Let it snow!

Today it snowed in Las Cruces. It was the first time that Hayli was able to get out and play in the snow. I think she really enjoyed it! She made a snowman with Tante, and that was a big hit!

Merry Christmas!

Being Christmas morning, I had to wake Hayli up to see what Santa brought for her. I was so excited to see her reaction. Hayli's favorite part? This year, Hayli LOVED to rip the wrapped presents open. The presents didn't even have to be for her. She really enjoyed the occasion this year. Next year, Hayli will have to share this experience with her baby sister.

Disneyland

We all spent our last day in Anaheim at Disneyland. It was wet -- really wet! But we did get to enjoy some adult rides while Hayli slept in her stroller. Hayli only went on two rides before we decided that it was just too wet and cold to spend anymore time there. Fortunately, Hayli loved both those rides -- It's A Small World and the Nemo submarine ride. We will have to go back when it is not raining cats and dogs!!!

California Disney

We are on a business trip in Anaheim, CA and decided that we could not be in Anaheim and not go to Disneyland... so we went. Hayli was excited to get out of the convention hall! Hayli really enjoyed the Pixar Parade! I thought she would be scared but I guess the music and movement far outweighed the scary factor!

Bubbles are always a hit with Hayli.... How fun!

Dada and Aunt Teri went on the ladybug ride with Hayli... which thrilled Hayli very much! It made me a little nauseous just watching!

Hayli enjoyed the merry-go-round too! It was especially fun when Opa went with her!

Games are something that Conrad and I love, but winning is not something that occurs often in our family! Hayli was really lucky at California Disney though, and won not one but TWO stuffed Mickey Mouse toys while playing the fishing for duck game! Hayli gave Aunt Teri one of her winnings for her cousin Riley Jo.

Snow and Open Gym

It's snowing!!! We even experienced lose of electricity!!!

After a long weekend of being stuck inside, Hayli and I went to open gym... Hayli needed to release some of her energy!

Getting Into The House

Hayli is practicing for whenever we may be locked out of the house!!! LOL

Black Friday

I am a big sucker for sales. I just couldn't miss the Black Friday sales. Hayli was my little helper all day. I think by the end Hayli just wanted to take a big long nap. After taking a nap, we headed out to El Paso. Oma came to the outlet mall with us. Hayli was excited that we stopped for a little break at the playground! (Today was also Moeke's birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOEKE!!!)

Gobble Gobble

Today was Hayli's 2nd Turkey Day. We spent the day with Oma and Opa. Grandma and Tim joined us for dinner and games afterwards. My favorite part, of course, was the Thanksgiving dinner, but what was Hayli's favorite part? Setting the table! She just cracks me up!!

Always learning something new...

Hayli has been learning how to drink from water fountains, and I guess she decided to try her new skill in the bathtub...

We also went to Open Gym today. There were a lot of kiddos considering all the activities are canceled for Turkey Day on Thursday. Hayli had a great time playing in the imaginary fort. That is until a little boy pulled some of her hair out!!! OUCH

Sesame Street comes to El Paso

Today was Sesame Street's 40th Birthday, and we went to El Paso to celebrate! Hayli was scared at first, but after an hour she warmed up to the large plush characters. Oh yeah, and Hayli got to practice more of that jumping around she learned to do four days ago!

New Things...

I knew that Hayli's one-legged jumping (learned from her yoga classes) would eventually turn into jumping with air between both feet and the ground... Today was the day that Hayli first got air!!! Thank you to Gym Magic for providing at least a good cushion between my precious baby and the real ground!!!

Happy Halloween

Today was Hayli's 2nd Halloween. I can't believe she is already doing this on her own! They sure don't stay babies long. Our family costumes were farmers and a little cow. As soon as it was dark outside, we headed out. We were the first trick-or-treaters for the street, but Hayli was already a little tired. It was best to go ahead and let her have a little bit of fun before she crashed!

Hayli understood the basic concept of the trick or treating. She did get a bit confused when some of the neighbors would not let her choose her own treats though.

Hayli got a lot of candy for a 1 year old. We only did the street that Oma lives on, and that was enough. Hayli's favorite candy was Skittles.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!!

Halloween Playgroup

Today we hosted a Halloween playgroup at Oma's house. Hayli made me laugh so hard when she decided to dance to "Thriller".

Three of Hayli's friends were able to come, and we were happy to see them after such a long time. Liam was a train engineer. Jayden was a handyman, and Ryan was a skeleton. Hayli was a cow. All of them were so cute!

Hayli's 2nd Dental Visit

Today Hayli had her 2nd dental visit. We found out that Hayli won't have surgery until she is older regarding the injury she had on her gums on my last birthday (you can see the damage in the blog archive). I was relieved to hear this news!

Mesilla Valley Maze

Today we went to the Mesilla Valley Maze in Las Cruces. It was a lot of fun last year, so we thought it would be nice to go again. Last year, Hayli won in the Mesilla Valley Maze photo contest (see below photo).

Hayli enjoyed the toddler maze. She went through it the first time, but RAN through it the second time around.

Another hit with Hayli were the rocking chairs in front of the store.

Pumpkin Carving

Today was the last day of our visit to Belgium. Tantie Elisabeth bought pumpkins for us to carve. We had a lot of fun doing it. Tantie Elisabeth, Hayli, and I all had one each to decorate. It was Hayli's first time carving pumpkins, and she sure did love getting all dirty with pumpkin guts!

The results???

Tantie Elisabeth's Birthday

Today was Tantie Elisabeth's 25th birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! It was a day filled with fun. First, Tantie Elisabeth, Andy, Hayli, and I went to the zoo in Mechelen.

Hayli loved it at the zoo. We saw a lot of animals and they even had children areas for kids to play. Here is Hayli going down the slide. Mama was supposed to catch her, but Hayli went down way too fast! OOPS!

There was a petting zoo, which was a great hit with Hayli. Whose birthday was it anyway? LOL

Then we went to the circus in Overijse. I think everyone had a good time. Hayli loved the parts with the animals, and afterwards decided that she wanted to go on a pony ride or two. =0)

Before going to bed, Tantie Elisabeth got to open her birthday presents with a little help from Hayli.

HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY TANTIE ELISABETH!!!

WE LOVE YOU!

A Fall Day

Today Grandpa, Moeke, Tantie Elisabeth, Andy, Hayli, and I enjoyed a fall day in Belgium. Hayli really hasn't seen the seasons change before, and I wanted to take advantage of it since we were visiting. Hayli seemed to really enjoy running through the autumn leaves...

After we played in the leaves and took pictures, we went to feed the swans.

We went to a mossel restaurant for dinner. We played so hard at the park that Hayli had quite an appetite for dinner. She really liked that spaghetti!

It also helps when the restaurant has a play area just for kids like Hayli! I was really impressed -- and I think Hayli was too!

John Deer Toys

Grandpa got Hayli a John Deer steering wheel from the thrift store here on the base. It was a great deal for $1.50 (wish we could find these bargains back in Las Cruces). Hayli really enjoys her new toy.

Feeding the Ducks, Geese, and Pigeons

Today Hayli, Tantie, Vincent, and I went to the Tervuren Lakes and fed the ducks, geese, and pigeons. I was surprised that the ducks and the geese let the pigeons have any of the goodies!

As Hayli gained more confidence, so did the geese. This made me slightly nervous!

We had a great time and I think we will go back again soon!

Shopping at Wijnegem

Today we had a great day! Moeke, Grandpa, Tantie, Hayli, and I went to the Wijnegem shopping center. We did A LOT of shopping, but Hayli's favorite part was the water. Hayli loves the water so much, that it really did not surprise me that this foutain was a great hit with her.

Tervuren Park

Today we went to the Tervuren park. Hayli really did seem to enjoy herself!

Hayli and Vincent...

While Conrad, Grandpa, and I were away in Germany going to a business meeting for ACN, Hayli stayed in Overijse with Moeke and Tantie. We were gone for 3 days, and Hayli really seemed to enjoyed her time away from the parentals.

Our Street, The River?

The past couple of weeks have been filled with rain. There have been several evenings that Conrad and I would just look at each other and say, "Guess we are staying in tonight!". Last night was another night of rain... but Hayli was at Oma's and we had to go and get her (I missed her too much to leave her!). So, off we went... this is what we encountered.

Horsie

Today we went to Jayden's 2nd BDay party. Hayli's favorite part? Well, that would be Jayden's horsie... She liked the horsie so much we almost missed singing "Happy Birthday" to Jayden!

White Sands Hot Air Balloon Invitational

I have wanted to go to a hot air balloon launch since we moved to NM. Unfortunately, we have always been unable to attend the big events. This year, however, there was a launch at White Sands National Park. It was a lot of fun. At first, Hayli was very scared of the noise the balloons made when the pilots put more hot air into the balloon. I guess if you don't understand what is going on, the noise is very loud and can be very scary. We enjoyed our early morning (by early I mean we were up at 5:30 am to go to this event) hot air balloon launch! My favorite balloon was the monster balloon! Hayli's criterion for her favorite balloon was that is was way up in the air... the higher the better!

Surfer Girl!

We took advantage of another great NM day, and went swimming at Oma's and Opa's house. It was a lot of fun. Daddy is teaching Hayli how to be a surfer girl!

Labor Day

Today we went over to Oma's and Opa's house to celebrate Labor Day. Today was the first time that Hayli attempted to play frisbee (or BEE as Hayli calls it). She sure caught on quick!

It was so nice to spend some time in the pool. It had been a long time for Hayli. She sure did love it!

I know that Hayli loves corn -- just like her mama -- but straight from the cob??? Really???

Let's Par-teeee

Today we went to a birthday party for Alex, one of the neighborhood kids. We met the family while we were doing a garage sale. Hayli had a blast playing at the Peter Piper Pizza. She loved playing the skeeball game! GO HAYLI! Hayli got enough tickets to get herself a rubber duckie and gave the rest of her tickets to the birthday boy. Happy 5th Birthday Alex!

Grandma's 87th Birthday

Today was Grandma's 87th Birthday. We celebrated at Cattle Baron with Great Aunt Bonnie, Grandma, Oma, and Opa. It was a lot of fun. After dinner, we went to Oma's house for some cake and ice cream. YUMMY!

Hayli had a great time with Grandma's balloons! Of course, with all this fun... it ended with a busted balloon. Surprisingly though, Hayli was completely unfazed by the big bang!

Then it was time to open presents... and Hayli was a great helper with that too!

Bouncy Bouncy

Hayli wasn't so sure about the bouncy castle at Open Gym this morning, but I think she got the hang of it eventually. It was really hard with so many kids coming and going out of it though!

Terrible Twos Here We Come!

Today Hayli decided to use her "no!". Now there is no doubt that she knows what it means!

Walking Down the Stairs

That's right, our sweet little baby is now walking down the stairs like a big girl! This truly is bitter sweet. I am one proud mama, but part of me wishes she still searched for my hand when going down the stairs - instead of being swatted away!

Farm and Ranch Museum (Ice Cream Day)

Today we went to the Farm and Ranch Museum. Hayli learned how to make ice cream. Her attention span wasn't quite the 20 minutes required to make the ice cream though. The ice cream sure was yummy! Hayli did finish off two whole cup fulls of the newly made ice cream! YUMMY!!!

Hayli even discovered how a cow is milked! What fun!

First Money Deposit

Hayli saved a lot of coins in her piggy bank. The piggy was beginning to get heavy, so we decided to head to the bank. First, Hayli had to get the coins counted (thank goodness the bank has a coin counting machine!). Then, we deposited the amount (over $50!) into Hayli's savings account. It was a lot of fun, and Hayli had a hand in the entire process. What a great experience!

Busy, Busy, Busy

I try to stay busy with Hayli, but today was CRAZY BUSY! First, Hayli jump started her day by watching Little Einsteins and bouncing on her horsie.

Then we went to open gym, where we met up with several of Hayli's friends.

After open gym, Hayli and I worked on the computer room. It is a major overhaul and a lot of work is involved. I hope to have the room completely finished by the end of the weekend. (I may put up some after photos... I forgot to take some before photos, but trust me it was BAD!) The next project is Hayli's room.

Working on the computer room wasn't the end of our day though. We went to Ms Jody's for our weekly ACN business meeting. It wasn't all business though, because Hayli got her toes painted for the very first time! I was so excited that she sat long enough to let Ms Jody to it! Hayli loves her new red toe nails. THANKS JODY!!!

It was a rough and long day. Thank goodness Hayli went to bed without too much fuss! I guess I wore her out today... =0)

Tucson

Today is our last day in Tucson. I really try to have Hayli eat a healthy breakfast, but today Hayli decided strawberry wafers would do just fine!

We had a lot of fun and wish we could enjoy the lazy river more!

Hayli loves to play peek-a-boo...

There is always time for some yoga. First, there was table position and then there ia downdog...

Bye-bye JW Marriott!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

Friday we left with Oma and Opa to begin celebrating Daddy's birthday. We decided to go to Tucson, AZ for some fun in the sun (and some relaxation too!). We did not know that it was going to be the resort's weekend of Nickelodeon. It was nice that Hayli had some entertainment. We know it was Daddy's birthday get away, but everything always ends up being about Hayli (even when it is not planned that way). LOL

We spent Saturday enjoying the weather and the pool. Hayli enjoyed coloring her SpongeBob SquarePants shirt!

Hayli loved the lazy river and jumping in from the side... She is one brave girl!

Hayli even went down the water slide. At first she was very apprehensive, but then she decided she loved it. So much so that mommy had to take a break and let daddy do it for a while! LOL

Yoga Practice

Hayli and I are trying mommy and me yoga. We practice on and off throughout the day. Here we are getting our zen on before bed!

Our New Neighbors

Our newest neighbors are so cute! Hayli watches the mommy and daddy come and go in the mornings feeding their young... it is really neat to watch!

Happy 4th of July

Today was Hayli's second 4th of July. Last year we went to visit our cousins Tracy, Shanyn, and their little boy Xander. And although Hayli really enjoyed spending time with them and being in a kiddie pool for the first time there, Hayli did not get to see fireworks (it was too cloudy). We figured she was too young for all the excitement anyway. This year, Hayli played with sparklers and watched the fireworks!

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!!

Walking the Dog

Hayli enjoyed walking Tinkerbell while we had our garage sale. Or was Tinkerbell walking Hayli???

Computing...

Hayli is a little bit of Conrad and a little bit of me mixed together... and you can tell she loves computing!

Sagecrest Park

Hayli really enjoys seeing her friends at the park. She is so cranky if we miss... it is like she knows what day of the week it is. Hayli really enjoys to be outside. She insisted on shoes off today at the park. After careful examination of the ground around us, I gave in!

Riding a Horse for the 1st Time!

Today we all went to our friend April's house, and had a blast. Hayli is normally afraid of horses, but I guess she felt comfortable with April's horses!!!

Minnie has a new home

Minnie found a special place in our hearts when her owners said they would just "get rid of her". Meaning put her in the dessert to fend for herself. I couldn't let them do that so we took her in until she got a new home. Then Oma took her under her wing, and Minnie thrived. Oma's brother came into town, and his wife and two daughter feel in love with Minnie! Minnie is such a sweet and gentle puppy. We will miss her a lot, but we know that she will be well taken care of. Minnie already has a diamond collar and matching lead. What a spoiled puppy she will be.

Armed and Dangerous

Oma's brother and family came to visit with Oma and Grandma. It was a lot of fun seeing them again. Today, Nicole and Natalie wanted to go out to the shooting range and learn how to shoot. Well, I could not let them have all the fun. Opa brought his guns for us to learn on. We shot off a .357, a .38, a 9mm, and a .32. My favorite was the .357 (go figure). I don't think I did too poorly for the first time out there! (Conrad of course did really well -- with all the military training and all!) Conrad, watch out... this mama now knows how to shoot!!! LOL

Kinderboerderij

Today we went to the Kinderboerderij (Child's Farm). It was a really nice day outside and we really did enjoy it. Hayli got a chance to feed the goats.

The kids' park was probably the best part for Hayli. She enjoyed jumping on this springy thing that wasn't quite a trampoline!

Hayli really enjoyed being on the tire swing and playing with Tante Elisabeth and Andy.

What can I say? Hayli loves the water!

Grandpa

Hayli began the trip to Belgium really messing with Grandpa's feelings. Every time Grandpa would go for Hayli, Hayli would smile and run away. I think Grandpa was beginning to think that Hayli really did not like him much -- but I just knew that she was just playing hard to get!!! Needless-to-say, there a really strong bond between them now. They love each other's company and Hayli says "Ganpa" all the time and mimics him any chance she gets. It will be really hard to leave on Saturday. I can't believe the month is already almost over!

Dirty Diaper

Sometimes Hayli just wants to be a big girl...

Zoo in Antwerpen

Today we went to the zoo in Antwerpen! I can't believe we all endured the rainy weather and still had a great time!

The highlight of the trip for me was the brand-new baby elephant!

I think that one of Hayli's highlights was the froggie that spit water... what fun!

Here is a video of Hayli watching the "ducks" swim back and forth. Hayli really enjoyed watching the penguins!

When returning from the zoo, Hayli wanted to make sure to help with the last of the clean up from yesterday's BBQ.

Oops -- sorry puppy!!!

BBQ

We had a BBQ, and a lot of people showed up. I think mostly to visit with Hayli! Anyway, Hayli had a great time with Tante and the trampoline. I wonder if the small trapoline at the gymnastics class will still excite her now!

Swimming

Today we went to the Overijse pool to go swimming. Hayli loves the water and boy did she love swimming with Tanta Elisabeth!

Paradisio

Today we went to Paradisio in Belgium. We never went before, so we figured we should go... our expectations were low, but we ended up having a great time.

Hayli fed a deer up close!

Then Hayli wanted to get a good look at ALL the animals...

We had such a good time, but we weren't the only ones. It seems that the park keeps these animals so happy that they dance!!! The elephants did it...

but so did the porcupine (turn your head to view this one)...

Plopsa Indoor - Hasselt

What does one do when the weather outside is typical Belgian (rainy!) and the baby wants to do something? Well, they go to the indoor amusement park! I was amazed!

Hayli enjoyed the carousel ride... she rode it at least three times!

They had a great play area too...

I think Hayli's favorite ride was probably the ducky ride.

Hayli went on the froggy ride with Moeke.

Then there was fishing for duckies... do you see the theme? LOL!

Hanging Around the House

Believe it or not -- there are some days that we just do not get to leave the house. Even on those days though... Hayli keeps me plenty busy!

For The Love of Strawberry Pie

We discovered that Hayli loves the fresh Belgian food. Her absolute favorite is the strawberry pies with pudding centers. YUMMY!!!

Before...

During...

After...

Hayli sure does love her strawberry pie! LOL