The Horn's: 2011 & 2012

Don and I recently bought a bed and at one point, we almost bought a Sleep Number bed. While I was researching those beds, I came upon several blogs that gave reviews on the Sleep Number beds. Here is the best part, these bloggers were given these beds for free, so they can review it. I instantly had this big dream of becoming a blogger, so I can get free things and review them. Then my dream was dashed when I realized how horrible of a blogger I am, since my last post was over a year ago. It was a nice dream while it lasted. Must be nice to get a free bed... I guess we will never know!

I do actually love to write, it's just finding the time to do it is my issue. So for now, our blog has turned into a yearly update.

In April 2011, I took a photo composition class. I had so much fun with it and it made me see the world in a completely different way! Shortly after taking that class, Don took me out shopping for my birthday and I took my camera along for the ride. I think I had more fun taking pictures in the mall then I did shopping! Well... that was until the mall security made me stop. I am such a rebel rouser!!! :op I still kept my pictures though and I post them proudly!

Easter came around and Jackson was struggling trying to walk...

He started giving everyone this look and he thought it was the funniest thing ever! He could never keep a straight face very long after doing it.

On May 19th, 2011, Jackson finally started walking!!!

In May of 2011, my brother in-law Mike went through his confirmation in the Catholic church.

On June 11th, 2011, my parents were in town and we took Jackson to his first Birch Aquarium trip. We saw some really cool fishes and played in the tide pools.

My favorite fish there!

On June 16th, my brother in-law Mike graduated High School!!! I met Mike when he was only 10, now he is all grown up and off to college!

On August 6th 2011, my Dad and Brother Joe were in town for a car rally. We all went to Seaport Village to see the beautiful cars all lined up. Of course, I thought my Dad's T-bucket was the prettiest of the bunch... but then I am partial to it. :o)

Jackson and his Daddy playing in the park at Seaport Village

On September 10th, 2011, we celebrated Grandma Krafft's 80th birthday!!! The picture below is both of Don's Grandma's. The birthday girl is the one in the leopard print shirt.

On September 17th, 2011, Don and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary at Disneyland with the Smith's. We had so much fun, but definitely missed Jackson. Jackson's first trip will be sometime this year... before he is 3 hopefully!

On October 29th 2011, we went to Bate's Nut Farm with Jackson's cousins. They went on rides, picked out pumpkins and then we carved them.

Jackson and some of his cousins

Picking out his pumpkin

Carving pumpkins!!! Jackson wanted nothing to do with that.

On halloween, Jackson helped pass out Candy.

Jackson and his Grandpa Horn!

Cousin Brodie

Cousin Aaron

And cousin Kylie!

On Christmas Eve, Jackson got a visit from Santa Clause!!!

Jackson loved tearing the wrapping paper on Christmas. I think by the end of the day, he finally got the hang of opening presents.

Jackson was so excited to get a tricycle, he had to ride it right away!

On January 12th, 2012, Jackson turned 2! We had a birthday party at Mast park and our friends and family helped us celebrate this milestone in his life

Here are a few pictures from Jackson's 2 year photo shoot

Easter 2012 - Jackson LOVED Easter this year. He wouldn't stop talking about easter eggs and candy for a month straight.

Dying Easter eggs at Nana's house

In June, Jackson's school was learning about animals, so they asked us to bring in a picture of our kids with their pet or their favorite stuffed animal. Since we are not pet people at this point in our lives, I had Jackson pick his favorite stuffed animal. Of course he chose Allie the Alligator that his Uncle Mike got him from the San Diego Zoo. So we went out in our front yard and took some pictures of Jackson and Allie.

On July 1st, 2012, we spent the afternoon at Dana Point with some friends. It started to get pretty overcast and cold towards the afternoon. It's just weird to be bundled up in a hoodie in July!

Jackson flying a kite with his Daddy

And last, but not least... I just finished taking another photography class. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. We learned about punching, ripping, stacking blocking, painting with a lens and street photography. Some of that sounded like martial arts! I had a blast with this class and was sad that our last lesson ended yesterday. But I now have lots of practicing to do, so I can put everything I learned into action! Here are a few of my painting with a lens pictures. I have a feeling painting with a lens will become one of my favorite techniques. At least until I can master it!