Jackson's School Photos - 2012

School Photo Day 2012

This year School Photo Day landed on a very busy week for us.  Justin, Jackson and I had packed up and moved into my sister's house for the week.  My sister and brother in law were on vacation for a week and we were watching their girls.  We were busy working, doing homework, carpool, and of course, our normal routine with Jackson.  It also happened to be the week that we found out that we would be bringing home another baby BOY...so needless to say I had a million things on my mind!

I was so proud that I remembered to pick up Jackson a new shirt for photo day...only to show up a school and realize I was the next day.  Whoops!  Jackson was a good sport and dressed up for school two days in a row!

Here are a few snapshots from day 1...

And our actual school photos....

Not sure who told Jackson he was aloud to look ten years old! :)

When you wish upon a star...

After finding out that we soon would be growing our family of three to a family of four, Justin and I both began thinking of taking our "threesome" on vacation one last time.  We looked at the Gulf Shores, vacation spots in Florida, and even Walt Disney World.  After much discussion - (did we really need ANOTHER trip to Walt Disney World)...that is exactly what we decided on.  We called up Mickey Mouse and told him to make room for us.  We would be there early fall - and couldn't wait to see Jackson ride the rides that he wasn't tall enough for the last time we were there.

After much planning - seriously I should write a book on Disney planning - hotel, flight, and dinner reservations had been made (It just isn't a week at Disney without breakfast with Mickey Mouse) we were set for a week away.  Only thing left to do...was to tell Jackson where we were going.  We decided to keep our vacation a secret until the morning of our flight.  Best decision ever!!

Justin laid out everything Disney that Jackson owns...and that is A LOT of items.  But the one thing that was a dead give away that we would be at the Dinsey Parks soon was Jackson's character autograph book.  As soon as Jackson saw that and his suit case he knew hugs from Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto were in his future.  All of the sudden there were screams of M-I-C-K-E-Y in our home.  Justin and I were just as excited...it was going to be a great week!

This is what Jackson woke up to the morning of our flight!

He was very happy!

On our way!

We made it!

Big Bixler and Little Bixler

One of Jackson's favorite rides

and some of his favorite characters

Two of my favorite people....

Exhausted...

Working on his tan...

Disney gave Jackson a "big brother" button so everyone would know we were celebrating!

One of my favorites

Dressed up for the Not So Scary Halloween Party

Pool Time!

Mr. GQ

He loved it!

Ok...Now that I've looked at all of our photos ... I'm ready to go back!  :)

To see all of our Disney Photo Album click HERE.

Soccer 2012

This past fall, Jackson asked for us to sign him up to play Soccer with this buddy Ryne.  Justin nor I know much about soccer and we knew the season would be interesting.  What we didn't know is that the league would be short on coaches.

I received a phone call one day telling me that the league needed more coaches and would I be interested in helping.  Of course, I know nothing about soccer...but surely Justin would make a coach.  I signed him up!  It turns out - Justin doesn't know much about soccer...AT ALL.  Luckily, this year was all about having fun for the little guys.   Jackson did just that!  It turns out - he loved the game.  He loved scoring goals even more.  But what he loved the most was that his Daddy was the coach!

The day of the first soccer practice!

Everything is better with a buddy!

Jackson ALWAYS placed his hand on his Daddy's shoulder during the huddle!

Loved Scoring!

Jackson's Official Soccer photo - 2012

The Soccer Crew of Knights Way (we missed Tyler).

Indiana State Fair 2012

Every year, Justin and I set aside a day to take Jackson to the Indiana State Fair.  Jackson looks forward to the animals and the rides...and Justin and I look forward to the food!  This year was no different...fun was had by all.

Enjoy some photos from this years State Fair visit.

First Ferris Wheel ride

The Knights Way Baby Boom!

Ashley (Baby Luke - now 4 months old), Melissa (Baby Owen - now 3 months old), Aman (Baby Anaya - now 3 months old, Krista (Baby Delaney - now 1 month old) and me (Baby Bixler #2 - coming any day)

As lucky as we are that Jackson has so many playmates his age on our cul-de-sac - we never dreamed we would be lucky enough for Baby Bixler #2 to have the same.  However, it happened.  One by one a lot of the families on our street were announcing that their families would soon be growing.  Before we knew it - we had 6 pregnant women at once (one not shown).  The poor men on our street were overwhelmed with hormones, our little ones all talked about becoming big brothers and sisters, and we all awaited each others news to hear if each family was gaining a brother or a sister.  This truly has been a special time with great friends.

This photo was taken in August.  Since then all of these fabulous ladies have delivered beautiful babies - except me.  Now just days away from meeting our newest addition to our family makes this photo even more special.  I was lucky to experience this pregnancy with such great friends!

Summer Fun with Neighbors

For 2 years, we have been so lucky to live next such great neighbors.  On our cul-de-saq alone there are 6 - 4/5 year old kids that Jackson has turned into instant playmates and best buddies in the short time we have lived here.  There are also a handful of younger kids Jackson adores and older ones he idolizes.  As an added bonus, Justin and I have made some life-long friends with the other parents.  We couldn't be luckier.

Summertime in our neighborhood is extra fun.  There is always someone willing to play outside, ride bikes, scooters, gators, play baseball....or even meet for breakfast on the front porch.  Jackson has "a spot" by the front window where he sits and waits to see if any of his buddies are outside...it is very sweet to watch.  How much more fun could a 4 year old ask for?

Check out some of Jackson's summer fun with his friends!

Coloring with friends

 Snacks with friends

 July 4th Morning Spinkler Run with Morgan and Ryne

Jackson loved the morning's his buddy Ryne could join him for breakfast on the porch

Trip to the water park

Jackson and Ryne accompanied Hayley to her first day on the school bus.  Jackson visited the bus stop every day until the weather turned cold.  He is certainly excited for turn at Kindergarten this coming fall (200 days to go!)

 Jackson, Carter, and Tyler

a late night for the kiddos

Jackson always made time to wash his Gator....in his Halloween PJs...with no shirt!

...and there was always a buddy to help when needed.

Jackson and Ryne

...but Jackson would always sneak away for a trip to the driving range!  Doesn't all 4 year olds?

P.S.  Is it summer yet?