Jonathan Story and Race Day Footage

Chris Montana and Johnny Rockett with Fox News came to our house last Tuesday to film a human interest story on Jonathan. We expected something short and sweet - nothing like what we saw Friday night. To watch, click here: http://www.myfoxal.com/myfox/pages/ContentDetail?contentId=8357868.

Both teams ran well on Sunday. Thank you for your prayers - everyone was healthy and the weather turned out to be perfect. You can see a slideshow below of all of our pictures. If it does not work below, try http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjNmQcZpoeA.

We did not realize that our teams were competing against each other until Jamie asked Scott Bickel for some advice on how to stretch his knee. Scott is a PT and Scott said, "I'm not helping you!" We strapped in for a fight. The McCrory/Bickel/Elliott team ended up beating us in terms of time but everyone gave it all they had.

Many thanks to those of you who have donated, have prayed, and who ran for Jonathan. We appreciate all of you and would not have made it this far personally in our Down syndrome journey if it had not been for you. Please feel free to pass along our name, website, or email address to anyone you come into contact with who might walk in our shoes one day. We love to share, listen, encourage, and pay it forward.

To those of you who want to donate but have not yet done so, our deadline TO WIN is MONDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2009. We would still need to raise about $3,500 to $4,000. No donation is too small (or too big, of course!).

To make a tax deductible donation, you can either go online or mail in a check. To go online, click on www.firstgiving.com/jonathanhallwarren. If you would like to write a check, make it payable to The Bell Center with Jonathan's name in the "for" space and mail it to The Bell Center, 1700 29th Court South, Birmingham, AL, 35209.

Mercedes Marathon 2009 slideshow, featuring Suzanne Cook, the Warrens (Jamie, Julie, Jackson, Jonathan, and Jim), Jayne Bishop, Drew and Julie Cundiff, Courtney and Scott McCrory, the Bickels (Scott, Nanette, Bryce, and Elise), and the Elliotts (Jay, Melissa, and Jonah).

Many thanks,

Jamie, Julie, Jackson, and Jonathan

Jonathan's Last Bell Center Race

I want to thank everyone who has given so far in honor of Jonathan to the Bell Center (www.firstgiving.com/jonathanhallwarren). We are so grateful to those of you who have taken the time to support us. Please pray for good health and mild weather on Sunday. It has been mild here the last few days and is supposed to be on Sunday. We are looking forward to it!

Jonathan ran in his last Bell Center race at Samford yesterday. Jackson ran in the race for siblings as well. We were there along with the Cook families (Suzanne, Jason, Sarah, Gracie, and friends of theirs), Jim, and Julie and Philip Cundiff. We brought Buzz and Woody to use as bait, to lure Jonathan down the straightaway. We played out on the football field first where Jackson mistakenly took Gracie down in a headlock. He was chastised as her mother emptied her pants of rubber turf.:) We then took our seat in the stands to watch all the kids race. Jonathan and Jackson got to run toward the end.

There were several heats of races. Some kids were pushed in strollers while some walked on their own in their walkers. Others walked while holding hands. In the last few heats the kids were able to walk/run unassisted. It was so neat and touching to watch - I had difficulty not crying. When you give to us, you give to them. These kids often can't talk or walk or see. Just crossing that finish line is huge to them. They all received medals and had a blast.

Jackson ran at the end. According to him, he won. I honestly could not tell. So, congratulate him if you see him.:)

Below is a slide show of yesterday's events. Enjoy!

Julie:)

juliewarren73@charter.net

This is our slide show, a collection of all the "footage" taken yesterday at Jonathan's last Bell Center race.

Interesting "angle" on Jonathan's race.

Mercedes Marathon Time Again

Family and Friends,

It's that time of year again for us - fundraising for the Bell Center by running the Mercedes Marathon! This is Jonathan's last year at the Bell Center and we want to leave with a bang! We have two teams running composed of Jamie, Jim, Jayne Bishop, Julie and Drew Cundiff, Courtney and Scott McCrory, Nanette and Scott Bickel, and Melissa Elliott. Please pray for their health and for good weather.

Watch the slideshow below to see how far Jonathan has come in the past three years because of the influence of the Bell Center. If you cannot see it here, go to youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUzM7NH98hU. Many thanks to Tony Perricelli for his help. Jamie helped me, too!

If you would like to give a tax deductible donation, you can give online at www.firstgiving.com/jonathanhallwarren or mail a check payable to The Bell Center at The Bell Center, 1700 29th Court South, Birmingham, AL, 35209. The race is on 15 February 2009 and the contest deadline is 23 February 2009.

Thank you for keeping up with us. Remember, no donation is too small (or too big:))!

We appreciate your support,

Julie:)

Jonathan's birthday/Christmas in Columbia

I would just like to point out that it has only been two weeks since my last update - yes! My mom sent us a CD of the pictures she took at Jonathan's birthday and Christmas, both of which we celebrated in Columbia. That was motivation to update the blog!

Since last I blogged, Jonathan has continued his wild streak. He was a wild man at Christmas and I chalked that up to travel and being out of his own environment. He did well the first two weeks back and the last two weeks have been quite crazy. He supposedly is doing fine at Hand In Hand (where he attends on Tuesdays and Thursdays) but I have had bad reports the last two weeks at the Bell Center - he has hit his volunteer, hit other children, etc. At home he has been hitting us, pulling hair, tearing things down, turning over chairs, eating his foam padding on his pack 'n' play, destroying his brother's "art," and throwing toys. I am not sure what the catalyst is or has been - not getting enough attention at home? the upcoming baby?

A friend who has a child close in age to Jonathan with DS hired a speech pathologist to come to her house last fall to work with their daughter, in addition to all the other therapy. Every time I spoke with a speech therapist Jonathan has worked with, they would say he was doing just fine for him. I called the therapist of our friend and she came two weeks ago Wednesday. Not only is she a speech and language therapist but she also works with kids whose behavior issues stem from speech problems. My suspicion has been that Jonathan is frustrated and is acting out because he cannot communicate verbally. I have noticed a rise in aggression each time he adds more words to his vocabulary. The woman who came to our house said she could help Jonathan - her first visit was to assess if he really needed help (since the other therapists we have worked with said he would not benefit from outside help). She is coming again tomorrow.

Jonathan is saying (or signing) drink, water, eat, dinner, lunch, TV, movie, book, Curious George, Thomas, Woody, Buzz, open, close, door, car, three, downstairs, upstairs, teeth, bath, shower, toys, couch, bed, table, Mama, Daddy, Jackson, Nana, Pops, Grammie, Grandpa, Gigi, Gracie, swing, outside, slide, no, yes, ball, zipper, Doritos, chips, pretzels, ice cream, milk, popsicle, apple, banana, help, bowl, funny, cheese, Veggie Tales, music, sing, potty, poop (I know that is gross to some of you but he must get credit...), diaper, choo choo train, and so many more.

We had Jonathan's IEP meeting in December - our first of many. I used to teach and had sat in on many of them as the regular classroom teacher, never realizing I would one day be on the other end. So, it was an interesting experience. Jamie had no exposure whatsoever so he had more questions than I did. However, they were good ones because I did not think to ask them.

It was hard because the therapists used testing/evaluation methods to determine how much therapy Jonathan "needs." He does not qualify for PT even though he is not functioning like a typical child his age. Since he is fairly coordinated for a child with DS he can't have PT. In an evaluation for speech, he tested as being able to say/sign ten words or less. However, the words I listed above are not all the words he can say/sign and it was frustrating. His OT had similar scores for him and a plan for pottying and interacting with other kids.

Last night I attended a new parent meeting for parents with kids with DS and our speaker was lawyer. She had a lot of insight at to what our rights were as parents and the rights of our kids. She went over the laws for special needs - IDEA, ADA, and section 504. I have heard all that in education classes and as an educator but did not know the law. She mentioned that most special educators do not know the law either and it is up to us to know it and stay on top of our kids' rights. I felt overwhelmed because there was so much information and I began wondering if Jamie should have attended instead of me. Jamie has a real head for jargon - no matter what the business. He is a camellian - he fits in well and can adapt to any conversation - legal, financial, medical, another language, etc. I don't know what it is but it all makes sense to him.

Jackson continues to enjoy school. He doesn't look forward to going but is fine once he gets there. It still tears me up to drop him off and watch his little person trudge up to the door amidst all the other kids swarming around. I have a hard time not crying.:) He is still so kind to Jonathan despite Jonathan's rough treatment. Jackson helps Jonathan talk and acts as interpreter. They are both so encouraging to each other. We were playing outside with other kids one day and Jackson had to sit out and cool off for a few minutes - there was Jonathan right beside him, comforting him. Jackson does the same for Jonathan. I remember when we brought Jonathan home, thinking it wasn't the sibling we thought we were going to bring home for Jackson. Thank goodness we are not in charge - God knew who Jackson needed!

Jamie and I are gearing up for the last Mercedes Marathon where we will actively raise funds for the Bell Center on Jonathan's behalf. I am not running - I had planned on at least running the half if I wasn't pregnant. Since I ran in my last two pregnancies and miscarried in both, the doctor has advised me not to run now. While I am sad not to run for Jonathan in his final year at the Bell Center, I am grateful we have another person on the way! So, stay tuned for ways you can support us in our final venture!

Have a great week and thank you for keeping up with us!

Julie
juliewarren73@charter.net






Jonathan and his great-grandmother, Gigi.

Jackson, Jonathan, Mom's pudgy tummy, and cake.

Jonathan LOVES Woody the Cowboy from Toy Story (Doody) and so Mom had their favorite "Cake Maker," Mille Fore, make Jonathan this Woody pound cake. It was delicious!

All of us checking out the toys. Jackson has great difficulty when it is someone else's turn to have a birthday so he usually participates in the gift opening, if possible.

He got a toilet. He has shown tremendous interest in the potty - flushing it, getting the toilet paper, helping other people go, etc. He can go and will go for a treat - toilet paper!

Jackson, Julie, Jonathan, and Jamie at Jonathan's party in Columbia.

Grandpa ("Bapa"), Jonathan, and Grammie (also "Bapa").

Grandpa and Jonathan.

Jackson got a pizza kit from his Aunt Nancy. We made it for dinner the night we arrived home from traveling. The boy loves to cook!

Jackson and Daddy taking a rest out in the hammock in Grammie and Grandpa's backyard.

The Warrens at the Christmas dinner table.

Aunt Nancy (Grammie's sister), Aunt Betsy, Gigi, Grandpa, Mrs. Eddins (best friend of Grammie and now mother-in-law to Uncle Stephen), Aunt Jessica (Uncle Stephen's wife), Jackson, and Mommy.

Jonathan enjoying his chocolate dessert.

Miscellaneous Video Clips

Here are some additional video clips I did not include on the other blog entries. Again, I have trouble downloading them...

The boys love the Imagination Movers. In this particular song, they both show their moves.:)

At the end of this video, Jonathan answers "yes." He usually pumps his fist and kicks his leg along with a "humph!" sound.

The boys were playing on the slide together. Jonathan has worked hard to climb stairs and he shows no fear in coming down the slide.

Jamie and Jackson took off to start their first race together. I fought tears (no one saw it - I was cool) because I so badly wanted to run it with him.

Jamie and Jackson are at the halfway mark at this point in the race and seem to be doing fine.

This is Jamie and Jackson coming across the finish line of the Edgewood Turkey Trot, one mile run.

I surprised Jackson by picking him up from school and whisking him away to the airport in November. We called Jamie on the way and he revealed our secret destination - Disneyworld! Jackson was not too keen on the plane ride - a foreshadowing of the way he would experience the rides at Disney...

Jonathan's Birthday in November 2008

As I play catch up with pictures, I appreciate your patience. This program does not make it easy or quick to download pix and I often become frustrated!

We went to Disneyworld in November with Jackson and then came home to Jonathan's birthday the next week. We celebrated Jonathan's third birthday in SC with Grammie and Grandpa (I will post pix later when I get them). Grammie had a Woody cake made for Jonathan and he was thrilled. Right now he loves Thomas the Train and Woody. He says, "Dora/Gorah" for Thomas while pointing at his throat and "Doody" for Woody.

Lately, Jonathan has been saying lots of things, some we understand and some we don't. We read the same books again and again at night. Often, I pause to see if he will fill in the blank and he will with his own version of the missing word. Many times it occurs to me that he has been saying a certain word over and over again that none of us got. Once we repeat back to him what he has been saying, if we are affirming him, he rewards us with a big smile and cheer. Even though he is a wild man and can do crazy things, the "sweet disposition" that is supposed to accompany all people with DS does seem to be present in these moments. I think any other person would be pulling their hair out. He has tremendous patience with us. Thank goodness for his thumb, too. After trying to "explain" to us again and again what he is saying, he will give a little "hummpph" and stick his thumb in, letting us know he is done trying to help us.:)

Jonathan continues to do wild and crazy things. While at my parents' house for his birthday and again at Christmas, he raked his hand/fingers across table tops and countertops in an attempt to take down as many things as possible. He jumped up in the desk chair to swirl the mouse and punch as many keys as he could before being noticed. He jumped out of the pack 'n' play, pulled music off the piano, turned over the dog's water bowl many times, and went through the trash. He could also reach the fridge's water supply. So, if any of us forgot to lock it, he would reach up and tap the button you use to fill up your drink, sending rivulets of water down the fridge onto the floor and soaking his clothing. He loved it.

After Jonathan does something particularly devilish, he uses each index finger to push up either side of his mouth into a smile and laughs. I think he also says his version of "funny" and then I explain that "No, it is not funny. That was not a good choice." Blah, blah, blah.

For several months, we had difficulty with Jonathan in the mornings. He would produce something in his pants, dig it out, and decide to taste it or use it to decorate his bed. After searching high and low for onesie PJs for three-year-olds, we have not seen the natural artwork displayed lately.

Jonathan jumped out of his crib several months back. We dropped his mattress to the floor and took the front of his crib off. He could freely walk around while awake. He loves his bed so getting to sleep was not always a problem, although he usually needed at least one "talking to" at night. I would hear him around 5:30am playing in his room. Typically, he wakes after "producing" and just hangs out. But, since he had access to toys, he would play. If not that, he would pull out all of his diapers, remove all the wipes from the container and throw them around his room, and pull all of his shoes out of his closet. After tiring of cleaning this up, we moved his mattress and placed his pack 'n' play in the frame of his bed. He can still climb out but doesn't do it as much. To make the pack 'n' play more comfortable, my friend, Jayne, got a piece of foam sized to fit the pack 'n' play and covered it with a sheet. We did the same thing. Now, as I did this morning, I find the sheet pulled back, and bites of the foam missing. If we had named him William, we could be calling him "Silly Willy" or "Our Little Billy Goat."

Jonathan's eating is better. He still spits things out, but rarely. Pasta seems to be a texture he still doesn't love. He likes carrots, pretzels, chips, goldfish, cereal, yogurt, ice cream, cake, apples, sandwiches, and most meats, including shrimp. We force many things and then reward him with something else.

I would have to say the crazy things have toned down a touch. We have to keep things out of his reach and we continue to childproof things we did not with Jackson. I noticed him opening the fridge downstairs and scolded him. Then I found him climbing in which unnerved me. What really put me over the edge was when I saw him climb in and shut the door. Jamie commented that he didn't know we would have to work so hard after his heart surgery to keep him alive!

Jackson is still enjoying kindergarten. I made the mistake of telling him that it was seven hours long. So, he continues on a weekly basis to lament to me that he was at school for "seven hours". He still refuses to engage in organized sports. We tried soccer the fall he was four, but he didn't like the rules.:) Since then, he does show interest in gymnastics, which we may try. According to our brother-in-law, gymnastics develops coordination and that might be a good springboard for other things. Mostly, he enjoys coming home to play with Legos and draw. He also is great about playing with Jonathan. I often referee fights, but they are mostly tame.

Jackson talks very loudly these days. I think it is because he is used to talking over friends at school or over Jonathan's screaming (which doesn't happen much anymore, thank goodness!).

There is a talent show coming up soon at school. Another child in Jackson's class wants to participate so his mom is getting an act together for the boys in the class. I asked Jackson if he wanted to participate and he said, "yes," and that he had prepared a song. I said, "Really? Sing it for me." He paused and then said, "Well, it is about Star Wars and there is actually a lot of talking at the beginning and then I get into the song part." I said, "Okay, well, tell me how it goes." He took some time and then said, "I forgot." I explained to him that this was James' idea and Jackson was just asked to dance, not sing. Was he okay with that? He said he was.:) We shall see!

Thanks for reading,
Julie:)
juliewarren73@charter.net

Jonathan LOVES Thomas the Train. I kept it simple and used an actual train to protect everyone's eyes from my heinous attempts at sculpting Thomas on the cake.

Jonathan blows without spitting. That is a blessing.

He loves ice cream and has made up his own sign for it. He make the same sign as he does for "milk."

Jackson loves Gracie. We had to keep an eye on them...

A Thomas book! He pronounces Thomas as "gorah" while pointing at his throat. We know not why.

Jackson has a very hard time when it is someone else's birthday. For one, he loves the spotlight and has difficulty sharing it. Two, he wants a new toy as well. We have to give him a pep talk before birthdays and explain the purpose in being glad for someone else, needing to get alone if he cannot behave properly, etc.

Jonathan was making up with Gracie. He hit her and this is his way of apologizing. Notice how sorry he looks.

This is one of Jonathan's favorite activities - jumping off the ottoman/coffee table. We do not encourage it but he and his brother love it.

Our dinner of chili before the opening of presents.

Nana, Jonathan, and Pops.

Jackson using Jonathan's new bat as a guitar.

Our family with both boys thumb-sucking.

A new trampoline! While this is a great toy, it is a good motivator for Jonathan to bend his knees.

Jonathan loves to play baseball. He and I usually hold the bat together while I toss the ball and help him hit. We thought a tee would be better. It also will help him build up his chest and shoulder strength. Funny how we never thought about these things before!

Happy New Year!

I have many pictures to upload and stories to tell. Unfortunately, the part I purchased to make it easier to download pix from the camera we purchased in August is not compatible with our computer. So, until I figure it out, this is what we sent out for our Christmas card...

Lessons Learned in 2008…

Parents must pay attention in kindergarten
Bath time can serve as a confessional
Pictures of robots glued to walls do remove paint
CD and DVD players do break when overused
Snow globes do not bounce
Poison Control and doctors’ offices can be close friends
Swimming lessons can leave scars
A “love pat” can be taken too far
Swallowed Lego pieces must be retrieved in ER
Playdoh is edible
Ear tubes expire and must be removed
Open heart surgery is a distant memory
Books don’t float in bathtubs
Little stomach flu patients can pull all-nighters
Some toys do not survive dishwasher cycles
Action figures can withstand heat of dryers
Ovens open without help from grown-ups
Wipes and diapers become toys when bored
Refrigerators are not good hiding places
“My brother ate my homework” is a valid excuse
Children have excellent memories
Jumping out of cribs can cause head injuries
Chests of drawers can fall on small children climbing them
Syrup and peanut butter do not remove easily from hair
Phones do not belong in the trash
Classroom bullies can live at your house
Not every child enjoys Bible stories
Sleeping in and privacy are overrated

Counting it ALL joy,
Jamie, Julie, Jackson, and Jonathan
www.thefourjs.blogspot.com

Jackson, the Bachelor

Tuesday I went to school to eat lunch with Jackson. He sat near a girl named Anna Grace. He was showing off for her and was so excited to be near her. She completely played it cool and acted uninterested. I was proud of Jackson for not playing games:) and for being himself. It was slightly painful to watch him putting himself out there, but very interesting.

While at lunch, he said loudly, "I have 40 girlfriends! I just don't know who to choose!" Later that day, on our way home, he told me that he just didn't know who he would marry - Anna Grace, Cate, Natalie, or the numerous others. I told him he had plenty of time to figure that out and just to enjoy his friends. He has always noticed girls and when we initially asked him why the push to marry, he said, "Because I want to be a daddy!" The child loves babies and I think it is such a compliment to Jamie that he wants to be a dad.

Yesterday, Jackson told me he had a plan. "Mommy, I have figured out how to find a wife." I asked him how he was going to proceed. He explained: "I am going to give each girl a box of Legos. Whoever builds the best thing will win the contest and be my wife!" How funny that he is confident enough to believe these little ladies are in line to marry him but even more so... where in the world did he come up with that?

Jonathan and I spent the morning party hopping. He had his Christmas performance for Hand In Hand. I decided to take him at the last minute. They had a cowboy theme. Every other child was wearing denim except for him because I did not pay attention, thinking we would not be in attendance. Luckily, he wore a checked shirt and that blended well. I often dread these things because I spend the entire time running after him, disciplining him, apologizing for his behavior, etc. This morning he got on stage with his class and sang/danced. Once the music started, he shook his bell and his tiny buns. Then, he turned toward the audience, as if noticing them for the first time, and greeted them. He proceeded to try to adjust the mike and everyone laughed. That is all he needed. He hammed it up even more. I was filming it and my camera ran out of juice just as he licked the microphone. Classic.

Have a good evening,
Julie:)
juliewarren73@charter.net

Rest of September, October, and some of November

As to why I am just now updating our blog, here are my excuses: we got a camera that I have yet to figure out how to download the pictures - that is my main excuse. We have been busy with school, rearranging/organizing the house, enduring the stomach flu, and traveling.

For those of you who still check this, I hope you enjoy the pictures.

In September, we visited our best friends in Nashville. Jackson continued to adjust to school and finally decided he liked it. I never should have told him he was gone for seven hours, because that just adds to the misery. He recently started coming home with nightly homework and that has been difficult. There is quite a bit of information for me to remember between homework, secret share day, costume days, field trips, permission slips, picture forms, and volunteer work. I have messed up a few times and have been mortified, being the perfectionist I am. I have found it difficult to adjust as well - not to mention getting everyone going in the morning. Jack wakes up well - he is simply not cooperative about getting ready.:)

In late September we found out that I was pregnant again. This is my third pregnancy in the last year. I quit running , nervous something might happen. I was able to run with both boys but since I miscarried twice and was running both times, I thought I would eliminate any possibility of miscarrying due to too much jiggling. I was pretty nauseated until about a week ago, but I didn't care. I was glad because it meant someone was growing. Hopefully, this little person should arrive in late May.

In October, we had our annual fundraiser with PADS (Parent Advocates Down Syndrome). Only Jamie attended because Jonathan began throwing up the night before. Jamie was in charge of PR. Six days later, Jackson got it. Five days later I got it.:) We were supposed to go to SC to see Grammie and Grandpa but had to cancel. We trick-or-treated here and Jackson was bored. Next year we need to get together with friends and make it more exciting. Jonathan was ticked he had to stay in the stroller. It was rather chilly and Jack started sniffling more after that.

This month, both boys have had colds. Jackson can't shake a cough and we are hoping he will get over it in time for Thanksgiving. We went to Disney on the tail end of a trip Jamie had. Jonathan stayed with Nana and Pops. I picked Jack up from school and on the way to the airport, we called Jamie. He told Jackson where we were headed (we kept it a secret in case someone got sick). Jackson was so excited. He does not love plane trips (the taking off part) but was a pretty good traveler. We had to run through the Atlanta airport to make our second flight but we made it. Disney was overwhelming to him and he would have preferred swimming and watching TV in our room (our "apartment). We think we won't be going back anytime soon (unless it is just me and Jamie!). The next weekend we celebrated Jonathan's birthday in Columbia with Grammie and Grandpa. He got to have a Woody cake (he LOVES Woody and Thomas these days - "Doody"). It was a good visit and we head back for Christmas.

We are very thankful this season. It has been a year of adjustment - living in a new place, going through two miscarriages, and starting a new school. It is finally settling down around here only to get crazy in May!

Have a great week and I hope to stay on top of this better in the future!

Julie:)
juliewarren73@charter.net

Jackson and Davis on Labor Day weekend in Davis' yard.

Jonathan, Julie, Jayne, and Kate.

Kate, Chris, Jamie, and Jonathan.

Jackson and Jonathan wearing clothes Grammie sent.

Julie, Julie's aunt, Nancy, and Jamie (picture taken by Jackson).

Jonathan wearing converse hightops Aunt Betsy bought for Jackson!

Jonathan sitting in big brother's lap.

Jackson taking a closer look at some mold.

Jackson's class field trip to Aldridge Gardens.

Jonathan wearing Jack's helmet. He puts on the helmet, mounts

Jackson's bike, rides, gets off, takes off the helmet, and does it all over. A vicious "cycle."

Jamie and his college friends on their annual golf trip in NC.

Jonathan busy writing.

Jackson, Jonathan, and Jamie's Uncle Benny.

Jackson wearing his Buzz Lightyear PJs on Pajama Day at school.

Jackson and Jonathan (wearing last year's costumes) on Halloween. As you can tell, Jackson was thrilled to be in this picture.

Jackson and Jamie ran in this year's annual Turkey Trot at Edgewood. Jackson finished! We talked a lot about finishing even if you can't win the whole race.:) We also had to talk about good sportsmanship as well, since Jackson asked a friend, "What happened to you? Why were you so far behind?" Nice.

Julie and Jackson at Magic Kingdom.

Jamie and Jackson on the carousel. This was one of Jackson's favorite rides. He did not like the sensation of going up and down on the rides so we had to force each one, after which he would say, "That was my favorite!" In between times, he would beg to go back to "the apartment" and the "Mickey Mouse pool."

Jackson on the Magic Carpet Ride. He did not want to do this but liked it afterwards.

Piglet was at lunch one day.

So was Eeyore. Jackson kept making Jamie take pictures with the characters. Jackson was overwhelmed at times.

Brook and Caroline are neighbors in Homewood and happened to be at Disney the same time we were with their parents, Forrest and Mendy.
Mendy, Forrest, Jamie, and Julie. Jackson took our picture.

Jackson before the Buzz Lightyear ride.

Jackson took our picture at Hollywood Studios.

Jamie and Jackson on a speeder (?).

Jackson and I near the adat (sp?).

Jackson strapped to a rocket while we waited in line to see Buzz and Woody.

Jackson hugged Woody when he saw himm.

Buzz, Jackson, and Woody.

Jackson and Jamie driving.

Jack and Jamie drove again on Sunday.

Captain Hook, Jackson, and Mr. Smee. Jack did not enjoy waiting in line and announced he did not want his picture taken. I made him do it.:)

After waiting to do Jedi training and being unsuccessful, Jamie scouted out the Pirate Training and landed Jackson a position. Jack actually got to sword fight with Captain Jack Sparrow!

Going home, this is Julie and Jack at the restaurant in the Atlanta airport. We miss Jonathan!