Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Oktoberfest

Jackson and I went to stay with my parents for a long weekend and it was AWESOME! Perfect weather and wonderful family time (like always)! We made it in time for Montclair's annual Oktoberfest which is a big all day festival with beer, bratwurst, dancing, music, and fun things for kids all day down at Dolphin Beach. Jackson was starting to feel sick that day (the beginning of a yucky viral infection which resulted in a double ear infection- Booo!!) so he wasn't his usual enthusiastic self but he still had some fun moments!
Here he is on the toddler obstacle course and moon bounce:
From summer 08

He really liked that until this punk kid pushed him over and made him cry.
And THIS was the most entertaining part for mom and I- Jackson's first pony ride. He couldn't stay in the middle of the saddle and the very frustrated cowboy cut his ride in half and informed me that Jackson has "balance problems":
From summer 08

From summer 08

From summer 08

And here is Jackson snuggling with his Gigi while Mom and I watched some very cute old people dancing German dances!
From summer 08

Jackson's First Day of Preschool...

I had been looking into preschools for Jackson this fall and found a cute, Christian one that I really liked! They were looking for a teacher and I decided to put my elementary education degree to good use! I get to teach across the hallway from Jackson in one of the older classes and I peek in on him from time to time and usually see him smiling and playing!
From summer 08

To say that Jackson loves preschool would be a tremendous understatement. He walks around the house on the days we don't go saying "church school, PLEASE Mama!!" He tells me stories about his friends at school. He gets to finger paint, play on the playground, reads books, learns songs and bible stories. He has music class, chapel, gym, cooking class, and field trips! And somehow this is all fit into 9-1 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays!
From summer 08

From summer 08



Jackson also moved to a "Big Boy" bed. It's actually a toddler bed, so it's not THAT big, but he likes it a lot. Jackson is one of very few two year olds I know who says "Nap, please!" at nap time and who goes to bed very easily at night after two songs, one book and a prayer. He'll usually say "See ya. Peace!" as we walk out of his room at night.
From summer 08

From summer 08