Jackson's 8th birthday.....

Jackson turned 8 years old.  Crazy that it's been 8 years since my 10 pound baby was splayed across my belly after leaving the womb.  The doctor couldn't stop touching his chubby thighs.  He looked like an out of place toddler next to the other newborns in the nursery.  The infant t-shirt they put on him made him look like Gus on Cinderella----belly button completely exposed.  He was by far my best baby.  He slept easily.  He rarely cried.  We nicknamed him "smackers" because when he was hungry he'd smack his lips in lieu of crying.  I enjoyed every minute of those early years.  His creative, dominant, independent self emerged when he hit two.  Since then he's kept me on my toes in regards to the role as his Mother.  He's so extremely smart.  He's got boundless amounts of energy.  He definitely has the makings of a leader.  I'm predicting CEO of a company.  Anyone that has met Jack, and spent some time one on one with him, loves him.
Kennedy and Jenna made his cake from scratch, including the fondant.  The snake has to do with Harry Potter, because that is Jackson's current favorite series of books.  They also made cake pops because....well.....who doesn't like a cake pop?!

We celebrated at home as a family.  His gift was just what he dreamed it would be.  A Nintendo 3ds.  Little boys and their electronics.

Instead of having a large friend party, Jack chose to take his very best friend Justin to Xtreme Gymnastics where they were able to jump on trampolines and in foam pits for a few hours.  They both had a great time. 
In our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, age 8 is the age of baptism if one so chooses.  Jackson decided he really wanted to be baptized so it was arranged.  A typical baptism takes place on a Sunday after church.  Shawn, however, is unconventional that way.  He planned it so we would pull all the kids out of school, baptize Jack, then head to the city for a big lunch.  Shawn's parents came into town so it actually worked out fabulously.  It was more meaningful with just our little family celebrating his decision.

We all gathered in the room by the font. 

Grandma Angela gave a short talk. I gave a short talk. The baptism was performed by Shawn. Prayers were said. It was a great experience for all.  (Shawn and his unconventional ways usually benefit us somehow).
We love you Jackson.  We are so glad you came to our family.