The Fish Tank

Finally! I am finally done uploading all the photos from our Christmas extravaganza! Our Christmas began last Saturday and ended Thursday around 10:30pm. We began by doing our stockings at home on Saturday (there were some things in Jackson's that we wanted him to have on the plane). Then we went to our friends', the Bullards, house to do Christmas with them. Gavin and Jackson had a blast ripping open presents together. Next, we boarded a plane to sunny California. We arrived Sunday and began the festivities. I was able to visit with some friends when we got in on Sunday which was so wonderful! I so enjoyed seeing CarriAnn, Jana, and Brandi again! I miss them already! Then came the big day before the big day...Christmas Eve. Every year we get together with my dad's side of the family on Christmas Eve. This time my family from Colorado flew in. It was so nice to catch up with them. We had about 25 people at my parents house. Jackson was wild! He had a blast with his second c...

This is Jackson's "Cookies for Santa" plate. Isn't it cute? My friend had a plate party and the kids got to paint their feet and the designer designed these plates for us. I will cherish this for years! PLEEEEEASE can I open one??? Jackson has pretty much ignored our tree and all the presents this year. He was so young last year (6 months) that he doesn't realize that one day soon he will be able to rip open his gifts. Well, last night we let him open a few so we could take pictures to share with our family we will be visiting in California. Now, he sits by the tree staring at the presents and occassionally touching them. He now understands that those beautifully wrapped packages can be torn open to reveal cool toys inside! My how it starts young! Merry Christmas!

Jackson is saying "cheese" while wearing mommy's slippers. He will steal my slippers from me everytime I am wearing them! He walks all around the house saying "walk, walk, walk..." yeah, I don't think the sword makes wearing the leopard slippers any less girly! Lol!

Jackson had a very eventful day today. We started our day by going to MyGym where he ran around like a crazy man with man behind him. Then, we went on some last minute Christmas errands and had a lunch date. After lunch I let Jack run around the play area at the mall. When I say "run around" I truly mean running around! One mom even commented about how I never sat down. It was SO true!!! He had a blast and now, I am exhausted! He did pause for a moment in the giant cup of coffee and laid down. However, I think the "caffine" kicked in and he was off once more! Above are a couple of photos from our adventure:)

Look at Jackson's big boy haircut! We went to a really cute kid cutting place where Jack got to watch a show, blow bubbles, and get a treat with his special card. To all of those that are yelling at me right now, I didn't cut all his curls off! His hair is still curly in the back! This is Gavin in timeout. Can't you tell that he is suffering??? His buddy, Jackson, felt bad for his friend so he decided to keep him company. Thanks Jack!

Aren't these boots the CUTEST things??? Auntie Bre bought them for Jackson and I was very excited to show them to him when he woke up from his nap. He was ecstatic when he saw them! Until... He tried to walk in them and he couldn't. So, he got super frustrated and just started bawling. As sad as he was, it was kinda funny. I know you must all think I torture the poor child but I swear he wanted them on! Hopefully he will soon take a like to the boots because I like them so much and now is the time when he will wear what I pick out for him! Sorry Jackson!

BUSTED! He was on the desk at one point. I just couldn't get the camera in time.

Jackson and I went to our first Strollerfit playdate today. Strollerfit is a workout group for moms. We work out with our babies. It is so much fun and really difficult. It's like mommy bootcamp. Anyway, from time-to-time all the moms and kids get together for a playdate. Today we had a playdate/brunch at our instructor, Victoria's house. Jackson had an absolute blast and made himself right at home. He is really enjoying meeting and playing with all his new friends. We thought we'd try to get a group photo...this is what we got:)

Should we keep them? This is every parents dream...just kidding! Our friends, the Bullards, got a new chocolate Lab puppy on Thursday. This is his little house but the boys think it is a new "tent" for them to play in. I say close the door and lock 'em in!

Gavin, Jakson, and I made Christmas cookies! We had a blast! The best part was watching the boys trying to sneak bites of the cookie dough. Gavin tried to be real sneaky and would shift his eyes to the side as he was stealing a taste. The boys had so much fun and so did I! I have been waiting for Jackson to be big enough to help me bake! Enjoy the photos.

Yes, I am completely insane! With my palms sweaty and my heart beating rapidly, Jackson and I made our way back to Sears last night to try one last ditch effort at Christmas pictures. He was in a great mood when we arrived but once I took him out of the stroller he was not going to have any part. Then, Auntie Bre came in and saved the day! She came in laughing and throwing fake snowballs at him getting him to laugh. We were both yelling at the poor camera guy to hurry and get the shot as quickly as possible. Jack soon warmed up and we got some really cute shots. Our appointment was at 5:30 and we finished at 5:40pm. I don't mess around. I am just so happy and relieved that the little Jacksonator gave into his mommy's madness and allowed her to have some happy Christmas memories.

Okay, so I will start with the good stuff...we decorated our house for Christmas (with my mom's help) and it looks beautiful! The Christmas tree that we picked up at the farm is the best tree I have ever had! Unfortunately we couldn't put Christmas lights up on our house. Our roof is too steep for Scott to do it and the lighting companies were pretty booked when we finally checked into getting them done. So, we have our lonely lighted reindeer and three lighted Christmas trees outside this year. We will be more on top of things next year making our Christmas light reservation in August (I know, crazy right?!). Onto the other half of my ranting. Today was Christmas picture day for Jackson. I took him to MyGym this morning hoping that allowing him to play first would help him do well while taking pictures. I have never struggled with him to get his picture taken. He's always been pretty good except for wanting to move out of the shot from time-to-time. Well, today was anothe...

Don't you love when you go to the bathroom and your toddler decides to open the door and stare at you doing your business all the while holding a balloon in one hand and eating a cereal bar from the other??? I love being a mom!

The Fish Family has experienced not one, but two big adventures this weekend! Yesterday morning we joined the Bullard family and drove 40 miles northeast of Frisco to a Christmas tree farm. Mike and I wanted to relive our childhood days where you tagged your Christmas tree and cut it down yourself. So, we visited the city of Van Alstyne and a BEAUTIFUL Christmas tree lot! The owners live on a breath-taking piece of property! The boys had an absolute blast running through the trees and gathering acorns. When all was said and done, I am sad to say that neither the Bullards or us cut down our own tree. We opted for noble trees that the farm imports from South Carolina where they are native. It was the experience that counts, right? After we all rushed home and decorated our trees, we gathered, once again, at Frisco town square for Merry Main Street; a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. This was spectacular! They lit the entire town square and the lights blink in rhythm with music that they...