Our Summer

1. Swim Lessons: Grace discovered that she LOVES swimming. Had you seen her on her last day you would not have known she started out apprehensive. She did an awesome job and was so brave jumping off the diving board at the end of each day!

2. First Haircuts: Jackson got his first haircut at the end of June. I struggled with wanting to let it stay long and curly, but in the end decided I was sick of him being mistaken for a girl. I wasn't prepared for how much different it would make him look. What a big boy!

3. Saying Goodbye: We said goodbye to Baker Book House at the end of July. Here is a picture of Grace with "Miss S" who worked in the children's area. We are really going to miss her!

4. Jackson and Emma: Emma (my good friend Erin's daughter) is in love with Jackson. I really should have put the picture in where she is touching his hair, because that better describes their relationship! This one was cuter though! Emma really does love Jackson's hair for some reason and is always pulling or patting it. He just sits there and takes it - they are just too cute together!

5. Making Music at the Children's Museum: We took the kiddos to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum in early August and they had a blast. On Thusday nights they have $1 admission which is such a great deal. Highlights were the grocery area, music area and the giant bubbles. We will definately be going back!

6. Jackson & His Papa: We had our annual church picnic earlier this month and I managed to capture this great photo of Jackson and his Papa (Jordan's dad). Our kids are so blessed to have such awesome grandparents who love to be a part of their lives (and we are so blessed to have such wonderful parents)!

7. Checking out the Angora Rabbits: We frequented the farmer's market a lot this summer (mostly because we didn't manage to get a garden in). One Wednesday they had the Critter Barn there with Angora Rabbits, Sheep and Goats. It was cool to see a sampling of what they have at their farm. We need to check out the Critter Barn - we have SUCH animal lovers in this house!

8. Pavement: Last, but certainly not least, our road was paved earlier this month. As much as we've anticipated it, it was very bittersweet for me to actually see the change. We still have a quarter mile dirt driveway to make us feel "away from it all" I suppose!


We've had a great summer, at times relaxing and other times quite busy. We've enjoyed trips to the zoo, Vacation Bible School, lots of relaxing on the deck, playing outdoors and much more which didn't manage to get captured with the camera. As always, there are so many things we didn't get a chance to do before summer slips away. How is it that it always goes so fast?! We are cherishing these last days of summer and looking forward to all that fall brings, especially football games and apple picking. Grace starts ballet again next week and then preschool a week later. I imagine that the routine will feel nice again.

Camping Trip

This weekend we took Grace on her first camping trip up to Young State Park in Boyne City (near Petoskey). We were so happy that the weather held out, aside from a little storm Saturday night. We had such a good time and would have stayed longer if we could have; although, we really were missing Jackson.
(Jackson was spoiled by his grandmas and grandpas while we were away)

{Grace and Roo wait for the tent to be set up}

{Grace enjoys her first hobo pie}

{At the beach}

While we were up north, we went to The Big Ticket Festival in Gaylord on Saturday. I always enjoy going to festivals like this because I love the chance to hear someone new. We were very impressed with new (to us) artist, Betsy Walker. Half way through, Jordan and I turned to each other and said "She reminds me of Nicole Nordeman". She has a fresh, beautiful voice and honost lyrics that we really enjoyed.

The big name artists that we saw were Barlow Girl, Kutless and Toby Mac. Everyone was amazing, but Toby Mac was the most anticipated and definately the most fun! Since she was about two, Grace has loved to listen to Toby Mac in the car with Jordan, so this was a special night for the two of them.

{Waiting for Toby Mac to come on stage}

It was nice while it lasted...

Jackson is sick again - this time with Hand, Food and Mouth Disease (sounds worse than it is). He has a fever, rash and some blisters in his throat. He's doing okay right now, but we had a pretty rough night last night! Just pray he continues to take fluids and all should be well. He made it two weeks without being sick, which is about the longest since the beginning of the year. He had tubes put in about two months ago and instead of being better than before, he's been sick numerous times. Not sure what I'm doing wrong, but my poor little guy continues to catch everything, despite my best efforts.

So we're just relaxing at home watching Baby Einstein together and I thought I'd post some recent pictures.

As you can see, Jackson's hair is getting pretty long and shaggy. I'm just not ready to part with the curls yet, so I'm going to let it grow out for a bit yet. He is changing from my baby into a little boy more every day. He loves to drive his cars all over the house making cute little car noises. He also enjoys getting into anything he's not supposed to be! He's starting to catch on to stopping when we ask, but often smirks and continues on :) He is a cute stinker, that is for sure!

Here's a picture of Grace with her kitten, Edward (AKA: The Worlds Most Patient Kitten). Yes, they are on the Sit and Spin together!

We celebrated half birthdays for Grace and her cousin, Caleb about a week ago. Since their birthdays are so close to Christmas, we decided to do a half birthday party instead which worked out really nice. Grace was quite excited to get a princess scooter from Grandma and Grandpa(she's so excited she's hugging the box!) and matching helmet and knee pads from Uncle Ryan and Aunt Amy.

I just wanted to update this little blog (more for me and my memory's sake) while I had a minute. There are lots of things I should be doing right now, so I better get to them.

Look Who's Walking!

So, I've been non-existent in the blogging world lately, but just had to post this video of Jackson walking. He is so excited to be walking and is just eating up all the attention he is getting! By the time he gets to us he's clapping for himself (or trying to grab my camera, as you'll see in the video)! I just LOVE this toddling stage!

Grandma Ada

Grandma Ada went to be with her Lord on Friday. Below is a shortened version of a video Jordan made highlighting her wonderful life. We will miss her so - anyone who knew her can testify to what a godly, loving, hardworking and spunky woman she was! I only wish I could have known her for longer. Before Grace was born she taught me how to make pickles and every night for over a week she would tell me stories of her growing up, teaching, and her life with Grandpa Jack (who I wish I could have known). I also fondly remember her at Wesleyan Women meetings and loved it when her and her sister Irene would get teasing each other! I guess you had to be there - such fun they were together! Ada has left a legacy that I am proud and blessed to be a part of. What reassurance to know she is in Heaven with Grandpa, Jeff and Micah - and no longer in pain!