Hermit Crabs at the Library!

I took Jack to a presentation about Hermit Crabs at the Jackson District Library. Here's his reaction right after he tried to touch one.

By then end he was pretty fascinated and even braved picking one up (and dropping it, opps.)

Go fish!

Jack, Daddy and I played Gold Fish last night. First it started out with just me and Jack but it became clear pretty quickly that Jack needed help. Bob helped Jack hold his cards and tried to navigate him through the game.

It was pretty funny. Bob would say, "Okay, now ask Mommy if she has one of these cards?" pointing toward the cards. And Jack would say, "Mommy do you have one of these cards?"

And I would say, "Jack you have to say the pictures on the cards."

And the Jack would say, "The pictures on the cards."

It was a long game, but it was fun.

I'll miss that smile...

My father-in-law died early Saturday morning. It wasn't completely unexpected. He had been diagnosed with untreatable cancer, but his health declined pretty fast. Arrangements were all in place for hospice, but I like to think he had different plans.

Since the moment he learned the cancer was back he never wanted to put anyone out, or make us suffer, or have us remember him sick, or be in a lot of pain. I'm glad he went fast because that's what he wanted, but I already miss him.



Most of all I miss him for Jack. Jim Wheaton was a great father-in-law, our sometimes-grumpy guardian who always had our back, but most of all he was a fantastic grandpa. Just look at the smile on Jack's face... his face always lit up in a special way when he was around grandpa.



There have been many moments when I’ve seen God in this journey and I’m sure I will see more, but right now I’m feeling blessed that I had a great second dad, even if it was for too short of time.

Here's a few Easter Shots!

Oh the anticipation!Let's get to work!He still fits in his giant Easter Basket!

In his Sunday's Best.

Jack and Daddy, before we all walk to church. I love living close enough to walk!

He's struggling with the concept of pretend

Jack has been struggling a bit with the concept that his new kitchen is for pretending. He keeps trying to raid the refrigerator, even though he has some pretend food.

He's trying to cut real carrots with his fake utensils.Ah, forget it, let's just eat. (That's paint on his hands.)

Happy Birthday Jack!

In some ways, I think Jack is advanced for his age, but not really when it comes to table manners, there he's "Leo the Late Bloomer". Obviously, he enjoyed his cake and he seemed to enjoy the rest of his party with just as much gusto.

Here he is showing off his new "cooking" skills with a piece of string cheese in his new ladle. Notice the boots, they were a gift and he's crazy about them.

Daddy and Jack finished off the big birthday bash with a "campout" in the living room. I am so proud of my little man and his daddy, who loves to do fun things with Jack.

Wow, it's been awhile

Each week, I take Jack to a recreation center where he can play with balls, tents, tricycles and other kids.



Each week, he wants me to push him on the tricycles, and each week I try to explain to him to push one foot and then the other, yada yada yada.



This week it must have sunk in... I swelled with pride watching him ride. If only potty training would sink in too.