winter wonderland

Another crazy but awesome Christmas season came and went. Jackson had a blast spending time with Conner. The two boys shared a room with big boy beds. At first it went well but then the craziness set in. Jackson had a hard time adjusting to the new settings and at the end of our vacation we found out that he was sick, of course right before we left for Kaukauna (you might remember we all got sick right before our trip home for Thanksgiving). Regardless, Jackson was great throughout the day acting like his usual self and playing really nicely with Conner. Jackson and Conner spent a lot of time outside in the snow, going to the Children's Museum, visiting with family, drinking hot cocoa, opening presents, etc. We decorated cookies with Neenee and Pappy, danced to music, read books, and sang songs. After Christmas we traveled to WI. We hurried to Kaukauna and quickly saw the family doc (Dr. Al) to rule out an ear infection. No infection, just your good, old fashioned virus of some sort. We arrived the day of the big Bouressa Party (which was fortunately hosted at Chris and Frank's house). Jackson was not himself, not eating at all. He was so tired we decided to put him to bed. He slept from 5pm to 7:30am, not waking at all through the crazy noise that is associated to the whole Bouressa Family! : ) After that he seemed better. We played in the snow with Neenee and made a snowman, went to the Y for some gymnastics and rolling, watched the Badger fizzle, hung out with extended cousins and aunts and uncle, etc.

 Right off the plane and making ourselves comfortable - no pants and newspaper!

Pappy is the best! Jackson loves ice. Just think of his reaction when Pappy gave him this huge icicle. Let's try not to think about what could be in that ice.

 Resting after dancing.

 Sledding!!!! Look at all the smiles from the sledding excursion.

 I love them.

 Jackson and Conner loved this part of the day. I can still hear them giggling.

 I will post a video soon of the sledding fun!

 Daddy and me, in my favorite spot!

We tried really hard to get a picture of Jackson and Conner in their matching Christmas Eve sweaters but they were worn down (or up?) by the end of the evening and wouldn't sit still. This is the best I have.

Nothing like a piggyback ride to cheer up toddlers after trying to force them to pose for pictures. Jackson actually calls piggyback rides, pony rides. Haha!

Ahhhh, Christmas wouldn't be the same with out laying down under the tree and looking up at the lights. I'm glad I captured this shot. Zan was laying there and all of a sudden Jackson joined her. It was really cute. He loved looking up at the lights throughout our trip

Christmas morning! Opening stockings! The boys woke up at 5:30am and were ready to go. We tried hard to get them to quiet down but finally we gave in and sent them downstairs. We have tradition in my family - the kids wait upstairs until they hear the Santa bells and the "ho, ho, ho" before going down. Once that happens its a race to catch up with Santa, who of course has already slipped out the backdoor. (Don't ask me why it has never been up the chimney?). Jackson was intrigued and wanted to really find Santa (who ever that is?). He kept saying "I don't see him". Opening the stocking quickly ended that repetitive statement.

 BOOKS!!!

 More fire trucks!!!

 More cars!!!

 Boys at Aunt Gabby's house!

 Thomas the train! At the train museum in St. Paul.

 "I do it!"

 So much fun at the train museum. AWESOME.

 Driving bus at the Children's Museum.

 Starting the boys early on dishwashing.

 The fire chief adding a little paprika to his stir fry medley.

This is my absolute favorite photo of the month, maybe even the year. Jackson loves stuffed animals and puppets, so of course this red fox was a hit. Guaranteed giggle for sure.

Sitting on the potty on Laurel Lane. I went to use the bathroom and Jackson followed. He saw the Packer nightlight in the bathroom and said "I go on potty." During our trip home for Thanksgiving I convinced Jackson that if he sat on the potty he could hold the Packer Football Player nightlight. He remembered that a month later because I didn't prompt it at all. This is the result, no deposit though : )

 

This is so typical. Daddy and uncle Don always get in some X-Box games during visits home. Jackson loves to sit and play with old controllers. He usually walks away and comes back frequently but this time I caught Jackson sitting with them pretending to play. Also, Jackson talks about Donny a lot. Not everyday but it is usually prompted by Daddy asking "Jackson, who stinks?" Jackson 99% of the time responds first with a "Donny stinks". Talk about Donny also is prompted by Jackson's new guitar. Whenever we go home Jackson always, always, always wants Donny to turn on Guitar Hero.

Jackson and his second cuz Robert enjoying some delicious oranges.

2010 brought so many great memories and milestones for Jackson and our little family. We ended 2010 with great news about adding to our family. Look for Baby Boy 2's arrival around May. We've had some ups and downs to the start of 2011 but all in all things are going well. Jackson amazes us each day with everything that he learns and absorbs. He is still a loving and caring and thoughtful and patient person and we know that that will never change. Although, we have hit a stage of not staying in our bed at night or for naps. It takes extra time to get him to lay down and stay down in his bed but once he finally gets tired enough he sleeps great. He goes from crying to treating it as a game (with giggles) in a matter of seconds. We hope its just another stage but as always suggestions are welcomed! Last weekend was big - Daddy taught Jackson to respond to his favorite question of "Jackson, who stinks?" with "Bears stink!". So all weekend Daddy would ask and Jackson would respond. Jackson has been saying "Go, Pack, Go" for some time now but I think I'd end this note with a Packer chant!!

Thanks to every one (family and friends) for all the amazing gifts but more importantly for the memories made and the support that is always there! We love you!