Happy Birthday

I can't believe that my little girl is 4 years old today. Where has the time gone? It seems like everything has happened in the blink of an eye. Someone recently asked me what age has been my favorite so far and I didn't know what to say. Each milestone has brought new things and I honestly think that they are all my favorite because they are all different. I love that we can sit down and have actual conversations together, we can play dolls together, or just cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie together. She can always make me smile and she is the funniest kid I know. I grieve for the time that has passes so quickly but I look forward to all the new things that are yet to come that I can't even imagine yet. Hailey, you continue to surprise us and we love watching you grow into this beautiful little girl who has a passion and a love for life. We love you so much doodle bug!

Happy Birthday!

Beach

Two weeks ago we were on vacation at Sunset Beach. We had great weather and Hailey was in the water every day, and sometimes she had to go twice in one day. She loves jumping the waves and body surfing.

Mackenzie did not like the beach at all this time. She wanted nothing to do with the sand. She would walk in the water as long as she was holding both my hands and then she would just sit in her beach chair eating crackers and drinking juice. After about an hour she was ready to go and made sure she made it known to everyone around. She has a set of lungs on her and a diva attitude to boot.

I think the highlight of the trip was coming home from running errands one day to find PaPa painting the girls nails. We got back on a Sunday and then Tuesday the girls and I left my MiMi and Popi's house. I left on Thursday and the girls stayed for the rest of the weekend. They went to a science/nature museum in Greensboro but I don't have any of the pictures yet. So now it is back to reality and getting things done before Hailey starts preschool in a few weeks.

We have had a good summer and Mackenzie is finally starting to walk a little more every day. I am hoping that she will be walking full time before we go on vacation to the beach. While Brian was in Germany we went to visit my aunt in Spartanburg and she and my mom took the girls to the children's museum. They had a great visit and they both had fun decorating the cake in the grocery store part. My aunt had bought them these cute matching outfits but Hailey insisted on wearing a dress instead but whenever I tell her she has to wear shorts she wants this outfit and mackenzie to match her.

We have been playing some outside and Mackenzie is starting to enjoy drawing with chalk on the drive way and playing in the little car. Her hair is starting to get in her face so I have been putting it up in a little pony tail on top of her head and it is too cute. She is getting so big all of a sudden.

the 4th

Here are some pictures from the 4th of July. We had fun in Nashville at the reunion and the girls had fun playing with all the cousins. Hailey loved going to the lake and tubing on the boat. After riding one time with her daddy she decided she was big enough to do it by herself. The boat went really slow and her dad was on the tube beside her the whole time and she had a blast. She looked so grown up.

Mackenzie is now 18 months old and still a little peanut. She weighs 20 lbs 6 oz and is 30 inches long. She finally took a few steps on her own but isn't really walking yet.

Brian is back from Germany and had an amazing time. I will post some pictures he took once we get them all on the computer. He really enjoyed sharing Gods love and work with the kids and was sad to leave them. He can't wait to have the opportunity to do it again. Hailey has had swimmers ear and been in a lot of pain so we haven't been to the pool in a while. That is about all the updates I have for now. Enjoy the pictures!

We have been busy

We have been going and going so far this summer. We spend most mornings at the pool and spending time with friends on play dates. Hailey had Vacation Bible School a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it and keeps asking when she can go again. Brian volunteered at VBS so that gave me and Mackenzie some nice one on one time together.

Hailey has started swim lessons for the summer. She loves going underwater and is working really hard so she can swim all by herself. Mackenzie is getting so big and while she still isn't walking she is wanting to do everything else like a big girl. I have noticed that when she pulls up on things she gets up on her tip toes just like her big sister, so it will be interesting to see if she will walk on them as well.

It has been nice not having any set schedule this summer and just being with the girls and hanging out with friends but I am sure by the middle of August I will be ready for preschool to start.

Dentist

We took Hailey to the dentist for her first cleaning. She looked so grown up sitting in that chair. She did great and even got some nice surprises when she was done. It is hard to believe that she is growing up so fast.

Arizona

We left last Thursday to go to Arizona and visit Mark, Kat, Riley and Bailey. The flight there was pretty bad but could have been worse. Mackenzie cried (or should I say screamed) on and off during the whole flight and only slept for 45min. Hailey did great and kept herself entertained, she kept asking if she could drive the plane.

The kids had a lot of fun playing together. We had 4 under 4 so we didn't go out much but they sure kept themselves busy. Hailey and Riley went twice a day to the little Park across the street and ran and played, we did take them to a little water park one day but it ran into nap time so we didn't stay very long. Bailey is so sweet and growing by the minute, Hailey loved her and Mackenzie was a little jealous and curious.

We flew back on Monday and that flight went much better and Mackenzie only cried when she was tired and fighting sleep. She slept for about an hour but was happy when she woke up so that was great. We are finally getting back to a normal schedule and we have already been to the pool once. Hailey asks all the time when we can get back on a plane and go to Arizona.