Jackson's 4th Birthday

We had so much fun on Jackson's birthday a few weeks ago. This year, he really got it. There was all kinds of anticipation leading up to his special day. He couldn't wait. That morning he woke up so excited to a house decorated with streamers and balloons. Troy helped me decorate. It was so fun. We opened presents with Grandma and Grandpa Barneck that morning before they headed back to Utah.

For lunch, we met the Petersons at the park for Happy Meals. Because, what brings more joy than a Happy Meal? Later that afternoon, Troy taught Jackson all about Jimmer. They watched the BYU documentary "Amazing" and Jackson dressed up in his sweet Jimmer jersey from Grandma and Grandpa Bushman. (Now he knows the "Teach Me How to Jimmer" song, and will only play basketball if he is wearing his jersey. Ha.) That afternoon, we also gave Jackson his birthday gift from us. A Dodger's hat just like Dad's. He looks SO cute in it. It makes me happy every time I see him wearing it.

After dinner we had some of Jackson's buddies over for cake and ice cream. I took Jackson to Costco and let him pick out his cake. He was so excited about the blue balloon on it which was basically more than an inch high of frosting. He was a smart kid and only ate the frosting. Ha! Jackson had a blast playing with his friends in the backyard. And his buddies totally spoiled him with gifts. He was one lucky boy. When it was time for his friends to leave he cried. Kurt Peterson made it better by giving him a ride on Colby's motorcycle. It was the perfect end to Jackson's big day. Oh how we love our little four year old!

Grandma and Grandpa Barneck Visit

We had some very special visitors last weekend. Grandma and Grandpa Barneck came to town. It was a quick trip, but we packed in a lot of fun in those few days. They treated us to the Phoenix Zoo one day, which was of course a hit. It was really windy. The wind must have gotten the animals moving because we saw more moving wildlife that day than any previous visit to the zoo. It was pretty fun.

Jackson got to go on a bike ride with Grandpa both days they were in town. Jackson LOVED that. Right now, the quickest way to Jackson's heart is to take him on a bike ride "to the bridge." There is a pedestrian bridge near our house that crosses the freeway. Jackson loves to ride across it to a park on the other side. Troy and I have been really impressed with Jackson's endurance on bike rides. He doesn't easily tire out. He likes a good long ride, this one.

On the second day, we went to the Westgate outlet mall. Grandma and Grandpa bought Jackson a prezel and a slushy and he was in heaven. They also treated him to an airplane ride. We put Clara in the airplane as well. She didn't like it AT ALL. We even put her back in a couple times, but she wasn't having any of it. Sometimes Clara is a nervous little thing. It makes me laugh.

That evening, we all went out to dinner. So fun and yummy. Afterwards, Jackson opened his present from Aunt Lindsay. I forgot to take a picture of the opened present, but it was seriously the cutest thing. She did a "party in a box." When Jackson opened the box, helium balloons flew out and there were party hats, kazoos, streamers, and a birthday banner inside. Not to mention the coolest batman helicopter ever. Jackson was thrilled. Seriously the cutest gift. Thanks Aunt Lindsay!

The next morning was Jackson's actual birthday. We got up early so Jackson could open his presents from Grandma and Grandpa Barneck before Troy left for his rotation. They got him a t-ball set (a tee, and plastic bases to set up in the yard.) Jackson has LOVED it. It's great because he can hit the ball and run the bases all on his own. Little baseball lover that he is.

Grandma and Grandpa had to leave later that morning. We were sad to see them go. We had such a great visit. Jackson has been talking about their visit in his prayers every since they left. "And my Grandma's my buddy and my Grandpa's my buddy. And they came to my house. But they had to leave on my birthday, when I turned four." So sweet.

My mom is coming to visit again when the baby comes. And then they are both coming for Troy's graduation. They're might start to feel like they live in Arizona and not Utah, but we sure like seeing them. Thanks for coming Mom and Dad. We loved spending time with you.  xoxo

Jackson asked that I take a picture of this orangutan.

We got to see one of the zookeepers feed the elephant. The zookeeper was really cute with Jackson and asked him if he had any questions. Jackson asked if it was a boy elephant or a girl elephant. These are the things on an almost 4 year old's mind I suppose. :)

Happy 4th Birthday Jackson!

I can't believe our little boy is four today. Where does the time go? He has seemed so grown up lately. I find myself watching him play and being amazed at all he can do on his own. He is such a big boy now. Two weeks ago he mastered riding his bike without training wheels. And last week, we pulled out the baby boy clothes to get ready for little brother to come. It's hard to believe all those tiny outfits once fit Jackson. Jackson loved looking through them and asking if he wore specific items when he was a baby. I showed him some of my favorite little newborn t-shirts and he said, "Mom, is the baby going to be teeny tiny?" And I laughed and thought, "Yes, he will be, and you were teeny tiny once too."

 April 10, 2009

Provo, Utah

Jackson, four years ago, you made me a mother and I will be forever grateful that you were sent to our home. You fill our lives with so much happiness and laughter. We can't believe how big you are getting. We asked you if you could stop having birthdays and you laughed and said, "No mom. I have to keep getting bigger!" Do you think you could reconsider buddy? Maybe just stay little for your mom and dad? We love you. Happy Birthday!

March 9, 2013

La Jolla, California

Here is a little slideshow I made to celebrate Jackson turning four:

Jackson 4th Bday web version from Brooke Bushman on Vimeo.

Easter 2013

Easter was pretty great. We have a lot of pictures. And I feel behind on blogging. So let's get this holiday documented, shall we? Here it goes.

{Mesa Temple Easter Pageant}
We've been in Arizona for four years and we finally made it to the Easter pageant. I'm so glad we went. The environment was totally fun. Being outside on the lawn was splendid. And the actual pageant was a hit too. I was surprised how much Jackson liked it. He was glued the whole time. And both kids were totally excited to be up past their bedtimes. It was an all over success.

{Midwestern Easter Party}
Sad to say this was our last school Easter party. We've loved going to these for the last four years. We got to meet the Easter bunny, which Jackson was nervous about, so I ended up with basically both children on my lap. Guys, there's not much room on my lap these days, so that wasn't working so well. Ha.

The actual egg hunts were crazy as usual. For Clara's age group, I grabbed her two eggs and she was a happy girl. For Jackson's age group, the parents couldn't help (which actually made it less crazy.) For some reason, Jackson decided that he only wanted blue eggs. So he bobbed and weaved through the crowd picking up only a certain shade of blue as fast as he could. Ha! I was taking a video of the whole thing and Troy and I were dying. I think Jackson was somewhat disappointed that he didn't more eggs. If he had stayed in one spot he might have reaped more goods. Silly boy.

The egg hunting crew.

Nash, Adam, Colt and Jack Wahlstrom. Colby Peterson, and Jackson.

 

Jackson thinks the peace sign stands for BYU. It's a 'Y' he says. 

{Dying Easter Eggs}
We dyed eggs after the Midwestern party. Jackson loved it this year. He actually liked eating the eggs this year too. In fact, he wanted to eat them as soon as they were dyed. He was quite proud of his handiwork.

{The Easter Bunny}
The Easter Bunny came to our house on Easter morning. Jackson made sure I left the Easter baskets on the back porch so he would know where they were. Have I mentioned that holidays are SO much fun with an almost 4 year old? So fun. He couldn't wait to see the backyard when he woke up. And he flew all around the yard looking for his basket and picking up all the eggs. It was so fun to watch. Being a parent is pretty fun too. Clara played in her walker and wore her fuzzy bunny ears like a champ. Wasn't she the cutest sight? I could have left her in those ears for a week. So cute.

{Easter Dinner}
Below is the best picture I could get of the kids in their Easter attire. They looked pretty cute. Love these two. We had some friends over to eat Easter dinner with us. The food was so delicious and the company was rather great too. We had a great time.

And this Easter post ends with a picture of Clara in her highchair wearing her pink bunny ears, because everything is cuter with bunny ears involved.

The 2011 Babies.

Cameron Peterson. Clara Bushman. Nash Wahlstrom.