Keeping up with The Joneses!: The Summer Fog is Lifting...

Well, we made it through the summer in one piece. I know summer isn't technically over yet, but since Jackson started school last week, our schedule is now back to 'normal'. It's nice having a regular routine again. And the cooler weather is definitely welcome! I haven't blogged in a few weeks so I've got some updates! Let's see....where did I leave off? Oh, Sam got his bike helmet! It's the cutest thing and surprisingly, he doesn't mind it so much! Our new bike trailer is pretty great too. Sam loves zooming around the neighborhood in his cool little kiddie car. I added some comfy strap pads and Brian added an orange flag and reflectors so other drivers will see us!

Our good friend Nolan visited a few weeks ago and he brought his super sweet 8 year old son Aiden! During their visit, we took a journey an hour east of Columbus to The Wilds, which is an animal conservation center covering nearly 10,000 acres of land! We took an open sided safari-type tour and saw all of the animals up close and personal. Rhinos, giraffes, gazelle, cheetahs...very cool!

Jackson started school last week! He's now in First Grade and will be in school for full days. He was really excited to get new school shoes and backpack. Another big thing to be excited about...He goes through the lunch line with his tray and eats lunch in the cafeteria! His teacher, Mrs. Wanner has been teaching First grade for 9 years and is very sweet. Jackson is already settling into his school routine nicely. He wakes up bright and early ready for a big day of learning. Smartie pants!

Sam has been growing like bananas lately. Just a few weeks ago we had to lower the crib mattress because he began standing up (see below pics!). Being in the 90th percentile for height, he could easily lean over the rail if we let him, so down went the mattress. Since he started crawling it seems he's doing something new every day! He's now standing and trying to balance with only one hand holding on. He's also trying to walk along the coffee table or in his crib. I'm amazed by his early mad skills!

Now that he's mobile he doesn't want to sit in his highchair or hang out in his pack-n-play anymore. He very much enjoys his independence and would rather be cruising around on the floor getting into mischief. This week his new thing is to stand at the patio doors and watch the squirrels steal veggies from Mama's tomato and pepper plants. Not joking!

Sam discovered his shadow! He's so smart and curious and it just cracks me up watching him chase the dark spot on the floor! Little bugger just loves to play! From the time he wakes up until his eyes close, he's constantly in motion.

Grammie came to visit for a few days! Yay! Sam spent lots of time snuggling with her and playing with the new toys she had for him. Over the weekend, we went to a town fair with Abby while she was in Columbus visiting. Sam had never been to a fair before, so Grammie took him for his first spin on the Merry Go Round! It was going really fast, so I'm not sure how much either of them really enjoyed it. ;) Not only did he wear himself out at the end of the day, he wore Grammie out too! Both of them were thoroughly tuckered by bedtime!