North Carolina - May

Well this summer hasn't been overly exciting but I figured I would post a couple of random photos.

We were able to go see Bert's dad and his sister in May. We were so excited to have the opportunity do to so and are so thankful for it. We were really surprised at how well Hayley traveled. We hadn't flown since she was a year or so so we weren't sure how well she would do. She took a small nap on the way there and a good long nap on the way back. She really loved Grandpa Skip's house because there weren't to many dead ends and she could run around the house without being cornered. We were so excited that Stephanie's (Bert's sister) family was able to join us there. It had a been a little less then a year since we saw them in Illinois. Everyone wanted to play with Hayley and she did extremely well, although it took her a little time to warm up. All in all it was a great trip and we all had a great time.

This is the whole group taken the last day by Skip's friend after church.

Hayley on the airplane to North Carolina. Reading (looking at pictures) her new alphabet book.

This was taken during our lay over I don't remember where LOL! She was so excited to see the airplanes and she stood in this window hitting the glass saying airplane, airplane. 

We arrived in North Carolina on the day before Stephanie's family to allow for a little extra time spent with Skip before everyone arrived. It worked out better because the incoming flights for us arrive in late afternoon so it gave us one more day there.

Skip was so excited to finally meet his grand-daughter. She was open to the idea of sitting with him but wasn't too sure. Here he is reading her Noah's Ark pop-up book.

The morning before everyone arrived we decided to go for a walk around Skip's neighborhood. It was a lovely day, and a great time for a walk. If there weren't so many bugs and horrible humidity we would consider moving there. It is however a beautiful place to visit and live.

There is a little creek that runs behind Skips house. After our walk we took Hayley down to show her so she could play in it for a little while. 

She enjoyed sticking her hands in the water but beyond that and being held by daddy she didn't want anything to do with it.

This is Josie Skip's dog. She LOVED Hayley as she was a small human that she could jump on and knock over then lick. She was watching from the other side of the creek while Hayley played in the water.

Stephanie's family arrived Thursday afternoon. We spent time talking in the sitting room and Skip got out a little tea set for Hayley and the kids to play with. Hayley was so excited and began to sever everyone in the room some tea.

 As the day went on we decided we should give Skip a little time to rest so we took the kids to a neighborhood park. It was a really cute park and they had 2 different play areas. One fore the older kids and one for the smaller kids.

Hayley had a great time playing. Aunt Stephanie was so excited to spend time with her. Hayley especially enjoys going down the slide, not much else.

After the playground we went back to Grandpa Skips and played in the back yard. In this picture Hayley and daddy are throwing things into the creek behind grandpa's house. It made me nervous because as you can see there is no railing to the bridge. 

The next day it was raining so in order to give Skip some rest time again we decided to take the kids to the mall for the play area. While we were there however uncle Roy found the Build A Bear store and decided to buy Hayley her first Bear. I have never had on done so it was a first for both myself and Hayley. She enjoyed it especially picking out the clothes.

The mall also had a train that goes around and the kids went on that, again with uncle Roy's compliments. You can see in the picture there is also a carousel in which Hayley and Sophia enjoyed a ride.

On the last day there we attended church with Skip and Peg. After church we ensured to get some family photos while we were all together.

This was Hayley on our last night there. She wanted to sleep with her new "Princess Bear." We had a great trip and again were so thankful that we were able to go and spend time with family.

Hayley on the way home. She did so well we just couldn't believe it. It was nice that she slept most of the way home, especially since she needed it.

Easter

We didn't really do anything exciting on Easter however we did dress up and hide eggs. She was actually really good at finding them. I couldn't believe considering her age how well she was able to search for and locate the eggs.

This was her Easter dress which we used to get professional photos and I forgot to wash it for Easter day! She really looked adorable in it though so I had to share!

Her Easter basket! Yes I know what some of you are thinking....Play-Doh what are you thinking!!!! Bert picked it out and that is something he wanted her to have. The chalk is mostly for coloring on construction paper although she does use it on the patio.

Time to find the Easter Eggs. Please don't mind her hair she had just woken up from her afternoon nap and I was so excited for her to hunt for eggs I didn't even think about fixing it.

I am officially out of school which is awesome. We have some travel plans coming up so we are all excited about that. Hope everyone is doing well and enjoys the pictures! Love and miss you all.

Love Bert, Carrie, and Hayley

Hayley Swimming Lessons

For those of you who do not know Hayley and I have been attending swim lessons at a wonderful place called Aqua Tots. We have been attending for 2 months now and she is doing amazing. She still doesn't like going under water however she does enjoy swimming. 

Here I place her a "noodle" and she works on kicking her legs. In this photo though she is distracted by the instructor or another kid.

We also do passes swimming where the instructor and I push her in the water to get her used to trying to kick or "swim." She didn't like this the first couple of times buy now seems to enjoy it as you can see there is a smile on her face. (Sorry it is blurry these are from Bert's iPhone)

Here we are working on floating on our backs. She did really well with this the first month but recently has decided she doesn't want to lay on her back, she prefers sitting up or on her belly. I don't think she likes the water in her ears.

Again we are working on kicking.

I believe this is a more recent picture of her on the "noodle" as you can see I am only holding it with one hand! She is doing so well!

Finally we are working on kicking and floating. We rotate front to back and work on her moving her legs! 

Bert and I are doing really good. I am so excited as I only have one more week of school and then I will be off for the summer. We hope everyone else is doing good and hopefully we will get to see some of you this summer. I do have Easter pictures that I will work on getting up as well.