Another Year, Another Party

Another party has passed and I learned a few things from last year but still had my bumps in the road this year for Jaxson's second birthday party. We went pretty easy with the food and tried our hardest to not make too much. We still weren't able to get it exact and will have some leftover sloppy joes for anyone who is hungry for the next few days. We had a big gathering of family and a few close friends, some enjoyed the pool and some enjoyed food for seconds and thirds.

Then we were off to to open the presents. He made out like a fat rat... again. We have started him on a train track and now it curves and twists around my living room. I am actually listening to the sound of the battery powered trains rolling around the track as I type. I think Dave is having just as much fun (or more) trying to see how big and fancy he can make it. I watch Dave's face cringe as jaxson starts to demantle his masterpiece. Other presents of note. I have been trying to get Jaxson to want to take a bath lately to no avail and Leah has come to my rescue. A bag full of bath time fun gear has made him a bath magnet. He has squirters, wall letters, crayons, and tablets that make the water different colors. I tried to get him out! We also read the Rusty Robot last night and he was laughing out loud really at the book. Lynne picked a good one since as soon as it was done he demanded AGAIN. Aunt Sue went above and beyond this year getting him the biggest box of them all. He had to have Aubrey help open it and found an outdoor water table inside. They both giggled with joy since they can't wait to play with it together I am sure. Above all, the most creative gift he got is a giraffe. And the best part is he doesn't have to live in the backyard. His name is Jerry and he lives at the Blank Park Zoo and Jaxson is now a sponsor. His name will be on a plaque next to his area at the zoo. Jerry the giraffe also came with a blow up pool that looks just like him but is considerably smaller. We can't wait to take a picture of Jaxson and Jerry this summer. Thanks to all the Williams girls for a thoughtful and creative gift and we love supporting the zoo and all the animals. His certificate will soon be framed in his room. Lauren, the oh so creative one, made FANTASTIC Yo Gabba Gabba cutouts for the kids to take fun pictures with. And some adults too. I couldn't ask for a better gift and he has played with them even at home. And speaking of creative gifts, Uncle Jess and Aunt Mimi came to rescue. Jesse, who made the super cute invites you all received, is the second creative person in my life. He got Jaxson three books to help Jaxson learn to draw since he knows I couldn't help him with that. I think I could learn a few things from them as well. Maybe my stick figurine will now look like a 'person' although I doubt it. I am sure some of my masterpieces will make the blog so stay tuned. Also, a special thanks to Aunt Sue for taking my camera and getting tons of good pictures. I couldn't focus on everything and I wasn't getting nearly enough pictures. That changed thanks to Sue!

I made his cake all on my own this year. Last year we had a great cake from HyVee but I thought what is one of my favorite things in the summer?? Than it dawned on me... ice cream cake! I came across a super easy and inexpensive recipe and I have never had more complements on anything ever before even though everyone had to eat it out of cups because I didn't get enough plates. Oops. I must say though, it was lacking design (I forgot the cake decorating accessories) but luckily it wasn't lacking finger licking goodness. Besides tasting great it saved me a lot of moola being able to make it for under ten bucks. Wowza! Some of you have asked me what the recipe is so I will post it for you although I shouldn't even tell you how easy it truly was. :)

It was great how many friends and family were able to come. Sometimes I feel bad for not being able to talk to everyone the whole time but loved looking around and seeing all my favorite people in one room (missing only a few from other states). It also amazes me how many great people we get to have in our lives. From aunts and uncles, to grandmas and aunt grams, even a couple of grandpa's made the mix. We had new friends (Jessica and Lydia!) and Dave's friends from elementary school all there to celebrate the last two amazing years we have had with our wonderful little guy. And it also comforts me to know that I can go to any of the 50 people in the room when Jaxson suddenly starts some new phase that I just can't figure out.

The Second Father's Day..

We went to the ICubs game for Father's day this last weekend. We did the same thing last year and this year turned out much better. We sat in the shade, a slight breeze, and mid eighties instead of nearly dying from the heat with a baby. It was perfect. I was happily taking pictures of my boys and Dave of coruse has his eyes closed in all of the pictures it seems. So when I ask, keep your eyes open this happens. That "crazy eye" look usually isn't what I am going for.

Dave sported his new Iowa Hawkeye ANF shirt. For those of you who don't live with a Hawkeye fanatic that stands for America Needs Farmers which is something that hayden Fry started putting on the helmets to support Iowa Farmers. I know that because I do live with an Iowa fanatic. And p.s. I know this is a little late but didn't want to forget to document the cute father's day pictures. When reading back 20 years from now I might wonder happened to the second father's day if I don't have it on the blog... :)

Get Your Mullet's Ready

We joined Larry and Jim at Mullets downtown for dinner. Jim is visiting for the weekend to go to Jaxson's birthday and to see all the family here in DSM. Mullets is a new restaurant downtown right next to Sec Taylor Stadium. Unfortunately it was a game night and it was almost impossible to find a place to park.

Once sitting down and ordering Dave of course had to take a picture of his sausage wrapped in bacon stuffed with cheese deep fried monstrosity and send it to Jesse. He knew Jesse would be the only one impressed with the heart attack on a plate. The interior design consisted of pictures of all the famous mullet wearing celebrities and it made Dave have a case of Mullet envy. He tried to fluff out his long hair out to be mulletlike. I am glad it didn't work all that well.
It was a beautiful night out and the food was good. They were a little frazzled since they only opened a week ago but overall it was good and I would go again.



While we were there I of course brought my little camera and snapped a few pics at the table. I understand some people don't like being in front of the camera, I really do but it isn't torture. Dave's brother Jim acts like it is torture. What I don't understand is if you try to avoid the camera I have to keep trying to get a decent picture of you. Wouldn't it be easier to stop for one second, look at the camera and smile? I thought so. When you don't this is what happens.....

Wasn't that easier???

On a side note, I think Dave and Jaxson look so much alike in the below picture.

A Trip to MTown

Carol was wanting to head up to Marshaltown to see Lauren and I needed to get some art supplies to her (she is making something Jaxson's bday) so it was a perfect opportunity to make the trip. She worked until 3 so we headed out in the early afternoon and was there just as she was finishing up work. We checked out some of her favorite places and ate at the Tremont where she waitresses. It was a good visit and boy did we push Jaxson to his limits. My plan was that he would sleep on the way to Marshaltown in the car and then be the lovely little boy we all know and love. My master plan didn't work. He was full of giggles on the way up wanting to read books, eat snacks, and NOT sleep. We were doing good until just before dinner when things got a little sour. He had alot of frowns, a few cries, a ton of NO's, and only one flying piece of silverware. Don't worry, nobody was hurt. Luckily there wasn't anyone in the restaurant during our meltdown. He was so tired on the drive home but only fell asleep for a few minutes. We got home at his bedtime and he asked to go 'nite nite' and didn't even want to read book. He slept until 10 o'clock this morning and was full of smiles when he got up.

Birthday Bash

My birthday dinner we went to Taki and ate at the "cook in front of you" grill. I don't have any idea what the actual name for it is. Elaine, Lynne, and Anne were all nice surprises when I walked in. We had fire in our face, Jaxson eating wasabi with chopsticks without tears, and sisters eating sushi for the first time. So that being said it was great. What wasn't great was me trying to break an egg with the side of the metal spatula and failing big time after four tries. Then the guy at the next table stands up to do it about 15 minutes later and doesn't even miss one. I think it was rigged, or that being skilled at this requires alcohol intake which I obviously didn't have. I think I am going to go get some eggs and practice for next time and I can show everyone up.

Lucky Me

I dropped some not so subtle hints that I would really love a digital slr camera over the last few months. I love taking pictures and feel like I can't miss anything with Jaxson. Having a great camera to do it with is a privilege and an advantage. Dave went above and beyond for my birthday and got me the camera of my dreams. It does come with strings attached, I have to take amazing pictures with it all the time of Jaxson. I think I can handle that. I am so excited to learn more about my camera and how to take better pictures. There is a class at DMACC in august that I would love to take. And maybe, just maybe.. I will start doing pictures on the side as a very amateur professional. I use the word "professional" loosely but I do have the desire and love for photography to take the time to get as good as I can be.

Tomato, Tomato

Our smaller cherry tomato plant that is appropriately named "Cherry 100" with tons of blooms and fruit on it is finally having a few ripen up. I of course had to let Jaxson have the first one and all of us have since enjoyed a sweet cherry tomato. He liked it and immediately went to pick another when he came outside today. I quickly had to show him he could only pick the red ones which made for a perfect color lesson. He picked it up quick and went after the red one and took a big bite of it with a smile. He even wanted to share with me, he is so sweet for being almost two. I love having the cherry plants on our deck because each time you walk out you can just pop a tomato in your mouth and be on your way. My other tomato plants are just going crazy as is everything in my garden. The fertilizer my dad had me throw in is doing wonders on my plants. I will tell you what is... for a small fee.... (just kidding)

Happy Father's Day

Nearly two years ago Dave was hoping our bundle of joy would come a few days early on Father's day. It was only a short week later that he did arrive as perfect as he could be. Since then Dave has been there changing diapers, reading books, rocking to sleep, and just being boy's together. Before getting pregnant I am not sure Dave thought much about when/if he wanted to be a dad. As soon as he found out I was pregnant he seemed to change. He was at every doctor appointment, even the ones that lasted 10 minutes, he was there reminding me to not eat this and to take my vitamins. He was at the Daddy bootcamp class and was the first to announce Jaxson to our family waiting in the hall. Jaxson was only the second baby he had held (the first being Aubrey when I was about 6mo pregnant) and since he has been a great dad. He isn't always sure what to feed him or what to dress him in but Jaxson is always smiles when I come home. Each night they have the cutest moment and have one kiss for each spot in the railing. They play basketball often with Dave reaching Jaxson up high to do a dunk and they play soccer inside and out all the time. Dave has also strived to be a good example for Jaxson with one of his main reasons for wanting to finish school was for Jaxson. To provide a better future for him and to set a good example for his son by being the first Barry son to graduate with a college degree. He has done that with flying colors graduating with highest honors. Dave will be an inspiration and an amazing role model for Jaxson. If he were to grow up and be just as Dave he will be very fortunate. Jaxson will luckily never have to wish his relationship with his dad any different because Dave will always be there loving, supporting, and encouraging him with all of his heart.

The first time Dave held Jaxson after he was born

Taking in how adorable his son is. My favorite picture of all time.

Dave and Jaxson watching the election results in November

Lounging..