The Greatest Show on Earth!

We've recently instituted a reward system for Jackson, in which he gets to put a sticker on his "Good Boy" chart whenever he obeys when Ben or I ask him to do something.  Lately, he's been really good at immediately putting his sippy on the table, putting his shoes in the closet or putting his mini-broom away when asked, knowing a sticker is just around the corner.  We kept telling him that once his Good Boy chart was full, he'll get a great big surprise.  Knowing the circus was just around the corner, we decided that the "Greatest Show on Earth" would definitely instill the importance of the racking up the stickers.

So on Saturday, we headed to the Bi-Lo Center to see the circus.  Let me start by saying that Jackson was as wide-eyed as I have ever seen him!  He didn't know what to think of the animals, lights, funky clowns and acrobatics.  His favorite was the animals (especially the trick ponies).  He also really loved sharing Daddy's popcorn and trying to get his hands on my $9 rainbow icee.  It really was magical to see the amazement & wonder on his face as he was taking it all in.  I really hate my pictures didn't turn out better.

He has no idea what he's in store for!

The opening parade...this is where the total amazement began.

Chowing down on Daddy's popcorn

Not bad balance for an elephant =)

This makes me nervous just watching!

What a fun morning!

February Supper Club

Inspired by my friend Sally & her group of friends in Columbia, I initiated the idea of a monthly supper club with our group of neighbors.  Everyone loved the idea, and we've been getting together since August, rotating from house to house each month.  There are 5 of us couples that hang out, 4 of which have babies or babies on the way.  We rarely think to take pictures during our get-togethers, but as our brood grows, I really want to take a kiddie picture each month so we can watch our kids grow up together.  So here's to the first of many!

The inaugural kids
Cooper (11 months), Jackson (19 months) & Nolan (9 months)

Visit from BFF

My BFF Alisha & her son Ethan came down from Ohio & spent last week with us.  The real purpose of their trip was to get their house in tip-top condition so it will hopefully sell sometime soon.  But despite the agenda, we got in lots of playtime and Jackson absolutely loved having a built-in little buddy. 

I cannot believe I didn't get any pics of Alisha & I, but take my word when I say that she looks absolutely amazing.  My super-strong BFF completed the last of her 12 chemo treatments right before Christmas and is a true testiment to the powers of a positive attitude, faith & perserverance.  She spent much of her time in SC over at the house, patching, painting & working her butt off.  How many 2-month-post-chemo-patients do you know that can tackle that???  Not to mention she's been doing the same exact thing at her new house in Ohio for the past month!!! 
Anyways, here are the pics of the boys...who kept us smiling & laughing all week long!!

The obligatory trip to Costco. 
Please note: Samples are scarce on Mondays!!



Watching a little post-nap video

Bath-time!

Aunt Missy, I'm tired of looking at Jackson's butt!



These 2 love to brush their teeth!!

Taking a little bedtime stroll!

Snowmegeddon 2011

Better late than never!!

Bundled up and ready to play in the snow!

No, we don't own a sled so we improvised...

Terrorizing the neighborhood on the 4-wheeler

The Bob the Builder goggles, up close & personal!

Jackson's turn on his 4-wheeler.

Pint-sized Picasso

Step 1:  Lick finger & dip into paint (color of choice: black)

Step 2:  Spot & recognize paintbrush & use it as a tool to splash in the water.

Step 3:  Finger the wet bristles to make sure they are adequately wet for painting.

Step 4:  Start working on that masterpiece...

Step 5:  Painting is exhausting!!  Time for a drink!

Shop 'til you drop!

My adventurous & super-fun friend Sally and I always love a good Girl's Weekend.  Throughout the years, we've done many beach trips and we hit up New York City for a long weekend a couple years ago.  We were, however, long overdue for a getaway.

Well, every January, Atlanta Gift Market rolls around.  As if we need an excuse to shop for great (and cheap!) jewelry and giftables.  We did an Atlanta weekend for Gift Market a while back and had so much fun...so why not make it a tradition??  Not to mention we could squeeze in a little trip to Ikea and hit up the oh-so-amazing Dawsonville outlets on our way back to G-vegas.

So Saturday morning, we got up (eagerly!) at 7:30 and hit I-85 South to ATL.  First stop: my dear friend Julie's house.  She (bravely) joined us for our fun shopping spree and we were thrilled to have such a fun third to our typical twosome.  We arrive in Atlanta around noon and spent the next 5 hours shopping, shopping shopping.  Around 5:30, we finally came up for air & realized we hadn't eaten lunch.  "Lucky" for us, the only thing available at market to eat at that time of day were some plump hotdogs...but we were not picky, just starving.  After another hour of browsing the Children's World, we split & headed to Ikea. 

Just a sampling of our deals...look at this amazing jewelry...
bet you'll never guess how much I spent.

Sushi was on our radar for dinner & we found a great little Japanese place that had fabulous rolls.  Sure beats our hotdog lunch.  After stuffing our faces, we checked into room at the Marriott & laid in bed giggling & telling stories until 2am.  In much contrast to previous girl's weekends, we were up all night & actually not up to "no good"!!

Sunday started around 10am with Starbucks & showers, which was our kick-start to the shopping marathon at the Dawsonville outlets.  With so many great stores & so little time, we did 4 hours of power shopping, even resorting to borrowing the shopping cart from PB in order to more easily carry our load.

After going up & down every row of shops & nearly perishing due to fatique & major ice cream cravings, we decided it was time to wrap it up & head back home.  I had a fanastic time with two of my closest friends & can't wait for our next getaway.  NYC anyone?

White Christmas

Just as we were getting into Conover on Christmas Day, it started snowing and it didn't let up until the next day, totaling about 6 inches. We got to enjoy a white Christmas, a first for all of us!

 Jackson's first snowman! (Actually, the neighbor's snowman)

I love this picture of him just taking it all in.

He didn't know what to do when he fell down and couldn't get up.  So he decided to take a few bites while he figured out a game plan =)

Sledding with Daddy & Bella (who, by the way, looks like a spring chicken frolicking in the snow)

After about 15 minutes & 10 frozen fingers, it was time to go in for a hot chocolate break.  What a fun way to spend Christmas!!