Jackson's Birthday

Our sweet Jackson turned 10 years old!  It's hard to believe he's been here for ten years already--the time has gone so quickly.  In some ways it seems like just yesterday that David and I graduated from BYU--me, about to burst--and had our first little boy the next day.  It was so amazing to see this little, tiny person emerge from the chaos of labor.  He was screaming like all babies do when he was first born, but as soon as they put him in my arms and I started talking to him, he stopped crying and looked at me with those huge, brown eyes.  From that moment he has been a pure joy and pleasure to have in our family.  Jackson loves to learn and discover mew things.  He is constantly fascinated with a new subject he's discovered and tells me all about it.  The worst punishment we can give Jackson is to not allow him to read before bed.  We are so grateful to have Jackson as our son and feel it a privilege to be his parents. 

Jackson checked out a "Fear Factor Cookbook" from the school library and insisted on having something from it for his birthday dinner.  The only thing the family could stomach was this concoction, meant to look like eyeballs and brains.  He was thrilled, of course!

Jackson loves magic tricks and practical jokes.  We found some candy that makes people toot (supposedly), worms that grow in people's drinks, and several other tricks and jokes.  Jackson thought it was hilarious and immediately began devising plans to trick his teacher and friends at school.  I'm sure they appreciated his new gifts.

For Jackson's biggest gift of the day, we put together a treasure hunt for him to find it.  Here he is, followed by his faithful siblings, hot on the trail. 

Again, more clues to be deciphered.

The gift was a trampoline!  David has always been opposed to trampolines, but this year I caught him at a vulnerable moment (baby coming, kids need summer entertainment) and he finally relented.  He now claims he never remembers being anti-trampoline (I'm sure), but at any rate, the Stewarts finally have a trampoline. 

Jackson loves it, of course, as do Ellie and Thomas.  They actually got ready for school in record time the next morning so they could jump before school.  Happy Birthday, Jackson!