Hilton Head Island

We spent the past week on Hilton Head Island with Bryan's family.  While Bryan attended a work conference, the rest of us were able to relax and have some fun!!  The resort we were staying on had so much to do from the beach, to the pool, to bike riding, to the petting zoo and several shops and ice cream stops!!  

Despite having a one year old who decided that this was the week to get sick, not sleep, and cut his first molar...we managed to have a pretty great time!

The first day there, we went to Lawton Stables.  Jackson was too little to go on a pony ride, but he was able to pet and feed the cows, goats, ram, llamas, donkeys and horses.  This was definitely a Jackson highlight!

Jackson took Gammie and Papa to the beach and the playground.  Such fun memories were made!!

Playing games during the evening thunderstorms with family!  Jackson enjoyed his pawpaw and mawmaw!!

The miles and miles of lush grounds were beautiful with meandering paths, regal oak trees, ponds and pristine golf courses.  Throughout our stay we managed to see several alligators, egrets and deer; many of which we saw on our almost daily bike rides!

On the hottest afternoon, we made a trip to the pool to cool off.  Jackson took a few minutes to get used to being back in the water, but he soon was all smiles, was kicking up a storm and swimming about from person to person or floating in his "stingray."

Happy 1st Birthday!!

A year ago today, we welcomed our sweet baby boy into the world and life ever since couldn't be any sweeter!!  Jackson is our pride and joy and it's hard to believe that he is now technically a "toddler."  

Our goal today was to give Jackson a fabulous day without overwhelming him or having "too much birthday"!!  The day started with waking up to balloons and I don't think anything else mattered to Jackson the rest of the day.  All he wanted was to look at the balloons, play with the balloons, or talk about the balloons.  The moment we left the balloons behind, all we heard was an incessant
"Ba! Ba! Ba!", which in Jackson language means "I want," as he would point at the balloons.  

  

But Papa is so much fun that he took a break from the balloons for some tickles and giggles!

Then we went on a walk to feed the fish and turtles in the pond.  Jackson sported his awesome new hat from Gammie!!  What a stud!

Boosie wants some bread, too!

Blowing Papa kisses!

Besides having his first birthday, Jackson had a few other firsts today...first time to drink cow's milk, eat tuna fish and to have cake and icing.  As shown by the pictures below, he wasn't such a fan of his new foods.  His favorite part of the cake experience was pulling the "balls" off, but he never really gave it a good taste despite our best efforts. 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACKSON!!