Key Lime Pie in the world." It was pretty good, but at $4.50 a slice I think I'll stick to the cheaper options. I liked my Kalauah Almond Fudge ice cream cone even better.

A nice older couple from Pennsylvania took my picture with the southernmost point buoy. Only 90 miles to Cuba! Back in 1990 I never thought wearing a snow white outfit and being a guy in nursing school would take me to places like this. A career in air medical has turned out to be better than I ever even dreamed it could be.

But, after three days away for business I was ready to be home. It was great to see Becky, Noah, Jackson and even Bones had come to the airport to pick me up. The Keys are a very nice place to visit, but I'll keep the Tennessee Valley instead.

2 Years Ago Today...

this was our baby Jackson! We are celebrating Jackson's 2 year birthday today! Can't believe it's been two years since our little buddy came into our lives. I remember thinking before he was born that we almost couldn't imagine loving another child like we loved Noah. It didn't take us too long to figure it out! We love him so much and he makes our family complete. We couldn't ask for a cuter, sweeter, happier baby than we got. He's the perfect little brother for Noah and they have become best buddies since he came along. The last two years have flown by and I'm sure the ones to come will go by even faster, so we'll have to look back on baby pictures like these to remember what our baby Jackson was like.

Happy Birthday Jackson! We love you very much!!!!

Can I PLEASE Sleep With Noah????

Jackson loves his big brother so much that bedtime is becoming a struggle for us. When I start to carry Jackson to his room, he cries and cries- not because he has to go to bed, but because he's leaving Noah. He cries Noah's name over and over. Every night when it's almost bedtime, they lay down on the couch together to watch a little TV. When this time is up is when the troubles begin. Not sure what to do about it...I've thought about letting them try to sleep together, but I'm a little hesitant to take Jackson out of the crib just yet. He's always slept so good in his bed that I'm afraid to change anything!

It's Rained So Much I Need a Life Jacket!

Jackson apparently decided the rain was a definite threat the other day because he brought his life jacket in from the garage and insisted on putting it on! It has rained lots lately!
He ended up wearing it around the house for a couple of hours before the fun wore off! Thankfully, we can now see lots of sunshine forecasted for the week!

Reading Time

As he frequently does, Noah made it into Jackson's room the other morning before we did. When we made it in there, we found Noah in Jackson's bed reading to him! It's hard to tell which one loves the other more...Noah loves taking care of Jackson, and Jackson pretty much thinks Noah hung the moon!

Cowboy Jackson Part 2

This time Cowboy Jackson found his horse!

Noah's First Soccer Game

He was thrilled with his new uniform, of course!
Noah got to make the first kick of the game!

Having fun!

Running hard- I think he was a little surprised at how hard he had to play at soccer!

After the game he was all smiles even though our team didn't come out on top. He had fun and that's all that counts I guess!

Can't believe how grown up he looks in this picture! Go Blue Sharks! Maybe we'll have better luck next Saturday!