Jackson's Early Birthday

Jackson is going to have 2 birthdays this year. We celebrated his birthday tonight with the family because we wanted to do it before we left the Valley. On his actual birthday, Nov 6, we will celebrate it again with Mom, Dave and Ethan. He's a lucky kid!!! Silvia and I made him a cute cake and we realized it really wasn't necessary! He didn't eat one bite, he just wanted to play with his presents! So, lesson learned... don't stress about making a cute cake! He liked the way it looked though. Notice the phone in the picture of him with his cake? That is Luis on speakerphone helping us sing "Happy Birthday" :) He was most excited about the cars that Grandma and Papa Lew got him. Becky gave him a Jesus puzzle and Article of Faith flash cards. Luis and I got him new coloring books and crayons that he can use on the airplane! He also got a Truck and trailer from G and G. He was so upset when he had to go to bed and put away all his new cars. I think I will let them both take 2 cars on the airplane... it's amazing how entertained they are by them.

3 and a half days until we go to Grandma and Grandpop's house! We are getting prepared for it! It was in the 60s this morning with a high today of 72... very unusual for McAllen this time of year! It is usually in the 80s even in December! We enjoyed the fresh air outside but it was just shocking to have to put sweaters on the boys when we went outside to feed the chickens! (The boys are going to miss those chickens!) Can you tell from the pictures that I didn't know it would be that cold when I got them dressed? :) Oh, and the socks and sandals look isn't a shout out to the 80s... it's to protect the blisters on Jackson's feet- which by the way, are looking great! The bumps and blisters from the Hand Foot and Mouth disease are healing nicely, but won't be completely gone for a while. As for the other virus, Erythema multiforme, he is also healing pretty well. He hasn't gotten any new lesions, and the ones that are there already are disappearing. He still has the big ones, but Lew seems surprised by how quickly they are going away! An answer to many prayers! We may even get to go to Sacrament Meeting on Sunday. The bishop had asked if I would bear my testimony before I leave... so we will see how Jackson is doing on Saturday night. So, overall, happy to report that the sickness seems to be on it's way out!