Shuffling with the Shoups: Jackson's first big roadtrip

OK, so we sort of had his first road trip when we ventured to Fort Worth for Kim's baby shower on 6/27, but this one was the long one - to Kansas. Unfortunately because of Dad's treatments, traveling just isn't feasible for him at this time so Joey, Jackson, and I loaded up the car Thursday evening and headed out, driving through the night to spend the weekend with my family. We arrived right around 5am Friday morning, making pretty good time thanks to Jackson's excellent sleep habits. We only stopped 3 times...and those were as brief of stops as we could make them and only for fuel and pitstops/driver changes for Joey & I. Once we got there, Jackson had breakfast and we all napped and just spent the day with Mom, Dad, Phil, and Sammy. Saturday we had a full day of visiting before making our return trip on Sunday. It was great to have 2 full days and went way too fast. As much as we love being home in our own beds, it's always hard to say "bye". While we were there, Jackson continued to work hard to hold his head up on his own and we continued to see more of his personality come out with smiles. OK - some of the smioles might have been gas as we discovered that when I ate anything with cabbage (including my favorite when I'm in Lawrence - Runza!) that Jackson's tummy hurt so no more cabbage items for me for a while, but I have a feeling the "Bobblehead Jackson" days are numbered, which is exciting and a little sad all at the same time! The following are quite a few pictures of our visit from our cameras, although I know Mom and Aunt Joyce got some great ones too so I'll wait for those and maybe share them later.

Who knew that 3 people going for just a few days would need this much stuff - plus the other 3 bags in the back seat! (Yes, you do see golf clubs - Joey got in a round of golf with Dad's approval while Dad was getting his fluids)

Jackson was ready to hit the road! He fussed for a bit and then zonked for most of the trip.

...Mom and I brought lunch and Jackson to the hospital so the nurses and doctors could meet the little ray of sunshine that helped Grandpa gain 5 lbs back last week!.

Meeting Uncle Phil for the first time

Telling stories with Grandpa

Sammy wanted to meet Jackson too!

Phil took the picture while the rest of us napped (Joey wasn't yet back from the golf course)

On Saturday, Christi and Jeff Claycamp, and their 2 beautiful girls, Natalie, and Nicole came to visit. Christi helped Natalie hold Jackson

Nikki got a turn too. Unfortunately the pictures I took of the girls kissing him didn't turn out as well as I had thought - my camera is too slow!

We spent a little time out by the pool. Jackson and Grandpa Lynn have the same kind of hat!

3 of my favorite guys (missing Phil, Buddy, and Sammy of course)

Christi, Jeff, and the girls had afternoon plans, but the visitors kept coming! Granny Great immediately got to hold her 20th great grandchild!

With Great Aunt Dee with Granny Great and Deano looking on.

With Great Aunt Joyce and her grandaughter (my cousin Dustin's little girl), Elliott.

Jackson wasn't so sure about Deano at first...

...but then he decide he's alright! :)

4 generations!

My immediate (Habluetzel) family!

Meeting Dad's sister Karen (aka Aunt "Sheila")

Joey feeding Jackson at the Cracker Barrel in Owasso, Oklahoma on our trip home on Sunday. It's amazing how different people act when you have a little one. No less than 5 of the employees came up to check Jackson out, ask how old he is, how much he weighed, etc. He's a charmer already - just like his daddy!

Our first experience in a public bathroom changing area at the Cracker Barrel. Jackson says "Go Mom!" (or maybe he was just stretching from all the time in the car)