Tow Mater

This is Mike.... I realized the other day that the inspection on my truck was due in November so I thought I'd better take care of that. So, on our "daddy day" I loaded Jackson up in the truck and off to Simpkin's Garage we went.

Simpkins garage is a step back in time. Honestly, it's like stepping into an Andy Griffith episode. Simpkins also happens to own the Wake County Speed Way. I knew Glen (Simpkins) would have a race car in his garage, so I told Jackson we were going to go see Lightening McQueen. We got there, and as promised, I asked Glen to let us in to see the race car and Jackson was pretty amazed.

Then, while we were waiting for the inspection, I took Jackson out to the Speedway to see the race track. On the way up to the track, we saw bull dozer, dump truck and 18 wheeler which Jackson labeled "Mack", from the movie "Cars." Then, to our delight, I spotted an old tow truck that look liked "Mater's" twin. Jackson, of course, was thrilled and started saying, "It's Mater, it's Mater." Jackson got to climb inside and sit behind the wheel. Later, we got to see Glen put Mater into action which is whole other story. Jackson loved the race track.

Then, we went to Granddads house to change the oil in my truck. To Jackson's delight, Dad had his 1957 Chevy out of the garage and on the pad. It's all beat up and is a similar color to "Doc" from "Cars." Without prompting, Jackson yells, "DOC!" It was truly a "Cars" day on Daddy Day.

Recent funnies

Jackson says that our family is the "three mouse-ka-teers" [he only knows the mickey mouse version - has the book and recently saw the movie]. We are instructed to hold up pretend swords and say "all fer one and one fer all". He informed me the other night that I was Donald. Guess that makes daddy Goofy?? :)

Jackson struggled this afternoon at naptime. He was restless and wanted out of his room. I asked him if he was sleepy, and he said yes. Then, he said, "I AM sleepy, but I'm JUST awake".

His buddy Ava dressed up in a snow white outfit the other night and came downstairs at a party. She told her mommy that she wanted Jackson to be her prince. When I asked Jackson if he wanted to be her prince, he just said "No. I wanna drive a racecar". Typical.

Last night Jackson carried around 2 pieces of paper for over an hour as we shopped in different stores. He wouldn't put them away for anything. "I got the tickets for the train".

Tasty!

Jackson and I (mommy) had a hot chocolate date the other night. We tapped our mugs together and said "Cheers!" (he insists - we don't know where he picked it up, by the way).

After several slurps, Jack said, "Mmmm... smells tasty!".

"Don't you mean that it tastes tasty?" I asked.

"Nope. It SMELLS tasty, mommy."

And who could argue with that chocolatey smile?

Adventures with buddies

The Buddies - blankie, teddy, & trooper

Jackson has 3 "bed buddies" that he has to sleep with - blankie, teddy, and trooper (a doggie named after Ty's dog that we dog sit for. That's bunny ears on Trooper. He was an Easter gift from Grandmomma last year). These Buddies say prayers with us every night, give mommy night-night kisses, and are great listeners to all of Jack's silly stories.

For the last several days, Jackson has brought the buddies downstairs with him for breakfast. He has informed me that he was now Annie, and that blankie was June, trooper was Quincy, and teddy was now Leo. (in case you were wondering, these are all the characters from Little Einsteins, one of his favorite cartoons).

They had to "go on a mission", he said. I could be Rocket. He even had each buddy do the things that the characters do on the show - ie blankie/June was dancing like a ballerina and trooper/Quincy was playing a horn. He's wanted me to call him Annie, as well.

Quite an imagination!

Family day at the zoo

It was an absolutely beautiful and perfect day to take in the zoo. Jackson was beside himself with excitement. From riding the "zoo bus" to playful baboon's, to the enormous alligator - Jackson couldn't get enough! Most of the animals cooperated and were up close for us to see them. He was timid at our first stop - the gorillas. He wanted to make sure that animal couldn't get him through the glass. We'll definitely be going back as soon as we can!

Arg! Matey!

Today's unusually warm weather begged us for a long morning at the park. I asked Jack this morning which park he wanted to go to and he started chanting "Pirate ship! Pirate ship!". His latest favorite park has a castle-like theme, including tall towers, everything wooden, and yes, a boat that kids can "steer". That's his pirate ship. Paradise to my 3 year old!

He's quite obsessed with pirates lately, thanks to the Veggie Tales. We can hardly wait for the new movie coming out this weekend. I think he frightened a little boy with all the piratey talk - "Arg! Matey!". Oh, and I was told to watch out for "Booby tracks". hahaha! That's booby traps, in case you were wondering.

Since tomorrow is supposed to be even more gorgeous, we've scheduled a day at the zoo. I was showing Jackson pictures of the zoo online earlier, and he was absolutely crazy with excitement. I am excited myself, just knowing how much fun it will be for him.

Boy with toys

So, Christmas and Jackson's birthday came at an opportune time... it's great to have new toys to play with inside when its too cold outside.

Jackson loves to finger paint and paint with sponges

on his new easel.

Ok. So, this is not a new tunnel, but I couldn't resist

posting these cute pics.

"Choo Choo!!"

Granddaddy and GrandDee gave Jack new additions to his big boy Lionel train set. This year he got a lumber truck, more track, and a fancy gadget that decouples cars and dumps logs from the train into the truck. As you can see, all 3 Windley males enjoyed this toy!

Jack LOVES his new bath toys - especially the bath crayons. He thinks it's so funny that Mommy is letting him write on the bath walls!