Enchanted Forest

I decided to take Jack to see Santa this weekend at Enchanted Forest, a special exhibit at a local museum. The forest has dozens of trees, lots of moving mechanical characters, and Santa Claus. But all Jack cared about was the 12-foot train track, where we spent what felt like forever (but was probably about 45 minutes) staring at Thomas and James go round and round and round the track.

Jack did manage to go tell Santa that he'd love a ... yes, you guessed it ... a choo-choo for Christmas.


Jack hanging on the fence in front of the train, so he could see all the action below.


Thomas the Train makes another turn around the track.



One of the moving bears at the exhibit. Jack was NOT impressed.

But he was plenty impressed with the train track.

More hanging on the fence, watching the trains go by.

Catching Up

Oh, I'm so far behind. John will tell you that the Twilight book series has consumed me. One book left ... and then maybe I'll start getting some sleep.

We'll start with Thanksgiving and our trip to East Tennessee. Man, it was cold. There, we visited with my mom and Mamaw and Papaw. Ah, East Tennessee .... We could seriously use some mountains in West Tennessee

My mom, Jack and I at Gee Creek in Etowah

Jack and John on a train car at Etowah's L&N Depot

Jack and cousin Luke on Mom's tricycle. Luke is an expert in using "the stick" to push the tricycle. And of course, Jack was happy to let him.

Jack and Max, my Mamaw and Papaw's dog. I think he was ready for us to leave.

Jack and Jack, as they rode through the fields to move the cattle from one field to another.

Jack helps Uncle Steve feed the cows

Another Chilly Day

Consider this more of the same. John and I ended back at the Children's Museum this afternoon, after forcing Jack to run errands with us all morning. Just wanted to share more of my cute boys.


Jack stuck this plastic wrench up a pipe, and then walked away ... not sure how handy he'll be in the future.


Jack and John check out at the "Kroger."


Jack helps daddy scan the plastic lobster and crab.


Jack and John, steering the airplane in the cage. Both are big fans of the airplane exhibit.

Chilly Days

Today was our first real taste of winter, and my first test of finding a "zoo" alternative (something we could do inside) for Jackman. We ended up at the Children's Museum of Memphis, and left with a year's membership. I have a feeling this place will come in handy in the next several months.


My little fireman (The wet shirt was from the river exhibit -- see below)


Shopping at "Kroger" -- an exhibit in the museum. Proud Mama watched him pick out lots of carrots.


He couldn't get enough of the "Sir Dance a Lot" exhibit -- and loved the N'Sync music and strobe lights. John would be so proud.


I couldn't believe he stayed still enough for face painting. He loved the green balloon on his face and kept looking for mirrors when we got home so he could admire the artwork.


Fishing for plastic fish in the river exhibit.

More Treats

One of the coolest things about working at a children's hospital is Halloween. We go all out with trick or treating for the kids, a fall festival and even a skit contest for our staff.

Because Jack goes to daycare at the hospital, he was able to participate in the big day. He dropped his monkey outfit -- mostly because he had to spend all day in his costume. He decided to be a Titan instead. Thought I'd share some photos from the day.


My little linebacker stops to say hi to my coworker, Katherine.


This Halloween, I think we successfully discovered "treats." It's all he talked about on the way home.


Since I've been at Le Bonheur, we've been barnyard animals and Muppets for Halloween. This year, we were the Pink Ladies from Grease. We should have won -- not that I'm bitter or anything ...


More of the Pink Ladies


Some of our team ...


After our big day, we ventured down our street for our first trick or treating trip.


My monkey, waiting for his treat.

He kept asking for "more tricks" after we left each house.


And once we got home, we had to check out some of the treats.


How much sugar did he consume today?

Finally, a sign

With election season upon us, I'm remembering some sweet Williamson County elections this week. During one election season, John decided he really liked a local candidate who was running for county office -- and he wanted us to get a yard sign to show just how much he liked him.

I told him we couldn't, though, given my need to stay "objective" as the reporter covering the election. All my reporters friends understand that sacred rule of staying -- or at least appearing -- neutral, especially during election season.

That was then. Now, I do PR and get to have all sorts of opinions about everything. Which is why I encouraged John to go get us a sign today. Just two weeks until the big day!


Finally, we have a sign. AND a bumper sticker ...



After we planted our Obama sign, Jack and Grammy played puzzles.

Zoo Boo!

I've been a slacker on the blogging, something I knew was bound to happen eventually. But I had to share some of the pics from our trip to Zoo Boo this weekend. Zoo Boo is the Memphis Zoo's Halloween Celebration -- the kids dress up, go trick or treating at the zoo, ride the train, visit the pumpkin patch, you name it.

Jack had a blast, and talked to me all the way home -- the sugar from all the candy got to him, I think.


Even the concrete animals outside the zoo dress up for the big night.


My monkey


Our friends Ayden (left) and Rhys joined us for the night.

The monkey took a break in the herpaterium to make sure the snakes were still there.


Our friend, Monica, and baby Rhys joined us on the haunted train ride.

Jack and I in the pumpkin patch.

Introducing Mary Beth Hancock

Our newest niece, Mary Beth, was born on Thursday. She joined us at 7 pounds, 4 ounces. My sister, Ruby, and her husband, John, are proud parents. And Jack ... well, he's a little jealous that someone else is getting attention, and not really sure why Aunt Ruby doesn't want him climbing in bed with her.

He has, however had a great time visiting his niece in the hospital -- he loves to ride the elevator and watch the water fountain in the lobby.


Mom, Dad and Baby


Ruby and Mary Beth


Mary Beth, with a full belly




Jack was happy to play with his baby cousin's balloons.


Granna, Mary Beth and Jack


Granna and Mary Beth

Elephants, Giraffes, Lions, Monkeys, Zebras ...

On our way to work for the past two days, Jack has pointed out the zoo when we drove by -- a subtle hint that we're past due a trip. That led to two days of quizzes about who lived at the zoo. Wing-wings (penguins), zebras, raffs (giraffes) ... complete with the noises they make.

Memphis is VERY proud of its zoo, and rightly so. It rocks. And works well as bribery for a 2-year-old -- he'll do just about anything with the promise of elephants ahead.


My guys, watching the fish.



Headed to the monkeys, after a stop at the hippos.




Here's proof that Jack is over his great fear of carousels.





Ya Ya, one of the two pandas living at the zoo. She was taking a nap when we came by.



One of three polar bears at the zoo. He was up for swim.