Miss Hadley Lynn

As mentioned earlier July 23rd marked Hadley's 1st Birthday and me being horrible didn't get her in for her 1 year appointment until August 23rd. But regardless, we got her in, got her shots, and did the check. So here-for my record, more than your knowledge-are Hadley's stats: Weighing in at 21 lbs and 15 oz (65%), Height of 32 in (95%), and head circumference of 19 in (95%). So besides her stats, what else is going on with our little Hadley Girl.

She is becoming miss independent. Around 13 months Hadley started taking steps and is doing quite well getting around on her own. I always love having her little hand hold just 1 of my fingers as we stroll around...and I'm glad I enjoyed it while I did because she now wants to have nothing to do with taking a finger, but walk ALL over by herself. She is saying Mama and Dada, all done, bottle, baby, uh-oh and signing "more". She likes music and dancing, she even seems to try and sing...usually with a big proud smile across her face. She is always excited to fold her hands and saw a prayer with us at meals and usually claps when we are done. She loves to brush her teeth and if the bathroom door is left open, you are sure to find her, climbed up on the stool, toothbrush (doesn't matter whose it is) and toothpaste in hand. She climbs on everything-fireplace, beds, stairs-and is in the process of working on how to get down from all of those. She loves being outside and is always wanting to get her shoes on so we can go out...and HATES coming in. She can be a little pistol when she's not getting what she wants-crying, pulling her brother's hair-but it generally passes pretty quickly. She can now climb up the one side of our playhouse so she can get to the slide and come down on her own...and she loves it! Over and over she will do that.

But even though she's one, she continues to be adored by her dad and I, and most of the time her brother too. It's actually quite cute, in the last few weeks they are starting to play more together vs side by side. Grant generally is telling Hadley what to do and Hadley kind of just follows him around. I am sure it will only continue to get more fun to watch as they grow.

VACATION!

While making a quick trip through Bass Pro earlier this summer, we stumbled upon a vacation deal that was too good to pass up. So mid August we packed the Sienna and were off for some vacation time down at Tablerock Lake. Tablerock Lake was one of my favorite vacations growing up, then Nick and I went there for our 1st Anniversary, so to bring our little fam there this summer was pretty fun. We decided to break up the drive a bit and made a stop in KC for our first night out. We stayed with our good friends the Hellbusch's, and had a relaxing afternoon letting the kids play. Headed out to dinner at the Lake Restaurant, then went out for a little evening cruise. The next morning we were off for Roger's Arkansas to visit to stay a night with Ang and her family. The kids had a blast playing with there cousins (and Grant says the best part of his vacation was seeing Abby Jo :) Grant was also super psyched to get a sleepover with all the girls. And as always Nick and I enjoyed our QT time with all the Nachtigal family.

Then off we were again the next morning to Big Cedar Lodge at Tablerock. From Rogers this was really only about 60 or so miles, but due to all the winding, ups, and downs it takes more like an hour and half. Needless to say our drive ended with me barfing...I think we will try for a different route next time.

As expected the Lake was beautiful and we had a great afternoon out on the water. I am pretty sure Grant and Hadley love the water as much as Nick and I. Grant's big feat was riding the tube by himself and he did great! We enjoyed an afternoon on the Lazy River. Both outings Hadley snoozed on...so cute. I remember my Mom doing this with us when we were little. One evening we decided to join in on the Hayrack ride, smore making, singing cowboy outing. Grant loved it and I must say the sarsaparilla was delicious. We did loose Woody off the hayrack while in motion. Tears were shed and lucky for us some wonderful people picked him up and chased down the hayrack to get Woody back to Grant. It was fun to talk the whole vacation thing out with Grant...he loved that vacation means nobody works for a lot of days and that our family gets to be together doing fun stuff for all those days. Probably one or two days after we got home we both had to laugh as Grant stated he wanted to go on vacation again...who doesn't Grant. :)

A Fun-filled Lake Weekend

One Friday afternoon our friend Jaime invited a few of my college soccer friends and our kiddos out to her family's cabin. It's pretty funny because amongst the 4 of us we have 8 kids, 2 a piece, with the 4 oldest and the 4 youngest all being within a year of eachother. So needless to say it was fun and crazy to get us all together. Then that same weekend we were fortunate to have our other friend's the Siner's invite us out to their parent's cabin. Colette's family did a wonderful job in making this cabin kid friendly. There is about anything and everything for a kid to do-adults too-and for parents to be able to sit back and soak up a relaxing weekend at the lake. And that is exactly what we did. My dream is to combine so much of the great things these two's family cabins offer and hopefully make a cabin home for our family to enjoy for years to come...like I said, this is a dream. :) But what a great way to spend one of our last weekend's of summer!