Fort Worth Zoo

Jared and I have been talking about how much we would like to take a trip to the zoo for what seems like forever. After Jackson came along, we got even more excited about this little outing. We were waiting for the perfect time and it finally arrived. Beautiful weather, Jackson being the "right" age, etc. were all factors into us deciding it was finally time to go. I'm so glad we did--such a wonderful day.

We began the day with a great breakfast at the Ol' South Pancake House. De-li-cious. Jackson chowed down, as did the rest of us. Here's the crew as we entered the zoo.

Grandpa, Jackson and Jared with a very large gorilla just hanging out behind them.

The silly monkey himself being a little bit goofy.

Grandpa and Grandma Hays with J and the elephants

The fam checking out the giraffes and ostriches.

Grandpa bought some food to feed the fish...Jackson would throw in only one pebble at a time:) Guess he wanted the moment to last as long as possible.

Big daddy lion just roaring at all of us. It was really cool!

Mama lion and her cute little cubs

Enjoying a safari ride

Checking out their wing spans. I'm pretty sure Jackson had no idea why they were all standing there with their arms outstretched, but he went along with it!

We ended the day by taking a short train ride back to the entrance. Our feet were so happy with this decision.

The silly little guy and his new monkey. He was asleep in the stroller before we made it all the way out to our car. Such a big day!

Happy Halloween

Halloween 2008...how fun! Jackson had a big day. It all began with a Halloween themed playdate with our neighborhood group. Since it was 80 degrees outside, Jackson went as Tony Romo.

His favorite part about this playdate was not the cookies, finger sandwiches or craft time. No, all of those were fun, but not nearly as great as playing with the beans and rice in this table. Who knew?! After some lunch and a nap, the dragon was ready to make an appearance again.

He did so good--the headpiece stayed on the entire night!

I couldn't believe it.

Miss Madison came over to trick-or-treat with us. She was such a cute little dragonfly.

Jackson had a pretty sweet gig. For most of the night, he got to ride in the wagon and just make pit-stops for candy. Our neighborhood organized a halloween parade and encouraged everyone to sit out by the curb with their candy. This was such a good idea and really made trick-or-treating a cinch!

Some of the neighbors stayed in their houses, though, so Jackson still got to go up to them and get some candy.

After the parade, we headed over to see what kind of candy Grandma and Grandpa Hays had at their house. Jackson got to hang out with them for the rest of the night while we went to a Halloween party. We had so much fun! Thanks, Rachavongs for such a great time.

Slash, Axl Rose, Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo

Us girls--unfortunately my camera blurred the shot of all the girls who were there, so this is the best one I have:(

All the guys.

There were some really good costumes...big props to everyone for being so creative.

Lunch with friends

Earlier this week my friend Lindsey came over for a visit. She brought her precious little girl Chloe, who is only 2 months old. So cute!

Jackson was so nice to Miss Chloe and even put his arm around her when we asked him to. Awhhhh:)

Birthday, dress up fun

Sunday was another fun day and we went to a birthday party for Baby Teagan. Since her birthday is so close to Halloween, everyone was encouraged to dress up. Jared and I went as Hawaiian tourists and took the dragon along as well.

The fam in full regalia

The dragon got "Uncle Adam" to make a fierce dragon noise for this shot

Little Mischievious dragon...I'm pretty sure he had just crawled underneath the table and come up on the other side. He's pretty proud of himself.

Firewheel Fall Festival

This past weekend was our neighborhood Fall Festival. It was the first time the baby dragon made his debut, and he did not disappoint. We all had a fun time, especially the little guy.

Baby Dragon's Uncle Andrew came into town this weekend for a quick visit. He got to see the dragon display all his skills.

Dragons are very good at knocking cowboy hats off pumpkins.

They're also quite skilled at putt putt golf...

as well as at Plinko. Jackson won a spider ring at the plinko game, but told me it was too scary to wear. I agree. It is creepy to wear a spider on your hand:)

We ended the Fall Fest by going on a hay ride with the whole Fam.

GHS Homecoming

It was my alma mater's homecoming this past weekend and Jackson and I took part in all of the festivities. We started it off on Friday by going to the Owl pep rally with my friend Jenny.

Jackson was pretty intrigued with the whole scene. It really was right up his alley...he got to holler and clap as much as he wanted.

Our view of the pep rally - notice the guy in the red shirt. Does he not look exactly like Pedro from Napoleon Dynamite?!

At the game that night. Go Owls! Jackson really enjoyed watching the game, for about one quarter, that is. Then the wiggles overtook him and he became quite squirmy. Luckily his grandma was there to rescue him and took him home to play and run. Thank you Grandma Hays:) We all appreciated the help, especially me!

Owens Spring Creek Farm

Yesterday Jackson and I went to Owens Spring Creek Farm with our neighborhood playgroup. It was such a neat place and only about 10 minutes from where we live, so we will definitely go back. There was a pumpkin patch, lots of animals, hay rides, etc. The perfect place for a little one.

Thinking about feeding this goat...not too sure about this whole thing!

The goat talked him into giving him some food

Jake, Jackson and Wesley. Just to show you how tall Jackson is, both of these boys are 9 months older than him!

"That goat's coming thru the fence, mom! Help!

Coaxing him into feeding them a little bit more

Holding on for dear life on the barrel train

I thought this ride was so cool...Jackson did not, so much. He did finally stop grimacing, though, which was a great sign that he maybe even enjoyed himself.

Oh boy, miniature ponies! I'm convinced Jackson would have hopped right on over this fence if I would have let him!

A hay ride to end our fun time at the farm:)