Camp Out

Jackson went camping with us for a second time this weekend. A few months ago Jon and I decided we wanted to camp in the fall when it was cooler. We thought it would be fun to invite some of our friends/ward members so we extended an open invite. We ended up having 6 other families join us. A few more wanted to come but had conflicting schedules. It was such a blast! We just went up Friday afternoon and came back Saturday afternoon. After we set up camp we hung out with friends and made dinner, I ran around with the kiddos playing capture the flag while Jon put Jackson to sleep. And  of course we roasted Starbursts. A sweet lady in the ward made Apple Cobbler to share with everyone and it was delicious! Everyone in the ward gave great feedback and said they wanted to do the camp out every year.

We happened to unknowingly be there for a weekend full of free activities like horseback riding and they had tons of exhibits including fly fishing, snakes (yuck), and other outdoorsy stuff. They do this event every year so we plan to camp at the same time in the future. Saturday morning after packing up we hiked to the waterfalls with two other families. It was such perfect weather and we all had a great time. Jackson did really well and just loves the outdoors, especially water. We were worn out when we got home!I had the Women's Broadcast that night and Jon had tons of homework. He ended staying up until 1:30 am to finish and essay- something that he never does. It was worth it all though!

Tasha and Austin

Macie, Ethan, Clara

Austin and Jackson sharing toys (and sippy cups and pacifiers)

Zoo Day

Last week Jackson and I met my mom at the local zoo. It was about an hour and a half drive for her and a little over 2 hour drive for us. It was a fun day but we were sure worn out. We left at 8 and got home at 5 which is a really long day for us. Jackson did great at the zoo and during the drive! He seemed to notice some of the animals, especially when he was out of his stroller. Unfortunately he couldn't see much inside of his stroller. He had some fun laughs with grandma before we headed home.

I thought this momma gorilla nursing her baby was so sweet.

I put Jackson near the glass and this chimp came right over and started making faces. A stranger at the zoo captured this picture and sent it to me.

this kid loves food!

We had a fun time Grandma Kay!

8 months!

This month Jackson's development has exploded. He is able to roll all around, sit up completely on his own without falling, and can go from laying down to sitting up. He is getting close to crawling and practices nonstop, which means he bonks his head a few times a day. He can also pull up to kneeling and is trying so hard to stand. I hate when he falls, especially on the hardwood, but I'm trying not to hover because it is all part of the process. I try to keep him on carpet as much as possible to make the landing softer. Jackson can eat puffs and yogurt bites now. I had tried feeding them to him a few times and one day it just clicked. He can't feed himself the puffs very well yet but we are working on it. He would eat them all the time if he could. He prefers them over his regular baby food. I am still nursing a ton also. Jackson can drink from a sippy cup now but prefers to just chew on it. Anything he gets from the sippy he spits out. But at least he understands the concept. Sleep wise Jackson is still the same, up 2 or 3 times and night and naps are hit and miss. The last dew days he has woken up at 430. That mixed with minimal naps and teething x 2 teeth at once had made for a few rough days. But Jackson's sweetness makes up for it all so I forgive him. Jackson has one of his vampire teeth almost completely in and is working on the other one. That brings us to 4 teeth already! Jackson has waved twice now on purpose, once to Aunt Megan while face timing and once to the Sister Missionaries. It is so fun to see him develop. He also seems to understand when I sign and say eat. He also seems to know what the words Callie, kiss, and Daddy mean too. We are still doing some Spanish with Jackson as well as sign language. Jackson has the best laugh and loves to play peekaboo. The other day he could not stop laughing at us when we sneezed so we did a lot of fake sneezing that day. Jackson loves swimming, Callie, being outside, taking baths, reading books, and playing. He pays more attention to books now and will sit still and turn the pages. Jackson dislikes napping, loud noises, and holding still. He is such a cutie! I can't believe in 4 months that will be Jackson turning one!

Stats:
Length- 27 inches (a very rough measurement due to Jackson's wiggles)
Weight-17.6 lbs

I love his hair spiked like this!

8 month pictures

Janae, these are the Dr. Seuss pajamas you sent!

eating outside where Jackson is much happier

Don't worry, Jon actually does have shorts on 

reading in his jammers

this month he has been sleeping on his side and stomach a lot- notice his feet are stuck.

first swing ride- he is still a bit too small

one very long fussy day

more 8 month photos

chilling in his new pool

Jackson and Austin- his bestie from church who is exactly 4 months older

a rare cuddle