Getting in the Christmas Spirit

The last few days have really been crazy. My mom and brother left yesterday, and we had a wonderful visit. Thanksgiving was a success! The gravy was perfect! Jackson woke up in the middle of the night crying, and we waited a little to go in there, and he stopped crying on his own and went back to sleep. This morning when I went into his room he had a nasty scratch across his cheek ... I am guessing his nail must have gotten him. Anyway, we have a photographer coming tomorrow to photograph both boys - so it should look really cute in the pictures. And his cheeks are all red because he and Colin were outside in the cold wind yesterday - they got a little chapped.
Let me start off the next event by saying - Cooper is happy and healthy. However, this morning I was carrying him up the stairs, and Jackson was following behind. Somehow when I turned around to take a toy from Jackson I slipped and fell on by back. I was holding Cooper upright on my chest, and when I fell back he hit his head on two stairs as I fell. I held on to him tight, and luckily didn't drop him. Anyway, it was terrifying to say the least. Jackson and Cooper were both screaming. After I nursed Cooper he went right to sleep, and I got my neighbors to come over and sit with Jackson while I took Cooper to the Doctor. Luckily he is just fine - he hit his forehead just above his right eye, and it is a little swollen and red. I am so thankful that he wasn't hurt any worse.

In other news - we got our Christmas tree up and decorated. JAckson helped by putting the bells on the tree - and then also taking them off - and putting them on - and taking them off. It was fun. And on Friday we (My mom, brother, Colin, Cooper, and I) took our new vw minivan - yes, you heard right - a minivan - to "A Dickens of a Christmas." Downtown McKinney has artificial snow, and horse drawn carriage rides, and all the shops are open. It was downright cold and windy. But, we had a good time. Here are some pictures from the past week.

Taking the ornaments on and off the tree. And, yes, I am aware that Jackson has no shirt on. I try to keep them both dressed ... really, I do. But someone is always missing tops or bottoms after pooping or spitting up or spilling lunch.

Cooper trying out his Santa Hat. Cute, eh?

Trying to get a good picture of Jackson and Daniel together - it is close to impossible. One or the other usually makes some crazy face.

Jackson's first pony ride - he did great! And it only cost $5 for three or four times in a circle. 45 seconds of fun! I think this is how I could make some extra money - buy a pony (how much can they cost?) and charge for rides from the neighborhood kids. I bet I could start making a profit very quickly. I'll look into getting Jackson a pony for Christmas.

I can't believe he did it - we all suspected that he would cry and change his mind.

Here we are - Daniel, Me, and Grandma Cathy - Freezing At "Dickens of a Christmas"! Not a good picture of any of us - but we wanted to try and capture the moment : ) Colin was pushing the double stroller.

Daniel, Jackson, and Colin - replanting some Hawthorne bushes in the front of our house. Nothing like a little manual labor to work up an appetite before Thanksgiving dinner.

Jackson was quite dirty after "helping" Daddy and Uncle Daniel. He had a blast.

Hanging out together. Jackson loves to hold Cooper's hand, and kiss him on the head. He is also quick to grab a burpcloth and wipe C's face when he has some spit up. It's quite cute.