Jackson's 10th Birthday

We had a big week of celebrating last week! Jackson turned "10" and we had cupcakes with his team, cupcakes with the family at Fiesta Mexicana, and a baseball cookie cake with a few of his baseball buddies.  We celebrated Jackson turning "10" for several days.

Dinner out on Jackson's birthday was wild, to say the least.  It's always wild when my family gets together with all of the children.  Jackson's words about next year's birthday were, "Let's make reservations for five next year." It was fun, nonetheless.

Since Jackson and Webb go on a baseball trip every summer, we don't do big birthday parties.  However this year, Jackson asked if he could have a few baseball buddies over just to eat dinner.  The original plan went from two kids to five kids.  We ordered pizza and the boys played capture the flag, wiffle ball, and football for most of the evening.

Something amazing happened on Jackson's actual birthday.  All but one of our butterflies hatched.  To me, butterflies symbolize growth, change, and letting go.  I felt as if it was somewhat of a gift to Jackson that the butterflies hatched on his birthday.  Maybe they too were celebrating Jackson's life.  I truly believe that God uses EVERYTHING to show us how much he really loves us.  It was also a little reminder to me that my baby is changing and growing up.  As hard as that is, I know it's the way that God designed things.  Caterpillars spend their short lives preparing for a greater purpose.  God is molding Jackson into the man he was created to be.

Yesterday, I took Jackson to see the movie, A Dolphin's Tale.  We received a homeschool ocean study guide via email so I thought that this would be a fun (and educational) way to end the week.  The movie was very inspirational and one that I could watch again and again.  It's based on the true story of a dolphin, Winter, who received a prosthetic tail.  One of the main characters is homeschooled and so there was a large homeschool turnout for the movie's opening yesterday.  It was a great bonding time for Jackson and I which ended with a trip to Michael's and Target to buy birthday gifts (see paragraph below). 

We have a big weekend ahead of us so I'm trying to catch up on the blogging now.  Jackson has two birthday parties to attend, one which includes a night a hotel, Japanese steakhouse, bowling, and Frankie's, all in one day!  He's beyond excited.  He gets to have a Nerf gun war tomorrow after going skating at Jellybeans.  I guess once Monday rolls around, he'll be worn out.  The boys also have a big baseball game today against "Cousin Colby" and his team.  Finally, Granny is hosting all of Granddaddy's sisters and their daughters this weekend.  We will be celebrating Aunt Anne's 50th birthday.  Although it's rainy and we are ready to see the sun shine again, it's still going to be a great weekend. 

The birthday boy being serious

Silly cousins

Eating a cupcake

Our attempt at cookie decorating

Three old Bulls buddies

I would love to know what both of them are thinking

New Beginnings

Webb and Jackson spent a few days in Boston over  Labor Day weekend.  They toured the city and watched the Red Sox and Rangers play.  They had a great time on their annual birthday trip.  I wonder where they'll go next year?

While Webb and Jackson were away, Sawyer and I spent our time at Carolina Beach with cousins, Leah and Davis. I enjoyed hanging out with Leah and it was so much fun watching the boys entertain each other.  Also, Davis' Uncle Morgan got to spend some time with us too.  We were all glad to have him around.  

We started fourth grade last week.  So far so good!  I keep saying, "new year, new leaves" because I think Jackson and I both have turned over new leaves this year.  I think I might have  found what works best for both Jackson and me.  I also think that Jackson has matured in a lot of ways and he's also becoming more confident in reading.  It's still early but I'm hoping and praying. 

This year, we're reviewing some of the US history and historical figures that we studied in prior years.  We're also doing a study on North Carolina.  Last week, we visited the farmer's market and we made a map of the North Carolina regions out of cookie dough.  We're also learning about hurricanes and butterfly life cycles in science.  We have five caterpillars in the pupa stage!  I think this might be the week that they begin hatching.  Exciting!

Webb and Jackson have coached/played two games this weekend and they are off to a great start.  The Padres are 2-0!  I couldn't be more proud of Webb.  He is so good with the kids and he seems to work well with the parents.  Jackson is doing a lot of catching this fall, mostly because they need him behind the plate and he's one of the few kids that wants to be back there.  He seems to be a natural at that position.  He loves it!

Jackson went over to the neighbor's house last night, who also happens to be his coach from this summer.  He picked up a trophy and a superlative.  Can you guess what his superlative was?  He got the "Guy Smiley" award.  People have often commented on how much he smiles.  I've noticed how his smile and words have been encouragement to his teammates in years past.  We've told Jackson that those things will take him farther in life than being the best baseball player, being a good reader, etc.. I'm proud of him! 

Sawyer's new trick is spinning in circles and then stopping only to fall down.  He thinks that it's so funny but it makes me a bit nervous because he gets so dizzy and seems to be completely unaware of the fact that he could bump his head on the wall or a piece of furniture.  There's no stopping him though.  It's one of those things that will get old at some point and then it's on to more dangerous and exciting things.

Jackson's 10th birthday is this week.  It's hard to believe that he'll be hitting double digits this week.  He's really proud of that!  Webb and I often tell him that we want to keep him little....he's growing up too fast. 

Riding the "Charlie" around Boston and listening to the guide

The Sports Museum (penalty box:)

Paul Revere's House

Fenway Park

Davis and Sawyer are getting into the iPad craze

Rinsing off after playing on the beach

Checking out the caterpillars

Making the NC cookie map

Somebody enjoyed a piece of the cookie map!

Playing soccer at Brother's baseball game

Our cute catcher

Poppi has enjoyed a few digs in Sawyer's sand table

NC Regions Cookie