Jax World

NWA, USA: Part 2

2011-09-24T15:52:00.000+10:00

We were really excited to visit the Ozark history museum in Springdale! Jackson got to learn a little more about his cultural ancestry.

And we had a great time at Anne and Chris's house, where Chris made an awesome BBQ for all of us, including NaMe and Grandaddy, who came up from Magnolia.

NWA, USA: Part 1

2011-09-20T15:17:00.000+10:00

After Petit Jean, we headed up to Fayetteville to see Anne and Chris. We enjoyed picnicking by the lake...

...and going to the summer reading festival at Anne's library in Springdale, where Jackson got to hear a mariachi band, play games, and get some cool prizes and tattoos.

Petit Jean Part 2: Museum of Automobiles

2011-09-13T14:03:00.000+10:00

Before leaving Petit Jean, we visited the Museum of Automobiles: a definite highlight for Mama and Jackson, the petrolheads!

Petit Jean Part 1

2011-09-12T14:32:00.000+10:00

(We are very behind on our blogging! Mama is going to attempt to catch up over the coming days, and will backdate the blog entries, so check back often, and please scroll down in case you've missed any entries.)

After we left Magnolia back in July, we headed up to Petit Jean Mountain, where Mama and Uncle Chris and Aunt Anne went to summer camp at Camp Mitchell. We stayed in a log cabin at a holiday site called Tanyard Springs.

There was even a cabin for Jackson to play in.

It was so hot! Nonetheless, we did a few short hikes. We visited Petit Jean's grave...

...Rock House Cave...

...and Bear Cave.

Seussical the Musical

2011-09-11T14:29:00.000+10:00

On our last day in Magnolia, we all went to ElDorado and had a nice Mexican lunch on the square with Jerry and Kay. Afterwards, Mama and Daddy took Elyot home to pack, and NaMe and Grandaddy and Jackson went to Seussical the Musical!

They really enjoyed it!

And Jacskon even got to meet some of the cast members afterwards.

Even More USA Fun: Daddy and Logoly

2011-08-31T13:39:00.003+10:00

About halfway into our trip to the US in July, Daddy joined us en route from England. Jackson helped NaMe and Grandaddy pick him out a cake from Brookeshires. Yum!

One morning we all went to Logoly for a breakfast picnic. The nice guide there showed us and even let us touch some of the animals on display there, including this snake...

...and this baby crocodile!

We also got to listen to the bees in their hive.

More Fun in the USA! Part 2

2011-08-27T16:45:00.002+10:00

Here are some more of the many adventures Jackson had in America. Playing with Grandaddy's electric train set:

Getting to sit in the cab of a neighbour's massive truck:

Painting al fresco:

And, of course, many many trips to Wal-Mart!

More Fun in the USA! Part 1

2011-08-24T12:45:00.002+10:00

Here's a selection of images from our trip to the USA, showing the myriad activties Jackson got up to at NaMe and Grandaddy's.

Just a-Swimmin'!

2011-08-17T10:55:00.004+10:00

We are so behind with our blogging! Lots of posts to come about our time in America, and Jackson's 4th birthday! For now, here are some shots of Jackson swimming in NaMe and Grandaddy's pool.

This was the first year Jackson could touch the bottom in the shallow end, and felt confident jumping in with some help and occasionally putting his head under. He was even able to use the tiger floaty to swim with his feet off the ground. He and Mama enjoyed doing "triathlons" across the pool, and Jackson and Grandaddy especially had great fun playing with the pool toys and splashing around.

The 4th of July

2011-07-18T07:47:00.000+10:00

We had a great 4th of July with NaMe and Grandaddy!

Jerry and Kay and Tommy came over and we had fun cooling off in the pool.

Then we had lunch and cake.

The next evening we shot off some fireworks! Jackson liked the Roman candles best.

Coming to America

2011-07-17T06:15:00.003+10:00

We are in America with NaMe and Grandaddy. Here are some shots from our passage there.
In the Qantas lounge:

Watching NASCAR racing with NaMe and Grandaddy at the Hyatt Dallas at the airport:

Room service breakfast the next day, before heading to Magnolia.

A New Road

2011-07-15T01:34:00.000+10:00

Recently, Lili got a new road in front of her house! Jackson was lucky enough to be on the scene when it was being constructed, and Lili documented the process. Here are a few of her great shots:

Daddy's Light in Winter

2011-07-11T08:26:00.004+10:00

We had a nice time attending events at the event which annually keeps Daddy so busy at Federation Square: the Light In Winter!

Jackson's First School Excursion

2011-07-06T03:10:00.004+10:00

Jackson, Elyot and Mama are in America right now! We will make some posts about that shortly. However, during Jackson's last week of his school term, his class went on his first school excursion (field trip!), to Collingwood Children's Farm.

His friend Macky held his hand a lot of the time.

The children got to feed and pat animals, and Jackson even tried his hand at milking a cow!

Here are Jackson and Macky with their friends Ava and Fletcher.

The children rode a big bus to the farm. On the way back to the bus, Macky and Will argued who Jackson would sit next to, with Will putting himself between Macky and Jackson!

Despite these little fracas, it was a fun day!

Jackson the Artist

2011-06-17T15:07:00.005+10:00

Jackson has certainly become a real artist! Here's a picture of Piper he drew at 'Name and Grandaddy's back in January.

And he drew an interesting depiction of Ben, shown here with an "order pad" containing Mama's breakfast order (he was playing like he was a server at Juliet's cafe).

Since then, he's had a lot of fun with painting.

Here he is doing his first real freestyle painting. He was practicing for the neat canvas and frame Name and Grandaddy got him for Christmas.

And here he is paining a portrait of Granma for Daddy and one of Daddy for Granma.

Jackson also likes working with chalk. A few months ago, he coloured in our verranda!

And here he is drawing and explaining a chalk house he drew.

Real Gone!

2011-06-02T15:26:00.001+10:00

Here is a video Mama made for Jackson, using one of his favourite songs from the movie Cars and just a few seconds of video.

A Gift From Lili

2011-05-28T20:00:00.002+10:00

Because Lili was making Elyot some lovely keepsakes (see Elyot's blog for details) she also made Jackson cosy blanket with his favourite love-heart symbol on it.

Jackson is keeping it at the foot of his bed because he says, "I love it. I don't want it to ever get messed up."

Jackson the Teacher

2011-05-27T13:53:00.002+10:00

Jackson is very good at teaching Elyot new things. Here he is teaching him to play a ball game.

School Days

2011-05-22T18:50:00.002+10:00

Jackson is having a great second term at 3 year old kinder!

This term they are learning about the world of nature and animals. They are focusing on insects and spiders at the moment, so Jackson took the shell of a small huntsman spider we found to show his classmates. Click on photo to see his classroom's journal account of this.

On another day, Jackson painted a spider for a display in his classroom.

Check out the account in the journal (where you can also see Jackson's two best buddies, Macky and Fletcher):

Easter Times!

2011-05-15T13:24:00.003+10:00

Jackson did lots of Easter activities this year, including making everyone some nice gift bags with chocolate eggs inside with Lili.

We asked Vicky, James and Olive to join us at the American Women's Auxiliary egg hunt.

And Mama and Jackson dyed eggs--and ate them!

On Easter Sunday, the Easter Bunny left treats for Jackson, Elyot, and even Mama and Daddy and Granma and Lili.

Granma and Lili came over that evening, we had an egg hunt in our yard, and Daddy made a ham feast. Cheers everybody!

Byron Bay Holiday

2011-04-24T14:48:00.006+10:00

We went to Byron Bay for a holiday a couple of weeks ago! Jackson was really tired the morning after our arrival.

We stayed in a holiday apartment with a pool so Jackson could show off what he's been learning at swimming lessons.

It was right across from the Belongil Beach (which, many decades ago, was a whaling station)

We had loads of fun on the beach.

We drove out to the lighthouse on our way back to the airport.

It was a great holiday!

The Australian Grand Prix

2011-04-02T14:05:00.000+11:00

Jackson and Mama went to the Australian Grand Prix last week! The night before, Jackson had a slumber party with Lili. They watched his favourite movie, Cars, and Lili gave Jackson a chocolate race car!

The next morning it was time for the Grand Prix!

Mama and Jackson watched a race of classic cars spanning many decades, and the Porsche Carrera Cup, in which one of the race cars had a crash! We also got to see the F1's starting their practice sessions.

Here's a video of Jackson pretending to be a race car.

Jackson's favourite part of the day was getting this checkered flag stamp.

On the weekend, Mama made Jackson a racing obstacle course in the driveway.

Mama's Birthday

2011-03-31T13:58:00.002+11:00

Mama had a great birthday this year. She had a fantastic party the day before at Granma's, where Jackson helped her open presents.

And on the actual day, we had a party at our house, and Mama opened her great presents from Daddy and Elyot, 'NaMe and Grandaddy and Anne and Chris. Jackson picked Mama a very special present, all by himself. It's a flashlight, so that Mama can have one by her bed just like Jackson does. When Jackson went to bed that night, he said, "I think you like my present so much that we'll never fight again." Mama promptly shed a few tears.

Jackson's Portrait Doll

2011-03-24T16:35:00.004+11:00

This term at Jackson's school, each of the students was given a calico doll and asked to make a self-portrait. Here is Jackson with his:

Mama, Lili and Granma all helped Jackson with his. We got started by looking through Memaw's button jar for some blue eyes.

Mama got to come to Jackson's school (on her birthday!) to help him talk about the process of making the doll. Our talk and the photos we took of the process were featured in the Daily Reflection Journal that day (click on photo to zoom in):

Red Hair at the Fair

2011-03-13T15:34:00.001+11:00

Jackson, Elyot, Mama, Daddy, Vicky, James and Olive attended a local school fete last Friday. Jackson decided to have his hair dyed his favourite colour.

Crazy!

Then he and Daddy went down a big slide.

Party Time!

2011-03-11T15:15:00.000+11:00

Jackson really enjoys having movie nights and slumber parties with Granma and Lili. Here are some recent shots:

Letting Off Some Steam

2011-03-10T15:08:00.003+11:00

The other week Ross came over and brought his neat donkey steam engine.

It reminded us a little of Grandaddy's train set, except that it worked using steam, rather than electricity. Neat-o!

The Talented Mr Jackson

2011-02-13T14:01:00.005+11:00

Jackson is now 3 and half! He is so good at many things, including drawing....

...and baking...

...and he's even started writing some letters (without even looking at them: this is an "A" an "E" and two "I"s):

One of the things he's best at, though, is being a big brother to Elyot.

(You can see more of Jackson being an excellent big brother over on Elyot's blog).

Jackson's First Week of Kinder

2011-02-05T13:44:00.004+11:00

Back in Melbourne, Jackson started 3 year old kinder (preschool) last week at the Early Learning Centre (ELC) at Geelong Grammar's Toorak campus!

His teachers are Victoria and Michaela. Here is a letter they sent to him before term began (click to enlarge):

Here is Jackson's school day/week schedule; Jackson attends school Mondays through Wednesdays (click to enlarge):

For most of this month there are only short school days; Jackson is enjoying getting to know his classroom and new classmates.

He even has his own locker to store his hat, rest bag, and library bag.

Last week Lili came to school a bit too, as she looked after Elyot while Mama went to Jackson's classroom. We're looking forward to more school days!

At NaMe and Grandaddy's Work

2011-01-29T15:26:00.000+11:00

We had fun visiting NaMe and Grandaddy's workplace for the first time with Elyot. Jackson was excited to see the picture he'd drawn of NaMe's office on NaMe's office door!

He and NaMe read books while Mama fed Elyot. NaMe also had a neat mammoth for him from her recent trip to Indiana.

On another day we visited Grandaddy's office. Jackson had fun doing "work," such as talking on the phone.

He got to visit one of the classrooms in Grandaddy's building.

We also got to see an important boardroom where meetings take place; Jackson pretended he was presiding over one.

Movie Nites!

2011-01-28T09:53:00.003+11:00

We really enjoyed having movie nights at NaMe and Grandaddy's this time.

Jackson liked to eat popcorn and animal crackers as we watched such flicks as Cars, My Neighbour Totoro, The Cat Returns, The Aristocats, and Finding Nemo.

American Football!

2011-01-27T08:52:00.000+11:00

Jackson really enjoyed watching American football on TV! His new bike helmet doubled as a football helmet.

He likes it when they show slow-motion re-enactments, which he then re-enacts himself!

Jerry and Kay's Visit

2011-01-26T08:11:00.001+11:00

We had a great time when Jerry and Kay came over to visit from Crossett. They got to meet Elyot, and they brought Jackson a super-cool colouring pad lets you create sound pictures!

Shower Time!

2011-01-25T04:14:00.000+11:00

Jackson has always loved having NaMe give him big bubble baths. But this time, NaMe had something even neater: some tablets to make the bath water turn different colours!

But the baths went out the window when Jackson realised that NaMe and Grandaddy have a "carwash" (aka a great walk-in shower)! Now he begs to have a shower every day!

Christmas in America

2011-01-24T13:16:00.000+11:00

We celebrated Christmas in America with a little party and presents--and Grandaddy's neat lights and some party crackers!

Jackson got loads of neat presents from NaMe and Grandaddy, but the biggest thing was his first bicycle!

Though he enjoyed riding it, he especially loved getting to ride his front loader, especially as he can now pedal left and right and forwards and backwards.

Snow Days!

2011-01-23T07:33:00.001+11:00

Right after we arrived at NaMe and Grandaddy's house in Magnolia, it started to sleet and snow! We had two days of snow and NaMe and Grandaddy got to stay home from work. Jackson and Grandaddy went sledding...

...and Mama and Jackson built a snowman (that Jackson had fun destroying)...

...and we even had a snowball fight!

It was so cold! Very different to the Melbourne summertime from whence we came.

Arriving in the US

2011-01-21T08:36:00.003+11:00

Mama, Jackson and Elyot decided to fly back to the US with Chris and Anne. It was great to have 2 extra pairs of hands for our first journey with Elyot!

Jackson enjoyed the flights and meeting NaMe and Grandaddy in LA, but the first couple of nights he found it impossible to stay awake for dinner!

Great Ocean Road Trip

2011-01-16T14:03:00.001+11:00

When Anne and Chris were here we went on a road trip to the Great Ocean Road. Jackson loved playing on the beach at Lorne.

We stayed in a nice cabin in the countryside above Lorne. The owner, Di, helped us collect eggs from her chickens and feed her many animals such as alpacas and bunnies.

We also got to fish for yabbies in the pond.

Jackson hiked over 2km with Mama, Daddy and Elyot!

We had a great time especially singing and playing and hanging out with Chris and Anne!

Christmas 2010!

2011-01-14T12:00:00.003+11:00

We had a great Christmas this year, especially since Anne and Chris were visiting from America!

Jackson loved having them help him play with his presents from Santa, a remote controlled car "like Greg's" and a camera.

Granma and Lili came over and we had a big lunch.

Grandpa Ross and Jackson

2011-01-01T09:00:00.000+11:00

Merry Christmas from Jackson!

2010-12-25T09:00:00.001+11:00

CC4K Christmas Party

2010-12-23T08:00:00.000+11:00

Jackson recently had his end-of-year Christmas party at CC4K. Grandma and Lili and Mama and Elyot came.

There was some funny entertainment we all loved, plus loads of food.

But the best but was watching Jackson perform 4 songs and dances, such as this one below:

December Birthday Parties

2010-12-22T21:16:00.004+11:00

We had Lili's birthday party at Granma's house...

...and Daddy's at ours.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

2010-12-15T01:00:00.000+11:00

You're so groooovy!

Jackson's New School Preparations

2010-12-10T17:45:00.000+11:00

Jackson has been gearing up for 3 year old kinder next year. In November, he had a play session in his new classroom and got to meet some his new classmates and teachers.

Lili looked after Elyot (and even got his passport photos made), and afterwards they joined Mama and Jackson for some celebratory snacks.

The other day Mama took Jackson to get his school supplies, and he met the nice groundskeeper.

Here he is in his new school hat! More on school next year..

.

Happy Birthday to Lili!

2010-12-08T01:07:00.000+11:00

Happy birthday! Looking forward to partying with you on Saturday!

Ben's 3rd Birthday

2010-12-04T14:30:00.004+11:00

Ben the dog recently turned 3! Jackson brought him a present.

Then Jackson helped Lili prepare some cocoa crispy treats and party bread for a party in the park.

Baby Paris was at the party. She loves Jackson...

...and Jackson is very patient with her.

Jackson loooved chasing after Lili's neighbour Greg's remote controlled car. He is asking Santa for one of his own!

Happy birthday to our friend Ben!

Halloween in Macedon

2010-11-30T15:37:00.000+11:00

We spent Halloween in Macedon. The night before, we carved our pumpkin into a cat, got the seeds ready for roasting while Mama and Daddy drank the champagne Vicky, James, and Olive gave them after Elyot's birth.

Jackson changed his choice of costume a number of times...

But finally decided to be a cat like Mama!

When Granma arrived, she brought some awesome Halloween goodies...

...and some spider cupcakes from Lili!

Here's our Halloween stash:

First Holiday of the Fab Four Part 2

2010-11-27T15:08:00.000+11:00

While in the Macedon region, we visited the lovely town of Keyneton, where we stopped in the botanical gardens after Jackson tried "googy eggs" for the first time.

On our last night, Granma joined us and we became the Fab Five!

We visited an amazing private garden...

...but the best part of our holiday was just hanging out all together.

First Holiday of the Fab Four Part 1

2010-11-26T15:37:00.000+11:00

Back in October, we had our first holiday as a family of four. We stayed at a great house in the Macedon area.

We had a fab view of Hanging Rock--the few times it stopped raining and the cloud cleared!

Because it was cold and rainy, Jackson helped Daddy keep the fire burning.

On Halloween it stopped raining long enough for us to hike up Hanging Rock.

Jackson hiked all the way up and down by himself! No small feat for small feet.

More to come...

Jackson's Pirate Song

2010-11-22T08:00:00.000+11:00

Jackson picks up lots of great songs from Lili, school, music class, etc. Here is one he sings at school--at 5 verses:

Honourary Present Opener

2010-11-20T14:06:00.000+11:00

There have been a lot of presents coming our way for Elyot.

This has been great for Jackson, who gets to open every single one! Because we all know opening presents is sometimes better than what's insde!

Fun at Angus and Rachel's

2010-11-08T15:00:00.000+11:00

One of our first trips as a family after Elyot was born was a visit to Angus and Rachel's place.

Jackson had a lovely time feeding the chickens and checking out their amazing garden!

Elyot Land

2010-11-07T15:05:00.000+11:00

Jackson's baby brother has his own, brand-new blog, Elyot Land.

You can check it out by clicking here:
landofelyot.blogspot.com

Royal Melbourne Show 2010

2010-11-06T14:53:00.000+11:00

While 'Name and Grandaddy were in town (and while Mama was giving birth to Elyot) Jackson went with them and Granma and Lili to the Royal Melbourne Show.

The Lightning McQueen ride was his favourite. Mama and Daddy really liked the showbags Jackson brought for them--Mama particularly loves her My Little Pony treats!

'Name and Grandaddy's Visit

2010-11-05T14:47:00.000+11:00

Just before Elyot was born 'Name and Grandaddy came to visit and stay with Jackson! They had a lot of fun, and brought lots of presents, such as a tool set!

They played with the train tracks and played Cootie.

And they even played baseball!

And they brought Jackson to visit with Mama and Daddy and Elyot while they were away.

New Room

2010-11-04T14:45:00.000+11:00

In August, when Jackson turned 3, he got to move into a new room and big boy bed! And we agreed that Elyot could have his old room when he was born. Here is a before shot of his old room...

...and the room now that it's painted and Elyot has moved in.

And here are is what Jackson's new room looked like before he moved in...

...and here it is now.

Mexican Independence Day!

2010-10-25T14:46:00.007+11:00

Back in September, Daddy and family were invited to some Mexican Independence Day celebrations!

There was lots of music and dancing, and face painting!

Jackson loved getting to keep a pinwheel decoration and hanging out with a new lady friend.

The pinata was a little baffling, though!

Big Brother!

2010-10-11T11:46:00.003+11:00

Jackson became a big brother on September 27th! Here is holding Elyot Lyndon Clanton-Jones for only the second time.

Mama and Daddy are so proud of how he's handled the changes involved in having a newborn around. Jackson had so much fun these last few weeks getting a new room and spending time with Name and Granaddady--more posts to come!

L'il Shopper

2010-09-15T08:09:00.000+10:00

Jackson, not usually a fan of shopping other than the pretend variety, really enjoys shopping at Biviano's, the green grocer in Station Street, now that they have shopping trolleys in his size.

Fairyland Day

2010-09-13T13:52:00.005+10:00

Last week Jackson's school had Fairlyland Day in honour of his teacher Christine's birthday.

Lili helped Jackson come up with this fabulous wizard costume!

Jackson's Birthday Part 3

2010-09-07T11:00:00.002+10:00

Jackson's 3rd birthday party for his 3rd birthday happened when Olive, James, and Vicky came over bearing loads and loads of gifts and some lovely sweet treats--such a welcome relief as sickness and jet lag had gotten the better of us that weekend! You can read all about it on Olive's blog post by clicking HERE.

Jackson's Birthday Part 2

2010-09-06T15:24:00.000+10:00

The Saturday after Jackson's birthday, Granma and Lili came over for a party! We opened more presents...

...had a nice BBQ meal...

...played Pin the Tail on the Donkey (Jackson won!)...

...and Jackson finally got to make a wish and eat his cake!

Jackson's Birthday Part 1

2010-09-06T15:10:00.000+10:00

Jackson's birthday extended over 3 whole days this year! In the morning on his actual birthday, we had a little Skype party with Name and Grandaddy while Jackson opened some great cards and presents from them!

Then at school, Jackson had a big party with cakes and the gingerbread cookies he'd made with Mama. In the evening, Mama and Jackson got to meet Daddy's beautiful half-sisters Lizzie and Kirsty when they came over with Ross. They brought lots of fun presents!

Mama made a cake for Jackson...

...and a pizza with all his faves (ham, pineapple, mushroom, and capsicum) but jet lag got the better of him!

Happy Australian Father's Day!

2010-09-05T06:00:00.000+10:00

Happy Father's Day to Daddy!

You've come a long way in 3 years!

Love,
Jackson and Mama

Our UK Trip: Friends 2

2010-09-04T14:17:00.000+10:00

We also loved catching up with John, Tara and Emile while we were in London!

In Brighton, we got to catch up with Seth, Zoe, and Ellie, who made us a lovely lunch. Ellie even made Jackson a beautiful birthday card and bracelet.

Our UK Trip: Friends Part 1

2010-09-03T13:55:00.000+10:00

One of the best parts of visiting England was getting to catch up with old friends! We had lunch and a play with Helen Cornish...

...some drinks and tapas with Tim, Helen Medland, Laura, and James...

...brunch and a play with Chris and Jemma and their daughter Scarlet in Lewes...

...lots of fun having steak at Chris Cresswell's and Indian and a game of pool back at our flat...

..and an all-too-brief catch-up with Chris's lovely family Jack and Ruth (pictured here with Seth).

Our UK Trip: Devil's Hyke

2010-09-02T13:43:00.000+10:00

From Brighton, we took an open-top tour bus up to Devil's Dyke. We decided to hike all the way down to the village of Poynings for a pub lunch.

Jackson led the way along the steep chalk trail. Daddy helped him over the cattle gates.

There were hundreds of steep steps down into the forest to access the village at the bottom of the hill.

At the foot of the hill, there were loads of ripening cherries and blackberries.

Poynings was in bloom as well, and we had a lovely lunch with bees buzzing in the lavender in the pub garden.

It was a steep and precarious hike back up to the top of Devil's Dyke. Needless to say, we were all exhausted, especially Mama and Daddy, who each had to carry up about 30 extra pounds of boy in one form or another.

Our UK Trip: Brighton Beach BBQ

2010-09-01T20:28:00.000+10:00

While we were in Brighton Daddy's friend and boss from Brighton Festival invited us and some old friends to a picnic near their beach hut.

Jackson enjoyed walking around on the rocks and chatting to people.

He and Mama played in the waves, and were joined by Daddy and Liam and his little boy.

On the walk back to our flat, we stopped in for ice cream at Marrocco's, where Mama and Daddy last went just a few minutes before they got engaged!

Even though Jackson's not usually big on sweets, he (and his clothes) loved taking over Mama's chocolate ice cream they were meant to be sharing.

Our UK Trip: Brighton Pier

2010-08-31T12:43:00.002+10:00

One of Jackson's favourite things we did while in England was visiting the Brighton Pier. Mama made this video about it:

Our UK Trip: Brighton 1

2010-08-26T13:33:00.006+10:00

After a couple of days in London, we travelled down to Brighton by train. We stayed at a big, neat flat right near the ocean.

Jackson had his choice of bedrooms, and chose this red one. It was very warm!

While in Brighton we checked out a couple of our previous places of residence, from Brighton Square, Mama and Daddy's first flat in Brighton...

...to Norfolk Sqaure, where they lived just before Jackson was on the cards.

We also visited our house in Millfield Cottages, and were so happy to get to visit with our former neighbours Joan and Tony, who read this blog!

While in Brighton, Jackson loved having breakfast on the beach at the Meeting Place...

...while pregnant Mama became obsessed with the amazing coffee and simple white toast with Marmite at new coffee shop Marwoods.

Our UK Trip: English Transport

2010-08-24T13:10:00.003+10:00

Jackson enjoyed many forms of transport while we were England, from London taxis and buses and the Tube, to tour buses and boats, and even paragliders.

Our UK Trip: Highgate

2010-08-21T17:53:00.004+10:00

Our second full day in London, we took the train up to Highgate. We had fun in a lovely park while the sun was shining.

We visited Highgate Cemetery, and the graves of Douglas Adams...

...Karl Marx...

...and the recently deceased Malcolm Mclaren.

Then we escaped a rain shower with a lovely pub lunch.

Our UK Trip: Around the Galleries

2010-08-18T16:13:00.003+10:00

On our first full day in London, we went to some art galleries around town. We started out at the Tate Britain, where Jackson loved seeing WWII bombers turned on their heads and suspended in the air.

Jackson loved looking at the paintings. He wanted us to explain what was happening in ones that particularly caught his attention. He really enjoyed the "scary" ones too, such as John Martin's paintings of the wrath of God. Daddy bought Jackson a book about terror and the sublime that featured a lot of his favourites.

From the Tate Britain, we were able to take a boat down the river to the Tate Modern.

We saw landmarks such as the Big Ben, the London Eye, and St Paul's Cathedral, all of which Jackson continued to remember and recognise for the rest of our trip.

The modern art at the Tate Modern wasn't as much Jackson's thing, and it was nearly lunchtime, so after a quick visit to the surrealism floor, we had a picnic outside on the lawns near the river.

It was fun!

Our UK Trip: The Ritz

2010-08-16T16:07:00.004+10:00

After our Kuala Lumpur stop-over we headed to London, where we stayed at the Ritz! Granma and Daddy used to stay here when Daddy was little. Granma arranged for our room to have champagne and snacks, some chocolates in a top hat, and even a teddy bear for Jackson--which he decided he wants to give to the new baby when he comes.

There was even a fun London bus puzzle that Jackson loves to work.

Jackson really enjoyed his spaghetti room service meal the first night.

The Ritz even supplied Jackson-sized slippers and a robe. Thanks Granma!

Happy Birthday, 'Name!

2010-08-13T16:18:00.002+10:00

(And then plenty of salty things, to get the sweet out!)

KL Part 2

2010-08-13T13:15:00.000+10:00

On our second day in KL, after a big international buffet breakfast (gotta love large Asian hotels!) we set out for the KL Bird Park, the largest free bird park in the world (though many birds were actually caged). Jackson loved the owls! He also got a kick out of a peacock that seemed to follow us everywhere. He was a little intimidated by these guys:

We were also "followed" by this family, who "snatched" Jackson away. Very funny.

When it got too hot to be outside, we went to a huge mall called Times Square where there was a massive indoors adventure park. It was a bit surreal.

We had lunch at a Wendys (which Mama hadn't seen for years), where everyone seemed to be wearing red.

That afternoon, we chilled out at the pool, complete with its waterfalls and the KL skyline in the background.

Kuala Lumpur Part 1

2010-08-12T12:48:00.003+10:00

We had fun on our two-day stop-over in Malaysia on the way to the UK. Our first morning there we went to the Petronas Towers and the over to the KL tower, where we went all the way up, and where Jackson got to ride a pony at the bottom.

Afterwards, we checked out the old Central Market and some temples in China Town.

It was a tiring and hot day, so that night Mama and Jackson ordered a lovely room service meal of noodles, beef wraps, and papaya coconut rice.

Mistakes No Regrets

2010-08-10T19:30:00.002+10:00

We have so many photos and videos to share from our trip to Malaysia and the UK. While we were away, Mama's good camera broke down so she had to use her phone to take photos. This resulted in her mistakenly taking videos when she thought she was taking photos. So we compiled a video comprised mostly of these "mistakes" to give you a hint of what our trip was like.

Jackson Is 3!

2010-08-05T11:37:00.003+10:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JACKSON! He is three years old today!

We have just returned from our trip to Kuala Lumpur and England, so lots of updates to come...

Fun in KL

2010-07-19T20:58:00.003+10:00

We're having a lot of fun on our stop-over in Kuala on our way to London.

More to come...

Lotsa Fun At Lili's

2010-07-17T13:14:00.001+10:00

Here are some images of the many fun times Jackson has had with Lili over the last month.

We will miss Lili, who will be looking after Piper while we are in England for the next couple of weeks! Thanks for all you do for all of us, Lili!

The Cross-Dressing Cobbler

2010-07-05T12:43:00.002+10:00

Jackson enjoys wearing Mama's and Daddy's shoes for a laugh. He had a lot of fun with a pair of Mama's heels last week.

Congratulations to Vicky, James, and Olive!

2010-06-30T12:27:00.008+10:00

Over the weekend, we had a great time at Olive's banquet, where Vicky and James surprised everyone by getting married. We were in on it, since they'd asked Jackson to be the ring bearer. Jackson got a brand new suit for the occasion!

He loves his suit because it's a bit like the one the Baron wears in his favourite movie, The Cat Returns.

Jackson waited patiently till the celebrant told him it was time to bring up the rings...

...then he delivered them accordingly.

After the ceremony, Jackson gorged himself on all the delicious food, including jellyfish and his favourite noodles (while baby Olive politely looked on next to him).

He even snuck over to Vicky's table, where he planted himself in James's seat between her and her dad and proceeded to filch their chicken!

We all had a great time, and came home tired, full and happy.

Daddy's Gift of Light

2010-06-26T15:38:00.006+10:00

Last Saturday, Daddy produced Fed Square's Solstice celebration, The Gift of Light.

Mama and Jackson joined Granma and Lili, and when we came across Daddy he had a special light just for Jackson.

There were a lot of multicultural performances, including some yoga practitioners saluting the sun. Jackson joined in.

Jackson enjoyed the pillow seats the Afghan community had set out for everyone to enjoy.

Mama's favourite part of the event was seeing Jackson's lantern he made when he went to work with Daddy one Sunday.

It was a lovely Saturday night!

Helicopter Madness

2010-06-24T15:35:00.002+10:00

Last week Grandpa Ross brought over a toy helicopter he acquired in Thailand.

Fun!

Happy (US) Father's Day!

2010-06-21T12:44:00.002+10:00

Happy Father's Day, Grandaddy!

We're proud of you!

Pants Problems!

2010-06-17T13:47:00.003+10:00

Now that Jackson no longer wears nappies, he sometimes has trouble keeping his pants up!

Back in Oz

2010-06-09T18:30:00.000+10:00

We are back in Australia! Jackson loved getting some letters from the US upon his return, such as a musical card and some coins from Name and Grandaddy [and his Friends of the Zoo magazine from Grandma]...

...and some autographed head shots from Richard Parker and Scout.

It's the time of year when we don't see much of Daddy because of his Light in Winter events. This year he has overseen the installation of a huge sun!

Lili, Granma, Ross, Vicky, James, and Olive all turned out when it was first turned on Friday.

Jackson Luvs Gracie

2010-06-07T13:51:00.003+10:00

Jackson had a lot of fun getting to know his various feline relatives in the US.

He especially loved Gracie, who is young and tolerant enough to put up with his incessant attention.

Pool Turtle

2010-06-05T15:47:00.001+10:00

Grandaddy found another turtle in the pool's skimmer while he and Jackson were going for a swim!

Jerry, Kay, and Tommy's Visit

2010-06-04T15:48:00.000+10:00

While we were in America, Jerry, Kay and Tommy came to visit us one rainy day! Jackson had a lot of fun!

He loves doing tricks with the lightning bug flashlight that Jerry and Kay brought for him.

He also had fun playing with Tommy!

We all ate out at Mules Cantina on the Square, where Jackson stuffed himself on fried dill pickles.

Grandaddy's Train

2010-06-03T15:30:00.001+10:00

Another thing Jackson loved doing in America was playing with Grandaddy's 50-year old Lionel train set.

He could play with it for hours!

The Front-End Loader

2010-05-24T22:00:00.000+10:00

Name and Grandaddy had a big surprise for Jackson: his very own John Deere front-end loader!

Jackson likes to gather up the leaves...

...and take them down the driveway in his scoop.

Then he drops off the leaves at the bottom of the driveway.

Election Day

2010-05-22T03:30:00.000+10:00

Tuesday there was an election in Arkansas.

Jackson helped Mama to vote.

He got a sticker for his efforts!

The Magnolia Blossom Festival

2010-05-21T05:01:00.000+10:00

On Saturday Jackson, Grandaddy and Mama went to Magnolia's annual Blossom Festival and Steak Cook-off. We caught the end of the parade.

Most of the parade at that point consisted of political campaigners for Tuesday's election.

There was also a classic car show!

Jackson got to ride a train around the streets.

On our way home we stopped by the motorcycle show. Fun.

.

American Recap 1

2010-05-20T06:22:00.000+10:00

Jackson and Mama are having lots of fun at Grandaddy and Name's house! First, Jackson gave them the beautiful sticker pictures he made for them with Lili.

One day we visited the gigantic Budweiser clydesdales who were visiting the SAU stables.

Jackson has started doing poos in the potty, so he has been getting rewards for this.

Jackson loves going in his little boat in the swimming pool!

One day we found a box turtle walking through the backyard!

Sometimes we go on walks and come across some awesome machines doing work.

One day Jackson and Grandaddy had fun with the bubble machine...

...and then cooled their heels in the pool...

...then watered the tomatoes.

Name ordered Jackson some great new books, many of which were favourites of Mama when she was little.

And today we went to the Square and enjoyed eating Southern stuff and visiting the Western store.

Click on any photo to make it bigger. More to come!

Fun With Anne and Chris Part 2

2010-05-19T08:00:00.000+10:00

While we were visiting Fayettville, there was a big all-day bicycle race. Anne and Chris surprised Jackson with his own tricycle so he could feel like he was particiapting!

Name and Grandaddy and Anne's parents Gwen and Jim all drove over to watch the races and have a BBQ. It was fun to cheer on the bikes!

Gwen and Jim brought some books for Jackson to read, including Ferdinand the Bull, which Jim expertly read to Jackson.

At one point during the weekend, Chris played and sang one of Jackson's favourite songs, "You Are My Sunshine." We're hoping he'll bring his guitar when he and Anne visit us at Name and Grandaddy's this weekend.

On our last night, after many delicious forays into Chrisuine (Chris-made-meals) we ate out at pizza place. Jackson loved counting the Arkansas Razorbacks on the wall.

Thank you to Anne and Chris and their animal friends for showing us such a great time (and for their amazing patience and generosity).

Fun With Anne and Chris Part 1

2010-05-18T11:22:00.000+10:00

Last Thursday we flew into Fayetteville to spend the weekend at Anne and Chris's house. Crazy times were had!

We really enjoyed exploring around town, especially Wilson Park (near where Mama spent her first year of life) with Larry the Dog.

Jackson loved Larry "a little" (he esepcially enjoyed walking him, and being walked as a pretend dog with him by Anne) ...

...but he really loved the 3 cats who live with Anne and Chris, especially Richard Parker, below.

Here he is with Scout, who emigrated from China...

...and hanging with Ipso and Anne, who patiently built construction sites with him for ages.

Jackson also enjoyed hanging out with the diggers of Fayetteville.

Stay tuned for Part 2.

The Ukulele Session

2010-05-17T06:01:00.002+10:00

Jackson's Grandpa Ross came over for a visit just before we left for the US.

He managed to tune up Jackson's ukulele and play all of Old McDonald!