Goodbye "Jeff"

The day after I posted my last blog, Jackson started saying Daddy. He still used "Jeff" every now and then, but has since given it up. I don't know what made him work it all out, but I'm afraid that "Jeff" has left us forever. It was funny while it lasted. And now he says "Daddy" like a pro. Sam is pretty happy about it.

Talking

As Jackson approaches his 2nd birthday, he is talking more and more. I probably should've posted more of the funny things he says, but I just haven't. I'm a slacker. Most of the time I really like that he can talk, although there are times when I wish for the jibberish that I could just pretend I understood.
One funny thing Jackson used to say was Yes. He learned yes, and then after awhile, he changed things up a bit, and he would say "yum" everytime he should've said yes. I have no idea why. We eventually got that worked out and we're back to yes or yeah. He also used to call me "Mimi" but has worked out "mommy" now. Somedays I wish he hadn't learned that one, but most of the time it's nice. He also loves to say grass, glasses, airplane and more recently helicopter (which sounds nothing like helicopter.) The other day I told him to say motorcycle and he just said "brrummm, brummm." That was pretty funny.
Names are probably the best. Here's a list of favorites:
Mac = Gac
Jim = Bum or Bim
Becca = Cepa or Beba
Malachi = Kai kai
Lillian = I can't type this one, just a bunch of noise with "an" at the end
Kambria = Babia

But really the winner is Daddy. Jackson does not call Sam Daddy, but has taken to calling him "Jeff". We really have no idea why or where he learned it, but it's always "Jeff." It still makes me laugh. I'm sure one day he'll figure it out.

Anyway, it's fun to hear him talk and be able to understand him. He picks up new words everyday and I'm just happy to know he's learning. He's getting so big. And just because I like photos, here are a couple of recent ones. Enjoy!

Goin' camping

So every year for 24 July we go camping at "The Ranch." It's not really a ranch at all, just big open spot with a fire pit, 2 outhouses, and a creek. Somehow we still love it. On Saturday we have a big family reunion with a bunch of people that I don't know, but with delicious food that everyone looks forward to. We all had a great time. I think for Jackson, camping is like heaven. He gets to be outside all the time, and he spends all day with his favorite people: his cousins, aunts and uncles, and Nana and Papa. Good times were had by all.

Jackson enjoying the drive down



This is what Daddy's are for!

A day at the zoo

A couple of weeks ago we went to the zoo with Kendra and her kids, Alissa, and my mum. It was a long day, but we all had a good time. Sam was a real trooper, and made it through the adventure with only about an hours sleep. I'm sure he thought it was worth it. So here are some photos, not many of the animals, the kids are cuter.

Mini-golf

Here are some photos of our recent family mini-golf night. Jackson had a great time, and sort of took over the game. He was pretty good about just hitting his ball, but every now and then he'd run up and kick one of ours. Oh well. Good thing we're not super competitive. It was a lot of fun.

Everyone loves ice cream!

My dad got a few shots of Jackson devouring his ice cream cone last night. He tried to eat it from the bottom up, which didn't really work out too well for anyone, except him when he got to go topless the rest of the evening.

Happy Day!

Last Friday, my little brother, Jim, got married! Yippee! It was a busy week, but a lot of fun. A lot of family was able to be here from out of town and we enjoyed having everyone around. The best part was that it was the one day in about 3 weeks that there was no rain! It was a perfectly beautiful day. They were able to have their outdoor reception and it was fantastic. They are so happy together, and we are so happy for them! We love you both heaps!!! (I don't have any photos from the reception, so maybe I'll post some of them later.

The happy couple just outside the temple

Lily, Nana, Malachi, Jackson (the kids loved the water)

A little family photo

Lookin' good