'Babies'

Jackson, Mama, and Daddy are back in Montana! Jackson is settling right back into life in Miles City. He's rediscovering his toys and has loved seeing Bubah, Zeider, and Miss Patty.

Today he has been running around the house with his two 'babies,' Lamby and Bear. I have never called these stuffed animal friends 'babies' before, so I guess Jackson decided to name them himself!

In other news, Mom called today to say that Piper died. Piper was my cat in Philadelphia who never made it to Montana. She was adopted by my parents in Virginia and quickly fell in love with the dog, Maverick. I am glad Jackson got to see the "meow" this summer!

60th Anniversary

Nana and Granddaddy also celebrated an anniversary on July 21. They were married in 1950 (60 years ago)! We took them out to dinner at the Eastville Inn for a fantastic family dinner.

Mom ordered a delicious and beautiful cake. Nana cut it with her wedding knife.

Billy and Carrie (we missed Chris, Parke, and Jac)

Janet, Steve, Mason, and Maggie

Mills-Matthews

Nana and Granddaddy with their children (Mark, Steve, Billy, Beth)

The diamond anniversary couple!

Third Anniversary

Barrie and I were married on July 21, 2007. We celebrated our third anniversary in Chincoteague, Virginia. Our hotel room was an anniversary gift (Thanks Mom and Dad!). It was nice to take a little 'vacation from our vacation' (as Bret put it).

Anna and Misty

Barrie relaxing on the Beach

Went swimming. Walked the beach. Saw dolphins, pelicans, and lots of seagulls.

Drove in on the new causeway and bridge. View from our hotel room.

Rode jet skis and saw the islands from the water.

Here are some of the famous Assateague wild ponies.


We ate ice cream for lunch TWICE at the best ice cream place on the island :) We also had a wonderful seafood dinner at Bill's and watched the sunset from our balcony. So nice!

More of What Jackson's Up To

Visiting Grandma Mills

Eating watermelon to his heart's content

Playing with the Fisher Price town with Granddaddy

Getting dressed up by Cousin Maggie and Cousin Mason

Bounce

Jackson's first time in a bounce house! He also went down the big slide with Cousin Maggie and her friend Vera.

Wachapreague Carnival & Va Aquarium

Jackson's adventures in Virginia continue with trips to the carnival and the aquarium ...

Wachapreague Carnival with Mama, Uncle Bret, Uncle Mark, Nana & Granddaddy Sterling, and Nana & Granddaddy Mills.

Riding the Merry-Go-Round for the first time with Great Uncle Mark. Loved it!

Jackson at the duck game. He picked two ducks himself (looks like he's still eyeing them here).

Virginia Aquarium. The croc and Jackson had a stare down.

Jackson was pretty fascinated with the fish and turtles.

On another Merry-Go-Round in Lynnhaven with Mama!

What Jackson's Up To

Making messes (and pretending it's an accident)

Watering the plants for Nana

Eating LOTS of watermelon!

We miss you, Daddy!

Dear Daddy,

Life sure is great here on the Eastern Shore of Virginia! Everyone is spoiling me to no end and showing me all kinds of new things. I've talked to you on the phone a couple of times, but I miss seeing you (looking at pictures and video of you is just not the same). I can't wait until you are out here to go out on the boat and out for walks with us! Here are some pictures we've taken.

Oh, and Mama says she misses you LOTS!

Love, Jackson

This is my favorite chair on the deck :)

Here's me and Mama visiting Grandma Mills. She made me laugh!

Nana and Granddaddy Sterling got a new cat named Oliver, but he just wouldn't let me get a good look at him!

I finally found a way to sneak a peak at that Creamsicle cat.

Mama and me enjoying the sunset!

Sand Between Our Toes!

It has been so hot here in Virginia, we haven't been able to visit the beach or sandbar until today. Last summer, Jackson LOVED the beach ... this year he was a little hesitant his first time out, but I'm sure we'll see the Shore in him before long.

Jackson is ready for the beach in his crocs, swim trunks, and life vest.


Jackson and Nana enjoying the sand and sun!


Mama and Jackson play a hidden treasure game with seashells.


Shore kids!