Grandma Gretchen - Illinois

We were able to make it out to Illinois this summer, and below are some pictures of Grandma Gretchen and Hayley the night we arrived. She hadn't seen Hayley since she was a little over a month old so she was ecstatic to not only see her but to spend some time with her.

The Fourth of July

We had an awesome 4th of July! 

We decided to take Hayley to the Firework show in Peoria. We went really early because we haven't been in years and weren't sure what to expect. They have us set up on the field or in the stadium seats for Hayley's sake we decided to take up a good spot on the field. We laid our picnic blanket out, took some chairs and enjoyed the evening. Hayley was able to crawl around, and play while we relaxed and listened to the live Country band playing. Mom and Bob accompanied us to the event and we all had a great time. Hayley did extremely well and actually watched 90% of the fireworks show losing interest a couple of times but mostly just repositioning herself. Next year we hope family will join us.

Hayley 10 Months

Hayley 10 Months!

    She has been growing like crazy, and is still getting around by way of crawling. We are still working on walking, and she took 3 steps towards me (mommy) on the 7th of July. She can stand without holding on to something for about 10 secounds, and is working on the length of time. We recently bought her a pair of shoes in hopes that they will help give her a sense of balance and she can work towards walking. 

    She loves being in the water whether it be swimming or bath. We recently purchased a new stuffed animal named puffles an elephant and she likes to snuggle it when she goes to sleep. We gave her the option of an elephant, monkey, and a dog she decided to go with the elephant both times. Daddy is certain her favorite color is blue, we will have to wait and see. New word is Yah or something like it meaning yes in response to a question. Claps her hands, waves, and has started to drink from a straw. Drinking from a straw was a battle in itself however once she truly figured it out she has enjoyed being able to do it herself. So smart and escapes our gate barriers every chance she gets. Again always happy, and just so calm we get compliments everytime we are out on how well behaved she is.

Hayley's First time in the Pool

This was her first time in the pool. She wasn't really sure she liked it at first but once we put her on the first step she really enjoyed herself. Lost her balance a couple of times but did great all in all.

Father's Day

Much to Bert's broken heart Hayley and I were not home on Father's Day we were actually in Montana. However I made it a point before we left to get pictures of them together to mark the event anyways. This was the best photo, and I think they both look great in it. 

Hayley 9 Months

She is always on the move almost never holds still. Growing and changing everyday! She has really mastered crawling and can get from point A to B in no time flat. Been working on walking around objects while holding on, and are really good at that. Has been pointing for a while, and waves hello and bye-bye. Continues to maintain a constant state of happiness, always similing and is extremly strong willed (Hmmm wonder where she gets that from?)! Constantly in motion, likes to be held but really enjoy wrestling. Especially loves to be upside down and thrown in the air. Favorite words are "Up, and Dadda!" Still only rocking two teeth, and you loves to shake her head no.

9 Months
Height 29 inches
Weight 20 pounds 14 ounces

Montezuma's Castle and Jerome

May 21, 2012

Just for fun we decided to take a drive up to Jerome. On the way up I noticed that Montezuma's Castle was right there so we decided to check it out. It is amazing to think that the people built this into the mountain, without current man made tools!

I love these pictures of Bert and Hayley!

There wasn't really much to do in Jerome. We knew that going but just wanted to get out of the house. We did the tour at the mansion, but otherwise just drove through the town. It was really hot, and Hayley had fallen asleep so we didn't walk around the town. Driving through though it is mostly art gallery's so we didn't miss out on much I am sure!

Solar Eclipse

As many of you might know we had the ability to see the most recent Solar Eclipse. Bert was so excited so he not only got the filter off of his welding helmet but he insisted that I participate in viewing it. Thus he took my picture as proof, he is so funny. Anyways below are some of the pictures he took thru the filter!

Prescott

Just for fun we decided to drive up to Prescott for a little adventure. We walked in and out of the Antique shops and just enjoyed the day together. Hayley wanted to be held when we got there as she was stuck in her chair for the last hour and a half. 

Hayley and I walking towards the shops!

There was this really good restaurant called "The Office," they had lots of different options. I had a Green Chili Pot Pie, and Bert had a Buffalo Chicken wrap. Both were really delicious, and they season their french fries with garlic and Cilantro two of my favorite things!

This is an old Permanent machine, I had Bert take a machine because Grandma Bertha had told me about it so I wanted to show her! "Viv if you wouldn't mind doing so!"

This was just before we were going to head back home. It was an awesome day!

Mother's Day

My First Mothers Day!

We didn't do anything for Mother's Day but spend time together at home. We had to take pictures to remember the day however. It was an amazing First Mother's Day!

Hayley 8 Months

Hayley is 8 Months I cannot believe it! 

I do not know her exact weight but I believe it is around 18+ pounds. She has a strong personality, she knows what she likes and doesn't like. When she wants something she starts this horrible "I'm heart broken" cry! We are working on breaking her of that.  As of right now she still only has two teeth, but we think some are starting their way down on the top so we will see. She loves her pacifiers, and her favorite toy is the Fisher Price rings. She loves pulling everything out of her toy bucket over and over again.

She has accomplished a lot in the last month!

On April 9th she sat herself up, from the belly position. She worked with this method for about a week and a half before she finally decided to give crawling a try. She crawled for the first time Friday April 20th, we are excited for her but now we have to really keep track of where she is and what she is doing. Being that she has only been crawling for 2 weeks she can really move! She has also started feeding herself, she enjoys french fries, bread, crackers, and Gerber puffs. She is full of happiness, starting tomorrow her and I will be spending everyday together until August when I go back to school. 

Random Photos

For whatever reason she held her left leg up for a long while, it was so cute!

These are just some random pictures we took of Hayley in the backyard. She was just so happy, and cute we thought it would be a great time to get some pictures of her. We aren't exactly sure how her legs ended up like this, but she was practically doing the splits!