HAZEL'S BIRTHDAY IS HERE!

In a faraway land, a young Princess awoke before the rising of the sun. She called to the King and the Queen that she was ready to be dressed and prepared for the day. The King and Queen had a special surprise waiting for the princess: an early morning birthday present! The Princess loved her new books, and couldn't wait for her special breakfast. She was dressed in her best, and had her royal hair styled by the Queen. Then she went downstairs for her photo op and a breakfast of cooked apples and cheerios.

Once she arrived at school, the Princess took her place in her throne (the bouncy seat, for which she is way too big) and performed her royal wave with both her hands in an invitation for her subjects to come and adore her.





Can't wait for the big party tonight!

To Catch Up . . . Visiting Aunt Sarah

The last stop on Northeast tour was Ewing, NJ and Aunt Sarah's house. While we were there, Aunt Sarah had an early first-birthday party for Hazel. There were cupcakes and chocolate frosting and presents. It was a fun preview to the real thing (which is tomorrow, by the way! More on that tomorrow.)

"Happy Birthday to you!"

"Hmmm... What is this? Chocolate frosting?"

"It's more fun to wear than to eat!"

"And it makes a great hair product!"

"A tasty hair product!"

"Yay, birthday!"

"Birthdays are the best ever! And so are Aunt Sarah's cupcakes!"

To Catch Up . . . Visiting Vermont

After visiting Aunt Kelly, we headed up to Vermont to visit Grandma and Grandpa McCain. We spent a good couple of days playing in the candy store and touring around Bennington.

Playing Hide and Seek in the candy store.

Daddy introduces Hazel to the Bennington Monument.

Hazel's history lesson.

Hazel discovers how comfy the Ladybug Blanket is.

More exploration of the candy store.

Hazel discovers ice cream.

Mmmm... Why have you kept this from me, Mom?

Next up... our last installment: Visiting Aunt Sarah.

To Catch Up . . . Visiting Aunt Kelly

At the end of September, we went on an extensive tour of the the Northeast. Our tour included a visit to the Gustins' home in Northern PA, a trip to the candy store in Vermont, and a visit with Aunt Sarah in New Jersey. We had so much fun, and Hazel had so many new experiences. I will try to capture it all, but it's going to take a few posts.

Our first stop was Meshoppen, PA to visit Aunt Kelly, Uncle Rob, and the Gustin cousins. Madison loved being the older cousin, and Jillian just couldn't get over having someone her own size around the house with her. Of course, Hazel adored her cousins and spent hours playing with them and chasing them around the house on her hands and knees. We also went over to the Gustin farm and visited with the baby cows, which Hazel thought was kind of cool.

The baby cows were so sweet. Hazel wasn't so sure about them at first, but she really warmed up to them after just a little while. Their noses were cold and wet.

Hazel loved getting the opportunity to play in the grass. She lamented to Aunt Kelly that she doesn't get to play in the grass enough at home.

Glenn played soccer with the big kids, and Hazel wanted to be included too!

So, Aunt Kelly took pity on her, and helped her practice her walking.

A shot of the cousins, with Hazel's signature grin. (If you hadn't noticed, she likes to pose for the camera. I don't know where she learned it. But it's very hard to get a normal shot of her. You have to sneak up on her, and that's hard to do with all the flash controls on the digital cameras these days.)

Stay tuned . . . Up next, Visiting Vermont.

To Catch Up . . . Playing Beauty Shop

Sometimes at school, Hazel's teacher, Ms. Ashley will play with Hazel's unruly hair and the results are always BEAUTIFUL! Here are a few pictures from our favorite game of Beauty Shop. We also want to wish Ms. Ashley best wishes on her wedding this weekend, and congratulations to her new husband, Brandon. Hazel can't wait for the honeymoon to be over. She misses Ms. Ashley.

Sportin' the "Sprouty Outies"

"Cheese!"

"Aren't I the cutest ever?!?"