We got several more inches of snow over night last night!!! In fact, Dave got stuck in the drive way this morning. But we braved the weather to go to El Rancherito (just opened today) for lunch and to the park to go sledding with friends. Jackson went down several times, but was more interested in just tromping around in the snow. Kinsey, on the other hand, loved going down the hill. She was all smiles at the bottom!
FINALLY!!! After all winter of VERY cold temperatures, it was finally worth it this morning . . . we got some snow! I took the kids out to play in it . . . well, very briefly and then while Kinsey was napping this morning, we went out to play some more. Jackson liked taking a ride on his sled, digging in the snow, making a snow angel, and EATING the snow!! I quickly gave him a lesson on what snow would be ok to eat and what snow he should avoid!! He thought that was all pretty funny and continued eating the snow . . . it was clean, don't worry! I even put some untouched snow in cups to make "snow cones" after lunch. He thought that was very exciting!! We climbed up in his fort and went down the slide.
Unfortunately the snow was too powdery to pack for a snow man, but maybe when we get more sleet and snow it will be easier. Jackson said that his favorite part was throwing snow balls at me! 
On Saturday, Jackson helped me make heart cookies for Valentine's Day. He helped make the dough and was in charge of the sprinkles! 
We are SO ready for spring to be here : ) And the warmer temperatures today were a good reminder. So we enjoyed the opportunity to get outside . . . we took a walk around the neighborhood and played in the backyard. It was wonderful!!!! And now we can't hardly wait to be able to go outside to play everyday!! Please come soon SPRING!!!
Some pictures from Jackson's Illini Basketball birthday party today. He had some friends and family celebrate with him. It was a busy day, but a lot of fun . . . enjoy!
Yes, he got his first guitar!!!! And he is SO excited!!!! We decided to go ahead and give Jackson his birthday present this morning on his actual birthday, even though his party isn't until Saturday. (Which has caused some confusion, when he woke up he wanted to know where the balloons and cake were!) I had bible study at the church this morning, so he got to take it with him and try it out on the big stage like Daddy. After wards, we had a birthday lunch at McDonald's : ) Here are some videos to help you feel apart of Jackson's special day . . .
How is it possible that Jackson is already 3!!! It still feels like he should be my little baby, but as he reminds me everyday with his new found independence that he certainly is no longer a baby, but a "Big Boy"! He is an excitable bundle of energy and so much fun! The funny things he says and hilarious stories at this age are so great. I try to remember to write them down so I won't forget. He still loves his St. Louis Cardinals and loves to put on his baseball cap and pretend to be one of the players. He loves Cars and Thomas the train . . . which keep him busy playing for hours! 
And has really become quite the rock star recently, which we get a kick out of!!! He always asks to sing and play music on the stage at church. In fact, the other day, he took his "bat guitar" (he pretends his Fredbird baseball bat is a guitar) and went into his room and hollered at me to come in. I went in and he said, "Mom, sit down, this is my church", he hopped up on his bed, "this is my stage, I'm going to rock out and sing Jesus songs". So needless to say, David has been working on me for a while to get him his own real guitar for his birthday, so that he can start learning from his daddy! And as much of a sponge as he was over the Christmas season, picking up songs and memorizing everything he heard, I had to give in!
Yes, I know she is going to kill me for this picture later, but isn't she adorable? Anyway, it seems like we have been busy, busy, busy since Christmas! So I thought I would take a little time this evening and catch up on my blog!
Jackson has been busy playing trains (Thomas and friends) pretty much nonstop since Christmas. Christmas toys for Jackson or Daddy? David worked this weekend on finishing painting our cabinets, replacing hardware and a few other things around the house. So Jackson had to get his tool belt and tools out so he could help out. Daddy even let him help with the power tools! He is still (as seen in videos below) quite the little singer . . . and is sad that Christmas is over. But he is still hoping that we will get some snow this year so he can make some snow angels. Since we moved to Southern Illinois, we have only had ice, but no real snow! It is so hard to believe that he will be 3 on Wednesday!!!
