A Party at the Museum

One of Jack's friends, Bree, celebrated her 3rd birthday at the Children's Museum this past weekend. Not sure if Jack thought it was his birthday or not. Regardless, he had fun. Some pics from the day:


Listening to an audio of the history of the Mississippi River ... or what he'll look like making business deals on the phone in 20 years.


All decked out at the fire truck exhibit.





See how close we are to the birthday presents? Pretty sure he thought it might have been his birthday.


Celebrating with cake and ice cream.

Snow and Memphis

We woke up to lots of snow this morning -- 6 inches, maybe. That's a lot, considering it's Memphis and it doesn't snow here. It was too icy to make it to church, so Jack and watched the Disney channel and played outside. Thought I'd share some of the pictures from the day.




I think maybe there IS such a thing as too many layers. And I think I dressed him for an Alaskan snow blizzard, not one from Tennessee.


See what I mean?


The second trip out, I did a little better. And Jack could actually play




And of course, hot chocolate must finish out all trips out to see the snow.

Almost There!

It's been a couple of months since we've blogged, but have no fear -- we're still alive and well in Memphis! Just busy getting ready for baby brother, whom Jack insists we call "choo choo train." Three months and counting. As Jackman would say, "Almost there!"

I thought I'd post some pics from our trip to Incredible Pizza Company yesterday. Jack woke up this morning saying "go bowling, Mama." But still, I'm certain John loves this place more than Jack.


Jack's version of "go bowling" means we pulls the bumper shields up and he heads halfway down the lane. If we're lucky, he'll knock down a few pins.


Same concept with skee ball. Jack climbs into the lane and throws the balls into the back.


Here's one he's pretty good at ... miniature basketball. Daddy hands Jack the balls while he knocks them down.


We babysat our sweet niece, Mary Beth, yesterday. Of course, she enjoyed Incredible Pizza Company is much as Jack.


I know, Mary, I look like this after spending a couple hours with Jack running around too. This is the way she sleeps.

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.