Summer

Ok...so the blog posts are have slowed a bit.

I have noticed. I know some of you have noticed, because you e-mailed me to complain! :)

Well, it is summer and we have been spending a lot of time outside. Blog posting is just a little harder when the beautiful weather is calling my name (and Jackson's too - he loves being outside).

So - more posts to come...more often.

I will get back on track...or at least try to!

The Bucket List

Justin and Kristen with MJ at the New York Wax Museum....

The Bucket List.

Justin and I each have one.

We shared them with each other when we got married.

Ever since, Justin has been making sure I mark my "to-do's" off my list.

I want to do the same for him.

A few years ago, when the Colts won the super bowl...we were there. We both marked that one off our list that year. Justin has already made certain that I got to see New York City at Christmas time. It was a MUST on my list. And..yes, I cried when I saw the Rockefeller Christmas tree (hey, its the small things in life).

In April, Justin and I stayed up most of the night and waited our turn to purchase tickets to see Michael Jackson in London. Our tickets were for Feb. 18. We would be celebrating Justin's 30th birthday. I couldn't wait for Justin to be able to mark seeing Michael Jackson in concert off his bucket list. I was so happy that for once, I would be making sure he marked something off his list.

Seeing Michael Jackson live has meant so much to Justin for as long as I have known him. He use to warn me he would spend our "life savings" to see him if he had too...lucky for me, that wasn't necessary.

Since we ordered the tickets, Justin has been talking about his excitement for the concert daily. Needless to say, he was a fan. Needless to say, today was a very sad day for him.

Justin is out of town with no cell service. I sent him a text that he needed to call home. When he did, he had already been told that Michael had passed away. Justin is very disappointed we didn't make it to London.

So am I.

I wanted Justin to mark this off his Bucket List...and he was so close.

So very sad.

It was even too hot for ice cream!

Tonight was hot. Very hot.

I decided that I would treat Jackson to some ice cream.

Justin is out of town. So Aunt Ashley is staying with Jackson and I for the rest of the week.

Ashley, Jackson, and I piled in the car tonight and went for ice cream.

We couldn't eat it quick enough. Before I knew it...Jackson and I had more ice cream on us than we had eaten.

It didn't matter - it was great fun.

A big thanks to Aunt Ashley for helping this week...and for snapping some great photos! :)

P.S. Still downloading vacation photos...stay tuned.

These are for you, Mommy!

Last night, Jackson came home from a shopping trip with Justin and had a surprise for me.

Flowers.

How sweet, right?

It was. I immediately ran for the camera.

This photo shows exactly how he handed them to me. However, what I didn't catch on camera is that before I could say "thank you" and take them...Jackson beat them into the carpet.

The flowers are in a vase, but are looking a little rough.

He may want to work on his delivery before he starts dating. :)

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Father's Day 2009

Father's Day 2008

...And, we're back.

Justin and I arrived home last night (Sat. night at Midnight) from our first week away from Jackson. I will tell you more about that later this week.

We have not sat down since we arrived in Indy.

We made it back in time to attend a birthday party for my brother in law, Tom and my niece, Maddie. More about that this week too.

We came home and realized we didn't celebrate Father's Day. So...Jackson and I have a little something planned for tomorrow. After all, Jackson can celebrate how much he loves his Daddy any day, right?

So..stay tuned this week for vacation photos, updates and more.

P.S. Thanks to all who called, text, and e-mailed me thoughts today as today was my first Father's Day without my own Dad. I have such great friends! He was missed...more than you know.

Whew......I need a vacation from my vacation! :)

Happy Birthday, Maddie!

Jackson, Olivia, Maddie

Who knew turning six was such a big deal? Well, Miss Maddie does.

Our niece, Madeline turned six today (it is 12:09 - so I guess it was yesterday) and she couldn't be happier.

Maddie has had a big month. She graduated kindergarten, toured her "big-kid" school, played a major part in the spring recital (part included a Hannah Montanna wig), and has now turned six. You would think she would have ran out of energy...but she just keeps going.

Maddie's personality is full of spunk. She never will surprise you with her quick wit. We just love having her around.

However, we aren't the only ones who love having her around. In fact, I called today to wish her a happy birthday and I also got to talk to her older sister, Olivia. Olivia explained to me that she was a little sad because Maddie had declared that she would not be calling Olivia "sissy" anymore. She was too old for that now. She would be always calling her Olivia. I explained to Olivia that I was sure she would continue to use favorite nickname, but Liv wasn't so sure. Shortly after our conversation turned to something else...I heard Madeline scream for Olivia from the other room...."S-I-S-S-Y". Olivia just giggled and said, "I got to go - Maddie needs me". See what I mean, we aren't the only ones who love her. I hope Maddie always calls Olivia "Sissy"!

Side Note: Justin spent his afternoon trying to catch Maddie on the phone with no prevail. Later tonight she called and said, "Well, I guess I'm going to have to tell you it is my birthday..." Ha! Say a prayer for the man that will one day marry her...she doesn't miss a beat!

Happy Birthday, Maddie...We love you so much!

BUSY!

Why is the week leading up to a vacation so hectic?

Perhaps it is so you will appreciate the week away even more.

Not a lot of time to post this week. We are busy packing and preparing for a week away.

However, here is a quick update on our week.

Jackson is still making us laugh each day. He certainly knows the word "no" and is very dramatic at shaking his head to get his point across. He is quite partial to the VeggieTales DVD that Aunt Shel bought him for Christmas last year. In fact, I am attempting to catch him on camera dancing along with these singing vegetables. Jackson's appetite has taken off and one needs to be warned if he/she is eating watermelon, cantaloupe, or cheese! Jackson will want it and he doesn't want to share! :)

We have officially signed Jackson up for pre-school. We have enrolled him at Learning Time Pre-school in Geist. He will start in August and we are super excited for Jackson to begin school. We look forward to him coming home and showing us what he has learned each week.

In the next couple of weeks, Justin and I need to make some decisions regarding where we are living. Our lease is up in mid-July and we are moving back to the north-side of Indy. Those of you who know me well...know that I have wanted this for a long time. Justin and I are so excited to be close to our family and friends again. I am smiling just typing this!

We are busy packing and preparing for vacation. I can't wait to come back and tell you all about our vacation...

Stay Tuned...

A Great Summer Weekend!

Jamie, Sara, Kristen

Justin, Adam, Dallas

Jackson - loving the warm water!

Justin, Jackson and I had a great weekend.

It felt like summer had officially arrived.

Our weekend was full of fun.

Friday we started the weekend off with an Indians Game. Jackson has become a favorite on the suite level at Victory field. He goes in and out of each suite to see who has the best food. Justin and I spent most of our night chasing after him. We both voted that we might have to get a baby-sitter the next time we go...so we can actually report who won instead what each suite was serving. :)

Our Saturday night plans made me feel like summer was officially here. We attended the Rascal Flatts concert with great friends. It was great to spend some time with Sara and Adam and Dallas and Jamie. I will admit, I enjoyed the company more than the concert this year. (Not sure why - but Rascal Flatts just weren't that good). However, it really was great to see our friends and get to laugh and catch up. My favorite part of the night was some of the fashions that were displayed at the concert. Jamie and Sara also provided some good commentary to go along with the fashion show! :)

Today, Jackson and my Mom and I "broke into" Michelle and Tom's house (they were out of town) and went for a swim. I had stopped by the night before and turned the pool heater up so it was nice and warm for Jackson. I wouldn't say he is a "water bug" just yet, but he did enjoy himself. I'm sure by the end of summer he will be loving it...he just isn't sure what to think yet.

My mom is staying with us tonight and we have already been out to enjoy a wagon ride. I am just loving this great weather. Jackson loves being outside!

Here is hoping for a great week...and more great weather!

The Best Sound Ever...

I have decided I could listen to Jackson giggle all day!

Happy Friday too all of you.

Have a great weekend!

Enjoy!

Let's Rock N Roll...

I couldn't resist sharing these photos. Check out the ACDC t-shirt
(purchased by Justin) along with Jackson's Rock N Roll pj's!

This kid is ready to rock!

This doesn't mean we need a drum set delivered to our house. So don't get any ideas! :)

P.S. I'm not sure the pacifier does much for his "Rocker" image? :)