Introducing...The Slide!

Jackson had to go with me to the jewelry store last weekend to get my ring appraised (since I finally got it back from Tacori). They have a playroom there with a slide and I could not get him away from it which is a good thing since the appraisal took about 45 minutes. We didn't discover the slide until after he attempted to escape me into the ladies room to put all of the paper towels in the toilet. I took a video of him sliding while we were waiting. He was so funny!

Jackson and the Elmo Lunchbox

While in Austin over the summer, my mom and I noticed that Jackson had started carrying my train case around her house. That same trip while at a store, he found a purse with a handle on top and started walking around with it. Well, we figured he liked them because of the handle.

About a month later during a visit to our house, my mom found an Elmo lunchbox that has a handle on the top and he LOVES it. He carries it all around the house with him. A few weeks ago we noticed him putting his favorite blocks in it too, which we thought was cute.

However, this morning as I was getting ready, he came into our bathroom doorway and started dumping out the contents of his lunch box on the floor. I was amazed at what he had stuffed in there! There were three toys, two sippy cups (both of water so it wasn't that scary), the coasters that have been missing from the living room and a smashed piece of bread! (Jackson LOVES bread. He will bring you the loaf from the pantry when he wants it).

I started laughing hysterically and took some pictures. He is such a funny little boy and we are relieved he's using the lunchbox istead of other things (even though it seems he's using it as a purse)!

Also, we hope you get better soon Tatum!

"Texas!"

Yesterday, I took some pictures of Jackson is his Texas hat and this is the only one that turned out. Although, he did add "Texas" to his vocabulary which makes us happy. Now we're working on "Longhorn" and "Bevo" and trying to get him to stop saying what sounds like "Aggie!" Not sure where he got that but I think New Mexico State's mascot is also Aggie - whatever an Aggie even is!

He is speaking so well now it really catches us off guard sometimes. Today, we went to his BFF Cameron's first birthday party and he was the only little one there that would just run up to people and climb on things. The other children were calm and quiet. What have we gotten ourselves into?

I also pre-ordered Elmo Live today. It is supposed to be out October 14th. We were just going to wait until his birthday or Christmas to get it for him but Toys R Us and Target are already out of the pre-ordered ones so I got a little worried.

Halloween Costume Finals

I found a "Little Golfer" costume today and I had to include it in the polls for Jackson's Halloween Costume! It would be so cute for him to drive his little golf cart or even for us to take Scott's golf cart trick or treating with us!

I am continuing the voting though because he loves Elmo and I'm torn between the two. Help us decide and cast your vote on the left!

Summer Trips to Vegas

First Trip: The last week of July, Janet, my mom and my mom's friend Cindy and I met in Vegas for a few days during Furniture Market to play. We had so much fun and even got my mom to gamble a little! Janet also had a birthday during the trip so we ventured out to downtown for a nice dinner and saw the light show. Here are some pictures from the July trip (I still don't have them all Mom)!


Leaving the airport for our hotel (Vegas style)


My mom and I in front of a fountain at our hotel (Paris)

Limo ride downtown for Janet's birthday


Dinner at Vic & Anthony's at the Golden Nugget


That's one of the singers from 98 Degrees (I met him in the bar at our hotel). The blonde is just a girl that was sitting in the bar.


Janet and I spent about 10 hours at the Toby Keith tables at Harrah's one of the days. This is an 80 year old woman (I think she was 80) taking a shot called a Duck Fart that we ordered for her. Isn't she cute?


Me at the Wynn


Mom at the Palazzo


Second Trip: For Labor Day, we took a last minute trip to Vegas. This time, Jackson and Scott came along and we even brought our babysitter Melanie! Scott was able to see one of his favorite bands' final concert while we were there which was a big deal to him. Here are some pictures from that trip (don't have all of these yet either).

Taking a nap on the plane...


Jackson's first limo ride. Look at that smirk...He thinks he's a high roller!


Scott and Jackson with the oh so classy statues in front of the Riviera. I coudn't resist with this picture because of National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation!


Yes that is the sun coming up. I don't know why we like those Toby Keith tables so much...However, we did stop to appreciate the pretty fountains in front of the Venetian on our walk back.


You can tell who took this picture...Such Avery boys!


Jackson was fascinated by all of the lights and buildings.


On the "red carpet" at New York, New York


More red carpet


Exhausted after a long day...

Things I've learned in Vegas this summer...

1. Blackjack strategy cards cost about $4.00 in hotel gift shops. You can get them for free in the Indian casinos here.
2. Just because you know basic Blackjack strategy doesn't mean the other players at your table do too.
3. Reading books and practicing basic Blackjack strategy does not necessarily mean you are going to win lots of money.
4. Babysitters in Vegas cost about $35 an hour. It is much smarter to bring your own!
5. The Toby Keith tables at Harrah's are fun. Really fun. However, by making it fun, they get more of your money.

Melanie's biggest learn? When asking the driver to drive the strip on the way to our hotel from the airport since it was her first time in Vegas she asks, "Is that like where everything is?"