Ready for some pictures?

Wow!  It's been a busy few weeks for the Carters.  Prepare yourself for a rather picture-heavy post.  Enjoy!

Several weeks ago we went to the monthly open house for the Greater Midwest Lego Train Club.  We would never have known about it except for a story on the local news.  Obviously, with Jackson's obsession with all things train related, I knew we had to go.  It was incredible!  You would never find it unless you knew it was there.  It's in an old warehouse in a rather out-of-the-way part of town.  After a long walk down a hallway that I didn't think would ever end, we arrived to a room full of parents and kids and lots of Legos.  It was worth the walk and the crowds!  Jackson just loved it!  As you look through these pictures, remember that EVERYTHING you see is made out of Legos.  I think they said they've used almost a million Legos to make it all.  If you have a Lego or train lover in your life, you have to check this out!

Part of the Thomas the Train scene

The scenes were built up with Legos and had these little "windows" right at kid height.  There was another little scene inside each little window. 

What a great day!  We will definitely go back.  They have an open house on the second Saturday of every month.  Check it out!

The weekend before Easter we all made the trek down to Iowa for....drum roll please....the Shrine circus!!  I LOVED the circus growing up.  I loved all the animals, the acrobats, the motorcycles, the cotton candy and the fun toys that would light up.  Getting to experience the whole thing through Jackson's eyes was even more amazing.  Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Blair for such a wonderful day!

Outside the Tyson Event Center in Sioux City, IA

Jackson got his very own light toy!

...and it was perfect for tickling!

Happy little boy (and Mom)!!

Here are some adorable bath pictures!  He was in rare form that night.

Trying to tickle Daddy

We spent Easter Sunday at the Carter's house.  It's always so much fun to get together with family.  Gramma Carter even planned an Easter egg hunt for the kids!  I was surprised at how quickly Jackson picked it up.  He was running around with Zac and Zoe trying to find all the eggs.  They all had a great time!

Trying to find every last egg

Oh my goodness!  A new truck!

Has there ever been a cuter picture taken?  I don't think so.  The two Carter goofballs!

After Jackson's naptime, he opened his Easter basket at home.  Cars, books, a movie and trains -- it doesn't get any better for a 21 month old little boy.

Check out my new car!

Looking at all the Thomas stuff that he can put on his birthday list

So, as you can see, it's been a pretty busy month around here.  We're all doing well and looking forward to spring (if it ever arrives) and summer.  Jackson can't wait until he can spend more time outside.  He really is an outdoors kid.  I remember my parents telling me that when I was a child, they used to have to hide my coat because I wanted to go outside ALL THE TIME.  Well, Jackson is getting to be the same way.  It's a good thing though and we will enjoy lots of park time this summer! 

Jackson is talking more and more.  I think the last time we counted he is up to about 35 words and he seems to be adding a new one everyday.  This morning his new word was "whale."  He's even starting to put them together in sentences which is really exciting to me!  So, we're chugging right along and quickly approaching his second birthday.  Scary!!  It's so much fun though!  Everyday he does or says something new and amazing and we're loving every minute of it!

Until next time, take care!

Pajama Day!!!

On Friday, Jackson's daycare did an All-School Pajama Day.  Now, I remember these from Homecoming Week in high school but to see a bunch of little ones running around in PJs all day is simply adorable.  Here is Jackson getting ready on Friday morning -- all decked out in his Star Wars pajamas, a gift from Grandma and Grandpa Blair.

Mom, why are you taking pictures of me so early in the morning?  I haven't even had breakfast yet!

Star Wars pjs and addidas sneakers -- too cute!

Just had to include these two from last night.  Jackson is typically in a pretty foul mood post-bathtime but a sure-fire way to get him to crack up is to carry him upstairs along with Cappy.  Of course, Cappy isn't too thrilled with the routine as you can tell. 

It finally feels like Spring is almost here!  Can't wait to start spending more time outside! 

Another Busy Month!

It's been another busy month for us.  We've made a visit to Choo Choo Bob's and the Children's Museum.  Scott was able to get away with friends, once for a hockey weekend in Madison and another time to go ice-fishing.  It's been a fun month and everyone has been relatively healthy!  Yeah!

Jackson has also learned a few new words, some of which are so adorable and a couple ("No" and "Mine") I wish he could have waited a few more months to learn.  He is really growing and developing all the time and it's so much fun to watch!

For Valentine's Day, Jackson got a few more Thomas trains to play with.  Thomas is truly his favorite thing.  We could play with trains and watch videos all day long and he would never get bored with it.

Making sure Annie and Clarabel are in working order.

Come on, how can you resist that smile?

The weekend that Scott went to Madison with the boys, Danielle and I took Jackson and Zachary to Choo Choo Bob's for some train time.  This store is wonderful!  They have a train show and little train tables in the back for the littler ones to play.  If you're into trains, this is the place to be.

Jackson and Zachary checking out the Thomas stuff.

They have a big electric train set in front that Jackson just loved.

So much for a cute picture of the cousins.  This will have to do.  The trains were just too interesting.

We also made a visit to the Children's Museum.  I've heard so much about this place.  It definitely lived up to the hype.  Jackson loved it!

He was fascinated with the huge fish hanging from the ceiling in the atrium.

One of his favorite things was the city bus.  I wasn't sure we were ever going to get out.

Is the bus driver supposed to be able to see above the steering wheel?

Checking out the factory area

He loved the water tables too!

They had a special Castle exhibit with Legos.  It was pretty cool!  Everything was made out of Legos.

They also have an area dedicated specifically to infants and toddlers.  Lots of little things to play with and climb.  The puppets were fun!

Working on his fishing skills

Checking out the giant fish from above.

We're looking forward to warmer weather and the possibility of spending more time outside.  I think we're all going a little stir crazy this winter.

This week we have Jackson's parent/teacher conference at his daycare.  I love the idea of conferences for toddlers!  Makes me laugh!  It is a good opportunity to sit down and talk with his teachers and learn about any issues that are going on.  We are SO HAPPY with his school.  The teachers are wonderful and the fact that he gets upset when it's time to go home is a good sign too.  I have a feeling they are going to want to talk about potty training though which really makes me nervous.  I am not ready for that and I don't think Jackson is either. 

Until next time, take care!