Rockaway Beach Family Trip. Year 1.

Hazel,

We decided that we needed to start a family vacation tradition this year. We chose the beach, and it was perfect! We stayed at a beautiful place right on the beach. You loved every second. You ran and ran and ran. And when you weren't running, you built sand castles (or crushed Daddy's sand castles), jumped and played in the ocean, and rolled around in the sand. It was so fun watching you explore and try new things. You are so brave, and I love that about you. Although you are a little hesitant about some things, for the most part you will dive right in (literally, at times) and try new things! I wish I could be more like that. We went to Haystack Rock one morning, and had fun looking at starfish, sea anemones, and other creatures. You loved pointing to them and even touching a few of them. You climbed around the rocks like a pro! Then we stopped at Mo's for lunch and you loved watching people play on the beach while we ate on the deck. It was such a gorgeous day. That night Daddy built us a fire on the beach and we roasted hot dogs. You dropped your first hot dog right into the sand about the same time I burned mine in the fire, so we both had to roast another one. We had so much fun and are already talking about going back next year! 

We feel so blessed to be able to spend fun family time at such a beautiful place!
Love you big girl,
Mommy and Daddy

Timothy Lake

Hazel,

We met up with Nana and Papa at Timothy Lake for a day of camping in an actual campsite. We got to sit around the fire, eat yummy camping food (you could not get enough m&m's and peanuts), and hang out by the lake. At the campsite you loved playing in Nana and Papa's tent (you went in and out the dog door) and finding sticks and bugs. At the lake you went out in the boats with Nana and Papa, and then again with Mommy and Aunt Al. You loved splashing around in the lake, looking at the mountain, watching for fishies, and running all around! 

We had so much fun. Can't wait for next year when we get to stay the night too. I have a feeling you'll love it!

Love you,

Mommy and Daddy

Your face.

Hazel,
Throughout each day you have many faces. Some happy, some silly, even some sad and mad. These are three of my favorites. I might be biased, but I think this may be the best series of pictures ever.

We love you, you little ham!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy

The 4th

Hazel,

We didn't do anything super exciting for the 4th. We drove back from a trip to Sunriver. Sunriver was great! We got to stay with Nana, Papa, GG, Great Grandpa, and Mommy's Aunt Karen. We had a great time hanging out, playing at the pool, and going for walks and bike rides. You had such a great time. You loved that there were so many fun adults to pay attention to you and laugh at you! We went to the new pool, and you loved it! We went first in the morning, and even though you were freezing, you still wanted to keep playing. Luckily the afternoon was warmer so we got to spend more time in the pool and in the sand. It is so fun to watch you explore and try new things. Mommy took you on the lazy river, and after one time around on an inner tube together, you told Mommy you wanted to "do it myself"...and that you did. You couldn't get enough. You sat in the middle and held on to the handle just like a big kid. I was sure they were going to tell me you were to little to do it yourself, but nope, you were big enough! I have to remember every day that you really are a big girl, and are able to do way more than I could ever guess. We are so proud of you, and so thankful that you love trying new things with us.

When we got home from Sunriver you helped Daddy wash the cars while Fletcher and I watched! I know, pretty exciting stuff around here! Maybe next year we'll let you stay up to watch some fun fireworks...maybe.

Well, exciting or not, we had fun!

We love you!

Mommy and Daddy

Father's Day 2012

Hazel,
You have such an amazing daddy! You love him so much, and I am so thankful for your relationship. He knows just how to play with you. You guys have such fun running around, throwing balls, putting stickers everywhere, riding bikes, and just being silly! We are so lucky to have such a great daddy! We started this project last year, and hope to continue it for years to come!

We love you!
Mommy and Daddy

Hazel,
Just a few pictures from a Wednesday afternoon. You love your brother so much, and you were so excited about pictures...for about 72 seconds.

Thanks for letting me get some pictures of you before running off!
Love you,
Mommy

Mother's Day

Hazel,
We celebrated Mother's Day with our annual wine tasting with the Hemry family! This year we went to Four Graces. It is beautiful and there is tons of room for you to run around with your stroller and collect rocks in your pockets. We ate yummy food, and the grown ups tasted yummy wines! You had a great time. I am so thankful that I get to be your mommy.

We love you so much big girl!

Mommy and Daddy