Jackson's First Trip to Lubbock, June 2nd-19th 2009

Finally, our much anticipated trip to Lubbock was upon us and we were so excited to introduce Jackson to the rest of his family and a few friends! It was so much fun to show him off! Jackson did SO well on the plane! He slept most of the time and only fussed a little when we landed both times. The flight attendants just loved him...one of them so much that she walked up and down the isle, showing him off to the other passengers. We started to worry that she wouldn't give him back!

Jackson with the crew!

The first week of our trip was spent at Granna and Grandad's house! Jackson had quite the set-up over there! He also got to sleep in his Daddy's old crib (below)! (When Nolan went back to Pittsburgh on the 9th, Jackson and I relocated to my family's house to spend time with G, PawPaw, Beth, Nolan, Maddie and Brittany.)

In Daddy's crib

Jackson was such a busy little guy (and quite popular)! He got to meet (most of) the rest of his family for the first time! He was fascinated by all the new faces! Here are a few new family members he met:Uncle Jarrod

Uncle Nolan, aka "Uncle Bubba" (also met Aunt Beth and Aunt Maddie)

Cousin Brittany

Paw-Paw


Gran

Nana and Papa

Aunt Missy (also Uncle Richard and cousins Michael, Rebecca, and Allen)

Aunt Nancy

Jackson also got to meet a few little friends! On June 7th, Jana's parents were nice enough to host a barbecue to celebrate Jackson and Tyler's meeting! The party was a huge success! People who attended were: Cathy and Mike Gilliland, Cait and Lisa Gilliland, "Grandpa" Hervey Gilliland, Missy and Richard Gilliland, Michael, Rebecca and Allen Gilliland, Brenda Smith, AJ Smith, Nancy Pechacek, Suzy Griggs, Barbara Roberts, Kevin and Laura Bryan, Nolan, Beth and Brittany Bryan, Jana and Casey Jensen, Me and Nolan, and of course, the guests of honor, Jackson and Tyler!

Jackson and Tyler meeting for the first time! (June 6th)

Best Buds!

Jackson also got to finally meet his cousin Luke, who is only 5 weeks older! Sarah Ellen and I were so excited about getting the two of them together and made big plans to take them to the pool! We even bought them matching floaties! However, by the time we loaded them up (and all their stuff), unloaded them (and all their stuff) at the pool, blew up the floaties (which we ended up not even using), and dipping them into the pool for a few short minutes- they were fussy and hungry! Our pool time was very short-lived and the next thing we knew we were feeding two sleepy babies in the dressing room!!! Not quite the lazy afternoon by the pool we expected! Still, we had fun and got a few ADORABLE pics of the boys! I can't wait to get them together next time we are in town!
Luke and Jackson, just thrilled to be shopping with their mommies!

The boys lounging by the pool! What a life!

Also, while in Lubbock I got to catch up with my old friend Tiffany and Jackson got to 'meet' a girl for the first time- her 9 month old baby girl Maggie! He was quite a boring date, however, and slept through the whole thing! It was so nice to catch up with Tiffany and finally meet Miss Maggie Grace!

We also got to show Jackson off to a few of our friends, including Jen, Lauren, and Kacey (below)!

Checking out Mommy's pretty friends!

When Nolan went back to Pittsburgh, Jackson and I traveled with Beth, Missy and Nancy to spend the night at Missy's house in Roswell, NM. We had so much fun and Jackson went 'swimming' for the first time! He did so well and didn't even cry!
Swimming with Mommy!

I was so excited to take him to my church in Lubbock! There were so many people there that were happy to finally meet him. He went to Sunday school for the first time (which just happened to be taught by G)! It was so fun watching him 'participate' in the activities (below)!
"God made the rain."

Singing songs with G!

We had such a great time with everyone in Lubbock! As always, it wasn't enough time...it always goes by way too fast. I was sad to leave, but hope to be back soon! Can't wait to see everyone again!