Happy 8th Jackson!

On May 12th, Jackson celebrated his 8th birthday. A huge milestone I'm sure you'll agree. He was so excited to be getting baptized, starting cub scouts, and having his first ever friend birthday party. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of hosting birthday parties for my kids, mostly because I think kids lack social graces and basic manners under the heavily overstimulated environment that a birthday party brings. I have gone as far as bribing them not to have parties with fun and exciting adventures at places like Lagoon and The Legacy Center, and have even thrown in extra presents on those years that they can be bribed out of the party mindset. But, he really really wanted to have a party this year, and to my credit I didn't even attempt to bribe or persuade him once I sensed his anticipation.

So he carefully drafted a list of his 16 closest friends (woah!) and off we went. Actually Jackson and I had a great time planning the party and getting all the invitations out and going to Partyland for party supplies. He had a wonderful time at his party and was actually quite gracious with his guests, offering more than one spontaneous "thank you" while opening presents without me nudging him in the back. It was really fun for Dave and I to see him having so much fun. Dave set up an obstacle course for the kids in the backyard and timed them going through it. Then they they played musical chairs to Alvin and the Chipmunks music (Jackson's favorite). Then presents, then cake, and off they went. I survived. It was worth it. I could do it again .... maybe.

Don't mind London's expression ... she's just in disbelief that someone else is getting this much attention.




The party crowd hard at work opening presents. Happy to report no injuries and lots of cool stuff.

We are so grateful for Jackson in our family. He keeps us all on our toes with his sense of humor and contagious laugh and teasing teasing teasing. He loves to learn and read and I believe is considered a "Pokemon expert" in some favored circles. Frankly, I'm impressed by all the cool stuff he knows. I'm lost a lot of the time. He got an Ipod shuffle from me and Dave for his birthday, so he's been rockin out on his headphones ever since. I'm not sure I'm ready for this whole walking around the house with headphones on and can't hear me calling him stuff yet. I thought I had a few more years. Jackson is such a good helper to me and really tries to do what is right. He is a good big brother to London and T.J. and really knows how to get them laughing when they are sad. He is always willing to push T.J. on the swing when I am trying to get things done, and I really appreciate that. He and Austin are the best of friends, and I love and cherish the bond they have. They get along so well and really have a lot of fun together. Most of the time they are inseparable. They share friends and toys and a room with almost no trouble at all. I so proud of Jackson and the good decisions he is making. He has been reading the Book of Mormon all on his own, and he has gotten pretty far. I'm so impressed. He is curious about the gospel and wants to know more about what he is reading and learning on Sunday. We are so proud of him and love watching him grow into a young man. This was such as important birthday for Jackson and I hope he has fond memories of it. I know I do. Happy Birthday Jackson (i.e., Jack, Jacks, Woog). We love you!