Happy Father's Day

We celebrated Marty’s first Father’s Day in two different cities. In the morning we went to brunch in Sacramento. We had a delicious brunch with Barbara, Bruce, Suzanne, Sarah, Jackson and Marty (of course).


In the afternoon Marty, Sarah and Jackson took a hike in Buena Vista Park. The park is 4 blocks from the apartment we are subletting for the summer.

Jackson is 6 Months Old!

Jackson is 6 months old. He is such a joy!! He has such a great temperament. He loves meeting new people, being outdoors and taking rides in his stroller. Jackson has been very busy acquiring lots of new skills. He can sit independently, scoot on the floor (it is not yet a crawl, but he can get to the toys he wants), and stand up (with support). He loves to eat so it is no surprise he can feed himself his own bottle, drink from a sippy cup, hold a spoon, and get the spoon to his mouth. Click here to see a video clip of Jackson feeding him self
http://www.vimeo.com/clip:75650



We said he could feed him self we never said he was neat!





Jackson loves being in California. He is enjoying visiting his family. His Nana and Grandma dote on him and his cousins’ fight over who gets to hold him. “The Little Prince” has it good!

Lauren's Shower

With 5 weeks until Lauren and Scott’s wedding, Lauren was a glowing bride-to-be! Everyone enjoyed the games. Check out Lauren in the apron. Guests had 1 minute to study Lauren and then remember everything they had seen. Lauren’s cousin made a beautiful ribbon bouquet. Nicu made the most delicious chocolate cake! Lauren’s shower was so much fun!







The shower was a success, despite the fact that two moms with 6 month olds were in charge!



To see more pictures of Lauren’s Shower go to the following link.
http://calmarty.smugmug.com/gallery/1555887

The Jersey Shore

Before we left the East Coast for the summer we had to participate in a Philadelphia tradition and head to the Jersey Shore. Our trip to The Shore was short, but it was fun to get out in the sun, put our feet in the Alantic Ocean, and visit some historic sites. Our first stop was Alantic City. We did not do any gambling, but we enjoyed walking along the Board Walk. Sarah was thrilled when we passed many of the streets from Monopoly. For some reason she just had to get a photo of Baltic Avenue (which she always bought).



After we visited Alantic City we headed to Cape May. Cape May is a sweet little town that caters to a mostly summer crowd. Many people rent homes in Cape May. Tucker was excited to get out in the ocean and take a dip at Sunset Beach, Jackson took a little nap on the beach, and we all relaxed and enjoyed our little trip.



To see more pictures of our outing click on the following link:
http://calmarty.smugmug.com/gallery/1492278/3

Hawaiian Wedding and Vacation

We just returned from a trip to the Big Island in Hawaii for a wedding for our friends Andy and Nita (now Mr. and Mrs. Gibson). We extended it into a family vacation with 6 great days full of sun, friends, and celebration for the couple. We enjoyed picturesque scenery.



Marty got to catch up with his college buddies . . .



. . . and play a round of golf with the groomsmen and bride's father and friends.



Sarah got to relax. . .



. . . and enjoy her first Mother's Day beach style.



Jackson took his first swim in the pool and at the beach.



The wedding itself was picture-perfect and complete with a rainbow that came out just as Andy and Nita said "I do".

Jackson is Five Months Old!

Jackson is five months old! He is really beginning to move now. He can roll over, scoot around in a circle, and get up on his back legs. Once his arms get a bit stronger, watch out! He is enjoying eating most new foods he tries.



We tried giving him squash a while back and he was repulsed! Check out the video.

http://www.vimeo.com/user:calmarty/clips

Jackson has become fascinated with Tucker. He watches him and loves to touch him! They will be good buddies one day!





Jackson is a good-natured baby. He loves meeting new people and being on the go!

Go Kings!

Jackson is already a fan.

End of Year Party

We hosted a party at our apartment last Thursday to celebrate the end of our first year here in Philadelphia while Marty is going to Wharton. We had a small group of friends over for drinks and food. Sarah put on an impressive spread for the guests.





Jackson tried to get into the spirit as well but was disappointed when Mom wouldn't consent to a sip of beer.



To see more pictures from the party, go to the following link.

http://calmarty.smugmug.com/gallery/1421040

Happy Easter

This was our first Easter with Jackson. It was also our first Easter away from home...



We were fortunate enough to have Sarah’s cousin Nicky and her friend Dennis come for the afternoon.



In the morning we went to Church. Then Nicky and Dennis arrived by train. Once they settled in, we went on a stroll down Walnut Avenue. We enjoyed an early dinner. Then Nicky and Dennis had to return to Baltimore. We had such a pleasant day and it was so nice to be with family. An added bonus: Jackson was a sweet and happy boy. He loved playing with the small plastic eggs!

Marty's Birthday

Marty turns 29!


Marty and I went out to Audrey Claire, a French restaurant
near our house. Our good friends Bharat and Anila watched
Jackson while we enjoyed a dinner for 2. It was a special
night. We have much to be thankful for, another happy
year for Martin Dillard.

Jackson is 4 Months Old

Jackson is four months old! The best accomplishment has been sleeping on a somewhat regular schedule. Jackson is a night owl. He goes to sleep between 10:30 and 11 and has to be woken up between 8 & 8:30 am. We cannot seem to get him in bed any earlier. He usually wakes up from his naps with a great big grin, and gurgles and squeals. His favorite toy is his Exersaucer. He sits in the Exersaucer, spins this wheel, and bounces up and down. He can hold his head up. He can also roll from his tummy to his back and vice versa, but he prefers to lie on his side. Marty is most impressed by his ability to grab a toy, study it, and the control he has to bring the toy to his mouth. Jackson enjoys music and once a day Sarah and he have “music time” where they listen to CDs and sing together. He still loves baths. When he is in the tub he kicks and splashes. We cannot wait to take him swimming this summer. Jackson has begun to eat rice cereal; he cries when the bowl is empty and as you can see form the pictures his little cheeks are filling out nicely!





To see more pictures of Jackson go to the following link.
http://calmarty.smugmug.com/gallery/1347746

Touring Philly With The Frenchs

Mike and Courtney came to visit us in Philly. We did the tourist thing. We went down and saw the Liberty Bell, visited Old City, the original site of the First Congress, the First Federal Bank, and Reading Terminal Market.



Jackson is wearing the shirt Mike and Courtney got him. Mike was nervous holding Jackson because of his "bobble head."

Jackson is 3 Months Old

Jackson is three months old! He loves to study objects and explore. His favorite activities are playing on his activity mat, taking baths, and going on walks in the Baby Bjorn. When we are out he loves to watch people and moving objects. Jackson can roll from side to side and once he rolled from his back on to his stomach (although he hated being on his tummy and cried). He can also grasp objects and control his head. Jackson smiles, makes lots of noises, and is a pretty happy little guy!

Jackson's Northern California Tour

Jackson has been a very busy guy. In February, on Saturday the 25th, he met most of his aunts and Cousins (on Sarah’s side of the family). Grandma (Suzanne) hosted an open house so family members could drop by and meet Jackson. Haleigh, Jackson’s second cousin, helped prepare the food and set the table!







March 2 and 3 Jackson went to the Bay Area. He went to Marshall Elementary School and met the teachers Sarah use to work with. He also got to meet some of the students that were in Sarah’s class. On Friday night he was watched by Nana (Barbara), and Poppa (Bruce) in the hotel room at the Clift. Sarah and Marty took a cooking class hosted by BCG, Marty’s summer employer. Here is Jack lounging on the plush bed at the Clift.



March 4 and 5 Jackson visited April, Matt and Gimli (the dog) in Truckee. Liz (Sarah’s friend from 7th grade) and Sarah took Jackson to Truckee to see April and tour the beautiful Sierra Mountains. While we visited we had a surprise birthday celebration for April with a Double Chocolate birthday cake from Freeport Bakery.





On March 7th Jackson met Haylie. He enjoyed visiting with Haylie and playing with her toys. Here is a link to Haylie’s web page.
http://therunnerbunch.com/haylies_page.htm



Jackson loved meeting all of his family and friends. He was spoiled non-stop my his Grandma and his Nana.



We are so lucky to have such warm and loving people in our life!!

To see more pictures of Jackson’s Northern California trip click the link below
http://calmarty.smugmug.com/gallery/1292061