Snow!

So this week we had the first snowfall AND the first snowstorm of the season. Sunday night was the first snowfall and we got about 3"-4". Jackson was very excited about it and of course we had to go out early on Monday morning to shovel the driveway and play in the snow. Then last night the first snowstorm came in. They had been talking about it all week and they weren't kidding! Overnight we got a least 12" of heavy, wet snow. It took Brandon at least 1 1/2 hours to snow blow/shovel out the driveway and the sidewalk. Jackson and I went out a little later and spent a few hours playing in it. It was the perfect packing snow and we had such a great time building snowman #2, attempting to make a sledding hill, making snow angels, and having a snowball fight. I had so much fun playing with him. Then the winds started to pick up and the temps started to fall a bit so back inside we went. We are still in a blizzard warning with wind gusts around 40 mph and wind chills around -25. BRRRR!! I guess winter is officially here. Tomorrow's high is 10. We will be hibernating. :)

"Snowy" the first snowman of the year (1st snowfall)

Helping me clear the driveway & sidewalk (1st snowfall)
Wednesday Morning after the 1st snowstorm
Backyard covered in a blanket of snow

Snowman #2

Playing in the snow.

It's December!

December is here and so are the cool days & cold nights. This morning we woke to a light dusting of snow and christmas lights are everywhere. I love this time of year. This week we've pulled out the flannel sheets, made our first batch of Gingerbread cookies and put up the Christmas tree. We decided to go with the fake tree this year mainly because of our newest family member Tucker. She loves to climb it and we were a little worried about it coming down and having water all over the wood floor. So far she's been good and hasn't tipped it over but it's only been a couple of days, I guess time will tell. She does however love to play with the ornaments. :)

Tucker with an ornament

Bubba checking out the tree

Jackson hanging out under the tree

Fall Fun

I've been slacking on posting lately so here's a little picture update:

Jackson's first field trip with his 4k class to the apple orchard.






Field trip to the Pumpkin Farm, it was a COOOLD day for pumpkin picking!

Halloween!

As you can see he's doing well. He loves school and thinks it's too cool that his class is all boys. He did have a brief overnight in the hospital just before Halloween for another seizure. He is now on anti-seizure meds so hopefully we won't have to go thru that again anytime soon. It didn't take him long to recover this time, before we left the hospital he was trying to be Mr. Independent and didn't want us to help him with anything. And two days later on Halloween he was raring to go. I wish I had the strength and spirit that he does. He is such an amazing little boy. And we are SO blessed to have him!

Halloween Fun!

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Dozer Days

Dozer Days happens every other year in a quarry down in Sussex and is a little boys dream! Construction trucks everywhere! You have the chance to climb on, operate and ride on all sorts of construction equipment. From dump trucks to front end loaders to excavators and bulldozers. They even had a helicopter, a firetruck and bus that traveled thru a tunnel to the rock crusher. We didn't get to do that this year, the line was way too long but next time for sure! This year we went with our great friends the Tollstams and had such a great time! The weather couldn't have been more perfect.

The boys (Geyer, Liam & Jackson)
Checking out a bulldozer Sitting in a scoop w/Crystal Standing by a tire of the largest front end loader I've ever seen. A giant dump truck

Watching the excavators Our ride in a giant dump truck Having fun! What Goofs!

Soccer

This fall Jackson is playing soccer for the first time. His first game was too cute! He had a HUGE smile on his face and ran like he was running in place. They don't keep score but if they had their team would have won and Jackson even had an assist. It may have been one of the only times he touched the ball but he loved it. I can't wait for the next game!

Jackson & his best friend Matt

His tongue is out = he's concentrating
Running for the ball Jackson & Coach Lisa
Thumbs up to soccer!

The Pups

Labor Day Trip

For our last trip of the summer we went back home to MI. It was probably our last trip there til Christmas. On each trip back when we first get into Michigan, the very first exit, there are signs for a toy train store. We've talked several times about stopping, but never quite had the time. This time we made the stop in New Buffalo and Jackson was in heaven!

The toy train store

Look at all the Thomas!

Watching a train display at the New Buffalo train museum

Daddy & Jackson waiting at the old train stop.

Normally our trips back are CRAZY. We are driving here and there trying to make all the rounds and see everyone we can then it's back in the car to come home. Many times we don't get to do or see things we want to do and it seems like we need a vacation from our vacation. We've had enough of those trips and decided that this time it was going to be different and it was. Brandon spent a day golfing and Jackson & I spent an entire day in Grand Haven with my sister, his cousins and my mom. It was SOO nice!! We played at the Imagination Station, walked the boardwalk and the pier, played on the beach, jumped the rocks and of course got ice cream. Then it was back to Nana & Papa Driesenga's for Fricano's....YUM!!!

Jackson (w/a cheesy smile), Cameron & Austin

Jackson @ Imagination Station

Playing on the rocks

Grand Haven Pier

One of the reason's we planned this trip was because Heather & Matt were going to be coming home at the same time. We haven't seen them since their wedding back in Feb and were VERY excited to be able to spend some time w/them. Auntie Heather took Jackson back to Build-a-Bear and he made Turtle-ee a friend, Monkey-ee.

Giving Auntie Heather a thank you kiss
Hanging out w/Auntie Heather

Uncle Matt, Turtle-E & Monkey-E

Hanging at the Beach w/uncle Matt

Playing w/the kittens (Tuckers brothers & sisters) :)

It was a great trip and we are looking for many more "relaxed" ones like it!