Christmas on the Ranch

We had a great time with Andrea's family this Christmas. Mackay and Beckett loved getting to know their cousins better (Cory and Rachelle you sure have some cute kids!)...and their aunts and uncles better too, of course!

Mackay especially liked going out to his grandma and grandpa's ranch--aka the "property"--in the country. He got to feed the fish, jump on the trampoline, and even go off-roading--both on the adult off-road toys and on a kid one grandpa bought for the kids to play with. It took Mackay a little getting used to, but before long he was riding that little thing all over the place. We just tried to make sure he didn't hit any trees. It was a great time!

Mackay loves chocolate (notice what he is holding)!

Beckett was just chillin'...an easy-going kid.

His own car...Flinstone style!

It took him a little getting used to it, but once he did, he loved it.

Of course, it's hard to compete with the Ranger!

Andrea's Christmas Newsletter

I thought at least some of you might like seeing the Christmas letter Andrea wrote. Nice job, as usual, Andrea! And thanks for making me sound like such a good guy (I will pay you later!).

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This year flew by like a flash! On August 11th we welcomed a new baby to the mix when Beckett Jamison came into the world. I was determined that if this child had to be coaxed out (induced) he would be born on the date of my choosing (eleven being my favorite number)…and with his expedited arrival, courtesy of an emergency c-section, we were all very happy to meet a healthy baby. Mackay took to him right away and now the biggest problem is keeping him from smothering Beckett when he lies on top of him to give him hugs. Beckett is such a sweet and mild-mannered baby. His little personality is developing and he is starting to smile and giggle a lot. He is an expert spitter-upper and is good at hitting the target—any clean shirt or surface. Beckett’s favorite activities are watching his cool big brother play and looking at leaves on the trees outside.

Mackay is quite the big boy now. He is talking and SINGING up a storm. It seems like he is saying something new every day. Some of my favorites include, “wonderful,” “it disappeared,” “I love this,” and “cool mommy/daddy.” He loves to sing and is usually be happy to perform for any willing audience. His latest favorite songs include “I am a Child of God” and anything from The Sound of Music. Mackay loves anything that moves and has asked Santa to bring him a car. Mackay is enjoying preschool a couple days a week and is learning lots of new things…but when you ask him what he learned at preschool, he says, “cars” (they have play time and he always scouts out all the cool cars).

Marc continues to the world’s best daddy to Mackay and Beckett. He is the wrestler and “horsy” of choice and the greatest book reader. When he is not being an attentive father, Marc finds the occasional moment to work on his new hobby—this blog. Aside from that, he is excelling in his job and enjoys teaching the young men at church.

Life as the mommy of two big boys is definitely fast and furious. We have lots of fun going to the park, zoo, and library and are always looking for new places to explore around the city. At the end of most days, I look around and realize I didn’t accomplish much of anything tangible; but Marc is a huge help and picks up all the slack and even enables me to get in a sporadic workout.

We have been very blessed in 2006 and are thankful for a generous and loving Heavenly Father. We hope your 2007 is rich with love and happiness. We wish you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Best of Friends

Mackay and Beckett are the best of friends. Mackay loves to give Beckett kisses and hugs...and Beckett loves to just stare at his big brother--probably in awe of all the cool things Mackay can do...some day you too will be able to run around and play Beckett. Patience in all things.

Thanksgiving Fun

We had a nice Thanksgiving with my family--both Carin's and Amy's families met us at my parents' house. We mostly just hung out. Did a bit of working out...played on a fun playground near the waterfront...and ate some good food. It was great to see my sisters and their families. That is certainly one downside about living half way across the country from them--we don't get to see each other as much as we'd like.

It was great to get all of the cousins together. Mackay was the youngest toddler of the group, so there were still a few things he wanted to learn--like how to pedal a big wheel bike. Despite his younger age, his two older cousins didn't have anything on Mackay in height. Man, I wonder if he will always be so tall...or if he will eventually slow down?

Our trip home in the car was fun...Mackay and Beckett took turns sleeping! Beckett was actually really good on the trip home. Mackay was good too...just a little more aware of all the fun he could be having if he weren't strapped into his seat. We actually stopped at a super Wal-Mart a few hours from home. We let Mackay run around a bit, bought some food, and changed them into their pajamas...totally white trash, but we didn't care!

Beckett and his cousin Austin--Beckett is two months younger (Beckett is bigger than Mackay was at the same age!!!)

Mackay playing trains with his cousins.

Mackay and grandma having fun at the park.

Nothing like a good Thanksgiving dinner with the family.

It's all about the bike baby!

Cowboy Halloween

Mackay and Beckett were cowboys this Halloween (thanks for making them grandma). The day before Halloween we went to a trunk-or-treat activity at our church...Mackay was soooo tired I'm not sure he even realized what was happening! He feel asleep on the way home without even eating dinner.

On Halloween we went to a friend's house and went trick-or-treating down their street...Mackay was definitely the leader of his friends...charging from house to house, up big 1940s-era steps, with his ever-expanding pumpkin-bag full of candy, saying "trick or treek." Needless to say, I now have a lot of sweets to keep me awake at work (we didn't want to give Mackay all that candy!)...at 2-years old, Mackay didn't quite realize his bounty...I doubt that will last for long, however.

Both Sets of Grandparents Visit

We had a nice weekend with both sets of grandparents. They came for Beckett's blessing. Mackay and Beckett are certainly lucky to have two cool sets of grandparents--unlike some kids. What's even better is that the grandparents get along...and entertain each other. We mainly just hung out together over the weekend. Andrea made some good food...and we went to a delicious fish restaurant in the area. Unfortunately, I seemed to get food poisoning from the fish, and the day of the blessing I wasn't feeling too hot. Luckily, I had lots of moms around to get me well fast! Another fun weekend!

Mackay Goes to the Dentist

Mackay had a fun visit to the dentist last week...well, not exactly. We tried to prep him for the experience, but unfortunately his optimism didn't last too long. He made it maybe five minutes--long enough for them to practice doing an x-ray, but he wasn't too into the "power" tooth brush. Nonetheless, from the short exam the doctor was able to give him, he didn't seem to have any cavities. When it was all said and done, Mackay got a sweet toy and pencil...not to mention a new tooth brush! Now that's what I call a fun doctor visit!

As you can see, he started out a little unsure...


But still pretty happy...

He even made it past the mock x-ray...but the end was near...


Can you tell by the unsure look he gave the camera? We were too busy trying to make him feel comfortable to take any more pictures, but take my word for it...it was fun. Good times...

Another Fun Visit

My parents took a little road trip up to New York and decided to stop by for a few days. We had a great time putting them to work on the condo. My dad and I painted the kitchen while my mom and Andrea organized the kids room. My mom also helped with some serious cleaning to the stove and windows. They also helped us with Beckett's new crib. Thanks for all of your help mom and dad!

Beckett The Good Sleeper

Beckett is definitely a better sleeper than Mackay (we still love you Mackay), but he does spit up more (note the rag under his head). Beckett wakes usually once or twice a night. Mackay likes to be supportive where he can...taking a keen interest in Beckett's sleeping habits. Sometimes when Beckett is crying Mackay will perk up his head and say, "Beckett crying" and run out to make sure he is all right.

Beckett at a month old...

Beckett at a month and a half...Mackay at 2 years 4 months.

I Gave Mackay a Haircut!

Mackay's hair was getting long...so with Andrea's permission I decided to give him a sweet buzz! Pretty cool, eh?