Introducing.... Mr. and Mrs. Eddie and Lauren Garcia

Beautiful bride, beautiful dress, beautiful venue, beautiful flowers, beautiful cake. Everything was beautiful! Lauren and I went to middle school and college together and now Rob, Lauren and I all work together at Westside. Since I have known Lauren during these various stages of life, this wedding was a reunion of sorts. I got to see people who I haven't seen since middle school as well as people from Trinity and Westside. I didn't end up with too many pictures, though I will post some more on Facebook. We were not allowed to take pictures during the service, so I didn't get any other than her walking in. Then, when the reception started, I was having so much fun, I didn't end up with many pics.

The bride and her Daddy.

The Happy Couple
Cake
First Dance
My Girls

Jackson's First Trip to Austin

We decided to take a last minute quick trip to Austin. We left at Jackson's nap time on Wednesday morning and returned in time for Rob to sit in on an interview Thursday morning. Yes, it was quick and yes, it was worth it. We just wanted to get out of town for a day and thought Austin would be the perfect place, so we could see our friend Rebecca.

This poor bug died on the way to Austin. The wings stayed with us for many, many, many miles.

We went to the Mandola Estate Winery because we love their restaurant Trattoria Lisina. It's near Austin in Driftwood. They have a great pizza called Mangiameli. They have done a great job on the landscape and they also have Bocce ball!


Jackson loved this fountain. Unfortunately, they had a chlorine block in it and some of the bleach got on the edge of the fountain. I loved the shirt that he's wearing (thanks Monica, Scott and Brinley) so much, that I had to go buy another one to replace it, since it got bleach on it.

This little bridge connects the restaurant and the tasting room.
We found this little guy on the bridge.


The place was full of pretty flowers.
This is the view from the tasting room. At one point Rob went to the car to get Jackson's sippy cup. When Jackson saw him walk by this window, he pointed and yelled "Da Da." He has that one down!
Unfortunately, we didn't end up with any pictures of Rebecca. Instead I will post this picture of her backyard. She always does an amazing job at keeping her house and yard beautiful. We wish we were half as good at that!On the way out of town, Jackson had his first experience at Juan in a Million. Those pics are on another camera, so they will have to wait.

Friends

Don't get my wrong, I loved Jackson when he was a baby more than I thought possible. But, now that he's interactive, and playful, and imaginative I can barely stand it. He's so much fun now. Here he is playing with his friends. I guess they were hungry because he is feeding them in his high chair.

Jackson's brain development amazes me more and more each day. Yesterday when I started reciting a book he likes, he walked across the room, picked up the correct book, and brought it to me. When I tell him it's time to brush his teeth, he walks to the bathroom and when I ask him if he needs a clean diaper, he walked to his room. I know this is probably normal for a 1 year old, but it still amazes me watching his brain develop and seeing how he understands so much that's going on. He always is trying to copy our words now. He tried to say drawer the other day...too cute. His current favorite word is door.

Oh yeah, and he's obsessed with cleaning and wiping. If he gets his hands on a towel or napkin, he walks around wiping things. This morning after breakfast he "cleaned" the dishwasher, a cabinet, and a spot on the floor.

Busted!

Jackson is not allowed to stand in his rocking chair. When babies misbehave, people tend to say - oh, he's just a baby. He doesn't know better. Oh, but he does. He tried to stand in his chair when he didn't think I was looking. Check out his busted face/I know I better sit down immediately/I am going to smile so she can't stay mad at me face.

Mr. Fix-It

Our back door is in bad shape and needs to be replaced. There are a couple of spots that Jackson could get hurt, so Uncle Stephen made some modifications until we can get it fixed. After Jackson watched Uncle Stephen working on the door, he decided he was going to help too. He even "applied" the tape to the correct two spots.

Noelle MacGregor Photography & Design

For those of you who didn't know, Noelle is starting a side photography company. The website is close to being finished. Here is the blog. This will be added to our links on the right of the page.

Bye Bye

This morning I was reading a book to Jackson before I had to go to work. I said, "Okay, Mommy needs to go bye bye." Jackson stood up off my lap, said, "bye bye" and started waving and blowing me kisses.

Although I am glad he doesn't cry when I leave anymore, he seemed a little to quick to kick me out...