Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend we spent time at Smith Lake with my parents, Aunt Katie, Anna Claire, Kortney, Tyler and Gene.  We rented a house on the Jasper side of the lake and the weather was fabulous.  It was Jackson's first time going to the lake and doing anything near water (with the exception of taking a bath).  He had a great time.  He really enjoyed his little pool we took and put down on the dock for him.  He especially loved riding in Papa's boat.  He didn't particularly care for the lake water much because it was rather cool.  I want him to enjoy the water and I hope he learns to swim early on.  Here are several pictures from the weekend:

Exploring New Places!

On Thursday, May 12, Jackson really took off with walking.  He is walking up a storm.  He has to have help getting started but he is improving more and more each day.  It will not be long before we will not be able to catch him!!  He is really enjoying walking and laughs and is so proud of himself.  This week, we celebrated my 33rd birthday.  Over the weekend, we took Jackson to Sykes in Homewood to buy some new shoes.  That place is just too cute.  They measured his foot and brought out the sandals I selected for him.  He did great!!  We then took him to meet our photographer friend, Erin and she took lots of pictures of Jackson.  He was very cooperative and really seemed to enjoy being outside.  On Sunday, we went to church and Nana and Papa went with us.  He was dressed up in one of his birthday outfits that his Mimi and Pops gave him.  Jackson also has an octopus that blows bubbles during his bath time.  It is hysterical and amazing how many bubbles it blows out.  Here are some pictures from the week:

Baby Steps...

Last Saturday, May 7, Jack took two or three steps on his own.  He is so funny.  He is closer and closer to walking.  Lookout everyone!!!

Facial Expressions

Some of my favorites!  He is one happy boy!!

Happy Mother's Day and Jackson's Dedication

We had an awesome weekend!  Jackson's dedication at church was this Sunday so Mother's Day was extra, extra special!  We got up Sunday morning (well, we got up late and missed Sunday School because our high-tech alarm clock named Jackson did not wake us up until 8 am) and Jackson gave me a diamond necklace for Mother's Day.  We went to church and Aunt Glyn, Uncle Rex, Jodie and Drew came to Jackson's baby dedication.  Jackson was dedicated along with 3 other babies.  During the dedication, Jackson was hilarious.  He was looking around reaching for the baby of the couple standing next to us.  At one point he was hitting the dad standing next to us.  Then he kept putting his arms up in the air and I just knew he was going to let out some kind of a squeal but he didn't.  He then decided he would start poking me in the eye and playing with my hair.  He was quite a sight but all in all he was very quiet and very wiggly.  After church we had lunch at Aunt Glyn's with Uncle Rex, Jodie, Drew, Rob, Granny, Granddaddy, and Great-Great Grandmother.  When we got home from eating lunch, Jackson decided instead of taking a nap, he wanted to play and play and play.  He was one tired little boy when he finally went to bed (which was about an hour after his normal bedtime).  It was a wonderful Mother's Day and I am so thankful for Jackson and our family.  Here are some pictures from the weekend:

May is Here and Jackson is ONE!!!!

Here are a few pictures from this week.  Jackson turned one on the 4th!!

Jackson's Birthday Party and Turning One!!

We had Jackson's birthday party on Saturday, April 30 at our city hall.  We were a little worried about the power situation but we were so thankful that the power was restored to that section of town on Friday.  We got up early Saturday morning and went to city hall to set up everything.  It only took us about 2 hours since much of the work had been done the night before.  We decorated with balloons and some of Ray's old toys.  Everything was in primary colors and we served sandwiches with all the fixings, chicken salad, pasta salad, chips, dip, and cake.  Jackson tried a pickle for the first time and one can only imagine the look on his face.  Needless to say, he didn't care for them very much.  We gathered and ate, enjoyed cake, and opened gifts.  Jackson had his on little smash cake that he played in for a couple of minutes before deciding that just wasn't for him.  He was really interested in opening his gifts because he was too busy chasing around one of his balls that we brought from home.  Will came to the party and went home with his "Manny Manny" (Handy Manny) ball.  He was so cute.  I think he enjoyed the party as well.  We had a very nice turnout for the party - Nana, Papa, MiMi, Pops, Great Mee-Maw and Paw Paw, Great Granddaddy and Granny, Great-Great Grandmother, Aunt Katie, Kathy, Nanny Toot, Aunt Sandra, Jodie, Drew, Tamra, Summer, Amanda, Will, Susan, and Uncle Tyler.  At the end of the party, we loaded up the cars to go home and before we could finish loading up, Jackson was sound asleep in his car seat.  Here are a few pictures from that day:

Remembering...

Continuing to remember the State of Alabama:

You're the God of this City
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are

You're the Light in this darkness
You're the Hope to the hopeless
You're the Peace to the restless
You are

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City
Greater thing have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this City