The Residual...

Took Jackson to the doc today. It's been over 3 weeks since he was diagnosed w/ the flu.... and he still has a BAD cough and runny nose.... He has had several spikey fevers - 102 each time and even diarrhea - which is scary for a little guy who has only been potty trained for a month. Anyway, I just got sick of it and decided to make sure there wasn't anything else wrong. Doc says everything looks good except his throat... He thinks Jackson has some "residual" bronchitis from when he had the flu... so he prescribed an antibiotic and some cough syrup. Hopefully, our sweet boy will stop that nasty cough soon and feel like himself again! :)

In case you were wondering - Jackson's "monster" hat in these pictures were made by our good friend Hollie - they are called "whoozies" and super cute and warm! She knits them herself.

McKinnon/Keck Christmas

On Friday, I got to host one of our Christmas dinners at my house. I actually was looking so forward to it - having stuff at my house means my mom isn't stressed out about her house being spotless and all the ridiculous amounts of food she insists on slaving over.... and believe it or not, I actually don't stress NEAR the amount my mom does! Plus, it's so much easier to put the boys to bed here and everyone can party! So we had dinner, opened some presents, played the chinese christmas game and then we played cards after we put the kids to bed. My brother stayed w/ me that night and I didn't end up going to bed til 130am! WAY after my bedtime, but I do believe a good time was had by all!

My gram was such a big help to me - getting the food ready and even helping me clean up the house... You would never believe she's 80 years old!

Of course, it was a Thomas Christmas for Jackson. He couldn't get enough Thomas.

The awesome Pottery Barn backpack I bought him in the spring - he won't wear it. But he didn't hesitate to put this one on!

Ethan kept trying to unwrap Grandma's present!

Success!

Jackson got a pimped-up ART easal for Christmas from Mimi and Poppie.... He kept saying "YAH- let's paint mommy!"

Thank you kisses.

Thank you kisses for Poppie.

And for Uncle Ray.

Uncle Ray got Jackson this monster Thomas coloring book.... He was SO happy... we've been coloring in it ever since!

I've finally decided that Ethan looks more like my dad than anyone....even Jackson.

My favorite gift!! My bracelet w/ the boys' names on it!! SOOOOOOOOOOO awesome!

J got a Thomas bathtub toy from Grandma and insisted that Daddy set it up right away!

Ethan kisses for Aunt Janet.

Time for cards - this table is playing "high-9"

Typical pic of my mom.

This table is playing Phase 10! And my brother was passing out shots. Russell, Roy's son, joined us early on and caught back up w/ us.

Russell and Ryan

Goof balls. Ty and Ray.

This was 100am. Finally cleaned up the kitchen - second round of dishes in the dishwasher. We were tired.

Polar Express!

Everyone knows how much Jackson LOVES trains. So when my friend Emily told me about this train ride, based on the Polar Express movie, that goes from Springdale to Winslow and back - we thought it only necessary for Jackson to go!! We were in for a treat! Jackson was so excited to go on the 'choo-choo' - which he promptly told me is actually Thomas, himself. We wore pj's and everything.... Here's how it went down.

It was Friday, Dec 17th. We waited outside the train station ... a little cold, but Jackson didn't mind!

Of course, we can't leave out Ethan!

After we got on the train, we sat next to our friends Lisa and Richie. These were some cramped quarters... Jackson sat w/ us for the first part and actually was a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing. He sat very quiet on Lisa's lap for awhile... I was worried he was getting sick... but now that I look back, I think he was just taking it all in...

The Burrow Family!

Ethan started out on Daddy's lap...

Santa came around... Jackson gave him a high-5 at first...

The Hendersons - minus Holiday who was sitting across from us w/ Ben...

The four of us in our tiny seat... :)

Ethan switched over to Lisa's lap...

As Santa was making his way high-5ing all the kids, cookies were passed out!

And it didn't take long for Ethan to fall asleep!

Jackson, soon realizing his buddies were sitting across the aisle - made his way over to Ben and Holiday. They were staring out the window as the train drove on... looking at all the lights and "choo-choo"ing.... So cute!

Pretty girl Holiday.

Precious Ben.

My sweet boy Jackson.

Santa's back!!!! Jackson was thrilled!

But not as thrilled as 3 1/2 yr old Holiday!

Ben got to wear the conductor's hat!!!

Did I mention cramped quarters? These are Richie and Ryan's legs...

Just like the movie, must have your ticket punched! Jackson hands him the ticket...

Take my ticket!

Don't you see me!!? Take my ticket!!!!

After the train ride, both boys were exhausted. It was after 900p - way past both their bedtimes and Jackson was ready for bed... but first, we had to say bye to Thomas. :)

My two rascals!