Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

Jason, Jackson and I ventured out to the Jaycees Christmas Tree lot to pick out our Christmas tree this year. Jackson enjoyed pulling one of their wagons around. You'd have thought he was one of Santa's Christmas Tree helpers! We spent the first weekend of December decorating our tree . Jackson really seemed to enjoy it - in his mini attention-span spurts that is. The result - at least we think - is a GREAT first Christmas tree for our house.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Post-Thanksgiving Recap

We enjoyed a wonderful meal with my folks, brother and Jason's mom for Thanksgiving at our house. This is the first Thanksgiving for Jason and me where we (a) didn't travel hours upon hours and (b) we enjoyed our Thanksgiving meal with our family. Jackson helped me make an apple pie during the first part of the morning and Jason was in charge on the turkey. With side dishes provided by myself, Eleanor and my mom, we had quite a yummy spread.

Fall Fun!

We've been busy since our last blog post.

Our good friends, Danielle & Dave with their daughter Emily, visiting us at the end of September. Jackson enjoyed playing with Emily. We managed to get them into a bubble bath together which was fun to watch and capture in photos!


At the start of October, Jason, Jackson and I took a trip down to Myrtle Beach, SC. We realized that this was our first "Just the 3 of us" vacation ever! No help from the grandparents - and yes we actually survived! The weather wasn't that great but we managed to have fun anyway. We had fun digging in the sand and chasing Jackson on the beach. He was constantly saying, "Mommy run fast" and "Daddy run fast." Perhaps we have a future track star on our hands. Or at the very least, he may help me stay in shape. Our big and only outing while at the beach was to the Ripley Aquarium which had lots of neat fish, sharks and other sea creatures to explore. Jason and I had full intention of watching movies and reading when Jackson was asleep at night but we were both so exhausted that we were in bed by 9 just about every night. Boy have times changed!




Halloween was great. Jackson loved being a fireman. Leading up to Halloween, he probably wore his costume on average 4 times a day. He really got into the festivities and especially loved getting lollipops.




And I can't end this blog without a BIG YIPPEE for the awesome presidential election results! "Yeah Obama" as Jackson still says every time he sees our Obama sign outside or when he's featured on a magazine/newspaper cover or on TV.


We're looking forward to hosting our families at our house for Thanksgiving this year. Happy Thanksgiving to all! We'll resume after turkey-day!

Another Update? So Soon You Say?

So here's the thing --- I'd love to update our blog on a more regular basis. With the summer practically over, a feeling of being more settled in the house and our schedule a bit more predictable, here we go...

The end of August and beginning of September have been an adventure (in keeping up with the theme of our blog after all). Jackson has spent a couple of hours so far at his new nursery school where he'll start in mid-September. So far, so good. No tears yet, from Jackson at least. I on the other hand called Jason at work in tears as I left him for the first time. Go figure! Even his teacher complimented Jason and I on how well he listens and behaves. Was I flattered? Absolutely! At little shocked? You bet ;-) I jokingly asked her if she was talking about the same kid. Since turning two, he gives quite the Oscar-deserving performance in the Best Tantrum category. I mean really, it sure is tough being two years old! When I dropped by to get Jackson from school yesterday, I got to peek in on his toddler class doing yoga. What a trip that was! All the kids were sitting on large sheets of white paper - "their rocks" - as the yoga teacher told a story about birds and bats. At the end of their yoga time, they sang a song to the tune of "You Are My Sunshine" where they "say goodbye and namaste." His Auntie LA would be proud of his impressive downward dog. I'll have to get a snap of that soon!
Speaking of Auntie LA, we had an awesome visit with Leigh Ann, David and their adorable 12 week-old son Tate (or as Jackson affectionately calls him "Baby T"). Leigh Ann and David are THE reason* we miss Lexington so it was wonderful to have them visit for the long weekend. We basically ate, drank and were merry together! Leigh Ann and I were able to fit in a little pampering with organic pedicures at a place in Carytown. On Sunday we spent the afternoon exploring the Italian and Japanese Gardens at Maymont. Plus, the four of us with a sleeping Tate also enjoyed a fun dinner out at Can-Can.



I think Jackson liked having Baby T around but wasn't particularly thrilled when I held him. He looked at Jason with confusion too when he held Tate instead of him. All in all though he was very sweet with him. And when Tate wasn't making use of the bouncy seat or swing he was sharing with Elmo.

*a quick shout-out to David ;-)

SUMMER FUN!

As the saying goes, time flies when you are having fun. And FUN is what we've been having all summer. Jackson and I had a great visit home to Mville in celebration of Uncle Don's 60th birthday. Way to go Aunt Jo for pulling off a fantastic surprise party!

Upon our return, Eleanor, Jackson, and I celebrated Father's Day for Jason with breakfast at one of our favorite spots in Carytown, Can-Can.














When July arrived, we celebrated the July Birthdays with Jackson's pals, his included. I just love this one photo of us preparing to eat those yummy Elmo cupcakes made by Li. The combination of a 2 year old, a cupcake and a lit candle will certainly put you into a trance. Or as my friend Petra (in the green) said, it makes us look like some kind of cult. Another friend Morgan (in the red striped shirt) added "Every birthday we light tiny fires and offer cake to the Mighty Elmo, God of Toddlers..."




Later in July, Eleanor, Jackson, Jason and I traveled to NC to celebrate Jackson's 2nd and Poppy's 95th birthday. What a real treat it was to have a party for the 2 of them together.

We then headed further south to Pawleys Island for a week. Gosh, our trip to Pawleys was fantastic. We heard that the area is often referred to as "shabby chic", which is so appropriate. Our house was right on the beach which was a treat. Jackson absolutely LOVED the ocean and the beach. We all spent many hours driving dump trucks and digging holes in the sand together. Here are few of our favorite pictures. Be sure to check out Jason's surfing too! Pretty cool, huh!

Spring Fever

It seems like we've been going at full speed lately. We had a great trip back to Lexington for our friend Leigh Ann's baby shower at the end of April! We sure do miss our neighbors Leigh Ann & David and are so excited that they are having a baby boy this month! Jackson went along for the trip too which definitely made it an adventure.

A benefit exhibition of Dicks' work opened at the beginning of May at the Reynolds Gallery here in Richmond. Yes we are biased, but it really is an amazing show. Jason, Eleanor and I were all in attendance at the opening. Do stay tuned for more on this... there will a Richard Carlyon retrospective coming to Richmond in September 2009.

For Mother's Day, it was a treat to share the day with both my Mom and Jason's mom. My parents, Eleanor, and the three of us enjoyed a yummy lunch at a new Fan-spot called Verbena. Jackson did great sitting in his seat for almost an hour and a half. And for those not so up-to-speed with toddler time, that is a VERY, VERY, VERY LONG TIME!

Later in May, Jason took a week to travel to Marseille, France for a work-trip. Yes, yes it does sound idyllic but just take a read of an excerpt from his e-mail to me about the trip just getting there...

"I finally made it after a trip that was a tad eventful. The detroit flight was delayed and I got to the gate as they were boarding. I sat behind a woman with a 3 year old and an infant. The guy next to me spilled his red wine, a little of it on me. A person had to be laid out on the floor of the exit row one row in front of me to get 3 bags of IV fluid because she was so dehydrated. Then a guy was having heart issues and we had to make an emergency landing in Shannon, Ireland. We then had to get all these approvals to take off so we were in Ireland for 2 hours. Plus, hardly anyone slept on the flight. I took Thomas Edison like catnaps throughout and don't feel too bad. Nearly everyone missed their connection. I ran through the airport to customs and got behind the posterboy for 'I've never flown before.' He showed up with his water bottle and didn't take his laptop out of his bag. I finally get through and literally ran over a mile through the airport. There was a line to the D gate that was over a football field long (seriously). After standing in it for 10 minutes, I asked this official passing by if I get to D85 from this line and she said 'NO sir, this goes to D1-57.' So I take off again and see the sign for the rest of the D gates. Of course the gates go to 87 and I am going for 85. By the time I arrive at the gate, literally with sweat pouring off me, I get to the line since they are of course boarding."

While Jason was away, Jackson and I took a trip to see my folks. My dad had arranged for Jackson to visit our cousin Andy the fireman at the fire station. He was SOOOO happy. He is the typical boy and loves all things TRUCKS, especially fire trucks!

Over Memorial Day weekend, we were able to spend one morning with The Carroll family (Mike, Michelle, Luke & Amanda). What a real treat it was. I made a very yummy egg & brie strata from Cooking Light (btw - there were no leftovers so I know it was a hit!). It was great to to see their two kids play together with Jackson, who by the way did a great job sharing!

A Promise Fulfilled to Dr. LA & Dr. KBC

I'd like to dedicate this blog entry to my "prego-pal" Leigh Ann & "jet-setting girlfriend" Kelly! You finally get to see a picture of our house. Can you believe that it only took me 5 months to post! Notice the precision of pruning Jason did to our crepe myrtle tree and our lovely pink azalea bush. Although overgrown it is gorgeous!












The dinosaur-theme for Jackson's room was a hit in Lexington and still is here in Richmond!



















Jackson has become quite the climber and tries to climb on practically any surface available (I know, I know...just like his mom tries to dance on any surface available!). So just before I said "Jackson, no sir. You do NOT stand on your tricycle seat," I got this really cute photo! ;-)

All for now, I'll be back again shortly! Kelly & Leigh Ann - I really do PROMISE!