Jackson's 10th Birthday

Jackon's birthday was an all day event this year, it was fun to celebrate with him. I love surprises!

Jackson has a fantastic science teacher this year. Both parents and students love him. Mr. Lennox's love of science has been infectious for Jackson. As has his love of snakes, which was their class pet all year. Jackson loved to hold it and really wanted one of his own. So, after about 6 months (enough that I knew it wasn't a phase) I decided to get him one for his birthday.

I wrapped the terrarium for him to open with his other gifts, and later took him to the pet store to pick out the baby snake he wanted. (He knew he was getting a snake ahead of time, we had been visiting local pet stores and researching the kind he should get for a couple weeks prior, but he thought we were using his old aquarium tank and not expecting a new one with all the fun stuff to go with it).
 

 

 After setting up the terrarium, it was time for phase two. Blindfolded, he headed to the car. We were only driving down the street to the mall, so I was sure throw him off by turning into some random driveways and making some U turns.

Jackson had really wanted a skateboard for a long time. He had been using his sister's for a while. I thought it would be super fun for him to customize his own board! We walked through the mall with the blindfold on. It was hilarious listen to him guess where we were. There were some construction sounds, a bird chirping, and a big dolly being wheeled around with supplies, and he was really thrown off. It was great to see shock on his face when we took the blindfold off in the skate shop. 

 He picked out his favorite boards and narrowed it down to one. Then he picked out, trucks, wheels and grip tape and a new helmet.

 

 While is board was being assembled, we killed some time at the arcade a couple doors down.

 He loved the final product.

 Before heading home, he picked out his new snake, who was transported home in a takeout container!

Meet Sapphire:

It was a beautiful spring day so we all headed to our neighborhood park with a basketball, our dog and some of his toys. It had been a really cold spring so it was heavenly to soak up the sun in the warm air.

We ended a great day by singing happy birthday, and watching him blow out his 10 candles on top of his vanilla cupcakes.

Easter

Ashleigh was on a trip with her best friend during Easter, so it was just the three of us. I still get a kick out of Jackson Easter egg hunting and dying eggs. My favorite egg was the I love you egg Jackson made for me.

Spent the afternoon playing board games and enjoying some delicious food. Feeling blessed.

Juliet

With Ashleigh's love of theater, I was so excited for her to land the lead in the school play this year! My beautiful baby girl was Juliet in the 'Seussification of Romeo and Juliet'. After five months of rehearsals at the school, running though lines at home, costume shopping, and sewing.. Ashleigh had a flawless performance all thee nights. I'm so proud of her.

She never ceases to amaze me with her beauty, talent, and humble personality. Even though she had the lead, she made sure to tell everyone else what a great job they did. She is no doubt a favorite among her peers as no fewer than 20 other cast members gave her huge hugs, and high accolades as we were walking out to the car.

I'm thankful for all the support in our family, I ended up buying over 20 tickets! She has quite the fan club.

Uncle Don, requesting her first autograph!

Flowers from Dad

Rose from Grandma

Holding back tears on closing night

 We ended the night with dinner on the patio at one of her favorite restaurants with her best friend. I'm sure the stage will see Ashleigh many more times though out her life.