Amazing what 11 or so months can do.

We went from putting a shoe box under the kid to having to raise the seat level. We love our crazy little Mister Jack.

A Little Bluegrass Please...

I believe those that read this exciting and frequently updated blog probably already know we up and moved to Kentucky a few months ago. A place neither of us had really ever been. So, with the 2nd of 5-7 Employee Appreciation Days last Friday aka Furlough Day/Leave without Pay (Glad you could do your job Congress) we decided we might as well go explore our new state.

 1st stop = Louisville and Churchill Downs.

We failed to get the memo on the appropriate Derby attire...

Next Stop = Cave Country. Mainly we went to check out Mammoth Cave the largest cave system in the world. Little did we know a little bit of Australia was in Southern Kentucky as well. 

Kangeroos are the softest animal I've ever petted. 

 One of our favorite Jack faces. 

 You get to feed the birds, Jack was a bit freaked out when they came landing on our heads and arms and such. 

 Yes, that is really a Kangeroo, not some stuffed animal or man dressed up in a Kangeroo costume. 

Kaylyn wasn't a huge fan of the Snakes and Skinks. 

 This kid is getting so big. 

A few pictures in Mammoth Cave - These are for you Andrew. 

The plan from here was originally to head back home through Central Kentucky and hit up Lexington but when you are only a bit more than an hour from Nashville why not hit a whole new state. 

 There is a park that has a full size replica of the Parthenon. 

 The Music City Center is GYNORMOUS

"Dad, LOOK how fast I run in my Nike's" Not that Jack can talk, but if he could that is definitely what he'd be saying...

 Probably can't tell real well, but this is a picture of the Pedal Bar... Why not get your exercise and your drink on at the same time. 

 Jack had a bit of a I want to do it moment. Nothing like being at the end of a road trip, wanting to just get back to the car and start the drive home and have to go at the meandering pace of a 1 year old. We love him. 

 Dude completely passed out not 20 seconds after having a few spoons of Fro Yo. 

 2nd best thing about deciding to go to Nashville - fantastic Father's Day gift at Church.

 1st best thing about Nashville - DELICIOUS BBQ

Jack loved chasing the birdies at the park in Nashville... Funny thing about this video - you may or may not notice he is biting his hand a bunch. Well that isn't too normal for Jack, but we didn't really notice it. Over the past week the kid has been a little terd. We were starting to think our angel baby was turning into a terror toddler.  Or maybe he is just getting a few molars. Only took us about 4 days to figure out why he is crying way to much, always wants to be held, and hasn't been much of an eater lately. Needless to say he seemed to enjoy the Ibuprofen we gave him tonight!

All in all it was a great road trip. We enjoyed exploring our new back door. Jack was a champ and is a great roadtrip buddy. He was his happy energetic self the majority of the time despite going without any real naps. Hopefully he doesn't hold it against us that we made him sleep in the bathroom one of the nights. What else are you supposed to do when you only have a 1 bedroom hotel. I mean its his fault he has such an early bedtime!

Random Pics and Videos of the past few months:

If the Circus doesn't work out we think he has great promise as a Yoga Instructor. 

 This is about the extent of Jacks talking abilities. 

Never too early to strengthen the Core. 

He is almost getting to heavy and big to do these tricks.

Jack had a wonderful 1st Birthday last month. He got presents, went swimming, went to the park, and even got to stay up late for fireworks. 

 We kind of had to shove the cake into his face, he wasn't quite sure what to do with it. 

He got a bit delirious as it got late but remained happy so we let him stay up for fireworks put on as part of a city celebration. 

February

February was a month full of fun, visitors and travel. Jack really started to walk in February and has kept me entertained with all of his craziness. He loves to make messes and I feel like I am constantly walking behind him picking things up and trying to figure out how to tell him not to do things without him laughing and doing it anyway!

his favorite place in the house 

eating his favorite snack (yes, he eats shirtless a lot, don't judge)

Our very good friends, Darcee and Jeremy Bowen came for a visit and we got to meet their little guy Emory! Wow, he is adorable and we loved having them here. Jack and Emory would just smile at each other and think of how they are going to be roommates in college and best friends for life. It was perfect. 

Jack's 9 month photo shoot. I love him.

 this is my favorite Jack expression

We were VERY lucky to be able to go to Florida with Ryan's parents. It was a fantastic trip and we are so grateful for Mom & Dad Bessey! We had a blast and it was great to see the sun and wear shorts. 

 come to me sunshine, come to me

 yummy sand...

We went on a boat tour and saw one of the coolest things ever. Hopefully this video works. I could not believe the dolphins do this... 

February was fantastic. 

January

January was full of fun. Since we didn't go to Utah for Christmas, we decided to take a trip in January instead. We loved seeing our family. Jack had a bit of a rough time adjusting/not adjusting at all to the Utah time but I am pretty sure it was those darn teeth continuing to pop through like crazy. So the first picture is a side of Jack we didn't see much before teething. But he is still adorable, isn't he?!?

Jack was all about playing with cousins in Utah 

Just lounging at the pool 

Also, Jack turned 8 months and he is such a rockstar and he continues to rule our world. He took his first steps in January! Ah, what a crazy active child we have! I try to hard to get good pictures on the blanket but, as you can see, he makes it difficult and the background living room shows up more than I like!