1 year pictures

We finally managed to get Jackson's 1 year pictures taken. Thankfully he sat for a few minutes and was in good spirits but it didn't last too long! I can't believe how much our little boy has grown in 1 year!

Just for fun...

I couldn't resist adding these two pictures on the blog. Sara always takes such fantastic pictures of Jackson. Sara came over on Wednesday night so she could watch Jackson on Thursday as I went to my class in Lansing and Luke went to work. From the looks of it - I'd say that they had a lot of fun that day!

Vacation at Sandy Pines

Jackson is certainly keeping us busy lately! Luke's parents allowed us to spend a week at Sandy Pines and although it was meant to be a relaxing time, having a one year old definitely made it busy! Despite having to stop him from getting into everything, we had a great time with just the three of us. It was nice to be able to relax together. We didn't take too many pictures because our days consisted of golf cart rides, naps and beach time... pretty routine but Jackson enjoyed having time alone with Mom and Dad.

Happy 4th of July!

Last year for the 4th, we hesitated to make plans because Jackson was due on 7-7-07 but thankfully he came nice and early so we could still head up for our annual VanDorp/VanderZwaag get together on Diamond Lake. This year was completely different because we now have a 1 year old to run after! We left for the lake on Friday morning and had perfect weather while we were up there - this was crucial since Luke, Jackson and I were tenting it behind the cottage. Brent and Emily also tented it with their puppy Tator. Eric, Becky and Cohen lived in luxury in their trailer while the rest of the group stayed inside the cottage. On Saturday night we participated in the boat parade. Emily did a great job of organizing everything for the patriotic theme. It was our first time participating in it but we won 1st prize for boats! All in all it was a memorable weekend with great friends and family.

Jackson's first trip to the zoo

Luke took off from work on Friday so we could take Jackson to the zoo. Both of us were anxious to see how Jackson would respond to the animals there. Of course he was so content just watching the people but he did have fun watching the chimpanzees, penguins and bears. Those were also the animals that moved around the most so they probably reminded him of himself! We were even lucky enough to see all the three lions in their exhibit. That exhibit just opened on June 14 so it's quite new yet but we were very impressed.

Happy 1st Birthday Jackson!

Thursday was Jackson's first birthday. We celebrated that night with family and friends and I think that having all those people over was present enough for Jackson! He LOVED seeing everyone! We sang Happy Birthday all day long but Jackson's favorite version was by Aunt Diane who called and left a message on the answering machine so we listened to that MANY times - Jackson would clap as she sang. When we gave him his cake, he was hesitant at first but then devoured it (much to my dismay... I was hoping that I'd have to help him eat it!). Our precious little boy is now one and we thank God everyday for the joy he's brought into our lives.

The Yellow Life Jacket

Last night we went for a boat ride with Luke's parents. Jackson seemed to enjoy it UNTIL he had to put on a life jacket. He basically screamed the entire way because he couldn't move in the life jacket. Afterwards we went for ice cream and he was definitely much happier. Thanks Grandpa and Grandma for taking us out there!