I mentioned to Ben the other day that I feel like we've suddenly hit a pretty sweet spot in life. While Jackson suddenly seems so well behaved and incredibly sweet, Dean continues to be such an easy baby and is now sleeping through the night, too. The combination really is nothing short of amazing -- and the main reason that I didn't freak out or run for the hills when Ben told me that he'd be home late almost every night this past week. So while Ben spent the week at a conference and playing one of his best golf games ever {apparently that'll happen when you go straight from a hunting trip to golfing multiple days in a row}, I was racking up some serious "I owe you" points and hanging with these guys. It was quite the win-win if you ask me.
Thankfully, the week was pretty low-key. Jackson happily went to both my mom's house and preschool, and while he was gone, Dean and I spent our time running errands, getting things done around the house, and gazing into each other's eyes.
When you make a trip to the Domain for one particular thing only to realize that the store is no longer there, you treat yo'self. A salted caramel mocha AND a sleeping baby? Don't mind if I do.
Of course, there were a few hiccups along the way. Exhibit A: "Oops."
Exhibit B: A good reason to not allow balls in the car.
Exhibit C: A snack that he poured all by himself.
And Exhibit D.
Thankfully though, it wasn't anything that a broom, a little bit of patience, and a whole lot of "tummy milk" couldn't handle.
One evening, we went on a walk/scooter ride and met up with the Allens at the elementary school to play on the playground and pay a visit to Tina.
And another evening we went to dinner with my mom and John.
We decided to go to Waterloo so that Jackson could burn off some energy on the playground, and as you can see...mission accomplished.
The boys and I love Ben for so many reasons, but Jackson's response in class this week is definitely one that I hadn't thought of.
That's right, folks. He doesn't love his Daddy for the snuggles or the hugs or the fact that he provides for him. He loves him because of the body-slamming that's allowed when they roughhouse.
Friday morning, I took the boys to Springwoods Park. We hadn't been there since last summer, but it was just as fun and shady as I remembered it, and Jackson had a great time playing on both the toddler and the big kid playgrounds, turning the sand volleyball court into a construction site, and taking a few breaks for water, raisins, and applesauce.
This playground is apparently designed for 5 to 12 year olds...
...or highly ambitious 2 year olds.
Thankfully the little one slept through all of it.
Even when Jackson climbed up on his stroller so that I could get a picture of the two of them together.
Cheeeeeeese.
Jackson and I were playing in his room when Ben called to let me know that he was on his way home and to see what I wanted to do for dinner. As soon as I hung up, Jackson ran over to his grill saying, "I make you dinner." Fingers crossed that he's just as eager when he's capable of doing the real thing!
Holly and Nelson ended up coming over that evening to see us and love on the boys, and despite the fact that I was still pretty full from the fake grilled cheese that Jackson had made me on his grill, we also picked up dinner from Sap's.
Saturday morning sweetness.
On Saturday, we went to the National Hunting & Fishing Day at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock with Kyle and Steve. We didn't know much about it till we got there, and it was definitely geared towards older kids with both a BB gun shooting range and kayak lessons, but between the fishing, bounce houses, and snow cones, there was plenty for Jackson to do, too.
After catching a fish with Ben's help {mostly so he didn't take anyone out with his hook}, we took him down to the water so that he could cast it "by self".
He's definitely not your average 2-year-old.
While we were at the park, we also stopped by the tree that was planted in memory of Grandpa Wheeler. I so wish that he could have met these boys, but I know that he'd be proud of them and of the legacy that he's left behind.
From there, Jackson left with Pops and Memaw to spend the night, so while he was living it up in their house...
...we were doing the same thing at ours.
Newsflash...painting the garage doors is obviously not Dean's idea of living it up.
We did go out to eat twice though {Torchy's for lunch and Shake Shack for dinner}, made a quick stop at Macy's, and picked up shakes before heading back home.
It still amazes me how much easier it is to go out with Dean than it was to go out with Jackson when he was this age.
Last night, I finally got around to designing and ordering Dean's birth announcement while Ben {and Dean} snoozed, and because I didn't have anyone to give me a second opinion, I texted Holly who was surprisingly still up and also having a wild and crazy Saturday night.
This morning, we went to Sunday School and church, and while we did our best to hear the sermon over the craziness of the cry room, Dean took his bottle and then slept.
This afternoon, we headed up to Round Rock so that we could be there when Jackson {and Pops} woke up from his nap and then spent the evening swimming, digging, playing playdough, painting, and eating a delicious steak dinner.
Life is good, and we have definitely hit a sweet spot. At a time when life is passing us by even quicker than ever before, I can't help but wish that we could just stay here forever...or at least for just a little while. Fingers crossed that the good behavior and the sleeping through the night lasts!
