Middelkerke - The Beach

Today was Hayli's first beach experience. I knew she would love it... once she got the hang of it.

Although the weatherman promised a nice sun-filled, 22 degree-Celcius (72 degrees Fahrenheit) day at the coast, it was just a bit windy... so much for suntanning! =0)

Hayli walked along the beach with grandpa. She really enjoyed that, and the sand wasn't even cold...

What can I say? We had so much fun that Hayli even lost her pants! LOL

After a couple of hours in the sand, we were starving and decided to get something quick to eat before heading back home. Unfortunately, the tearoom wasn't as quick as we had hoped. Hayli was entertained by Moeke and Grandpa until our food finally arrived.

To end the day, Hayli let off some steam by running around the trapoline with grandpa! (Check out Hayli's new jeans since her pants were SO soaked from her water encounter!!!)

Dolphinarium

As a big treat, Moeke and Grandpa brought the girls to the Dolphinarium in The Netherlands. It was so much fun! Hayli's most favorite part was the dolphin show... She was always pointing out the dolphins (even when we went to the other parts of the park).

The trainers even rode the dolphins like surfboards!!!

Hayli also enjoyed trying to surf herself! What can we say? Hayli loves the water... she gets that from mama and dada. =0)

Hayli also liked the sail boats at the sand box!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!!!

Today was Hayli's Grandpa's birthday. Grandpa worked but then it was off to get some yummy spagetti and free ice cream from the spagetti restraunt (Pierret) -- lunch. Hayli rode the horsie at the play area while we waited for our food.

Once our food arrived and Hayli was finished, Hayli decided that the horsie needed to eat too!

After a while, we made some room for frits -- dinner.

Finally we had dessert. Auntie Elisabeth made some really good cupcakes and decorated them too!!!

We ended the night with playing board games... what fun! We were just happy we could share this birthday with Grandpa this year... last year we missed it!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!!!

Fun at McDonalds in Overijse

Today we were tired of being cooped up inside the house. It was a typical overcast day in Overjise, so we went to McDonalds to play.

Hayli the Musical Composer

Hayli is definitely musically talented...

Locked Out

Today I left with Hayli to go to DelHaize... I had the van keys but completely forgot to get a house key. So, Hayli decided spending her time waiting while teaching herself what each of the buttons did at the steering wheel. Hey... it kept her happy while we waited for Auntie Elisabeth to get home! =0)

The Efteling

Six of us (Moeke, Grandpa, Mama, Hayli, Auntie Elisabeth, & Andy) went to the Efteling today. It was a lot of fun. Hayli & Moeke went on the carousel ride.

Then there was the boat ride that we all went on. There were a TON of ducks there on the lake! I think this may have been Hayli's favorite ride!

Then Auntie Elisabeth convinced Mama and Hayli to go on the pirate boat ride that went in circles. Mama almost got sick taking this video! Hayli thought this ride was pretty fun too - WEEEEEEEEEEE...

Then it was time for a snack. What better than a warm sugar waffle with whipped cream? YUMMY!!!

Turtles

Today Auntie Elisabeth introduced Hayli to her turtles. It was interesting!!! =0)

Auntie Elisabeth, Andy, Hayli and mommy went to the park again. There were too many little kids in the playground. So after a few minutes, we went for a walk with Vincent by the lakes.

Brussels, Belgium

Hayli and I are desperately trying to adjust to the time difference here in Belgium (it is eight hour time change). Hayli is doing much better than mommy is in that department. Auntie Elisabeth showed Hayli that there is a trampoline in the backyard.

Grandpa bought a van for our trip to Brussels. (Yes, Hayli is a bit spoiled.) Hayli loves that she can watch movies in the van! "Daddy, we need this!!!"

We then went to the park in Tervuren. Hayli was super tired, but she did wake up for the park.

The whole family went to the spagetti place, where Hayli had her first Fanta Orange experience.

Then the deer were out -- so we had to feed them some grass!

Up, up, and Away!!!

Today, Hayli and I began our long trip to Brussels, Belgium (aka "home"). Entertainment is a big concern for mommies with toddlers in a confined space... but Hayli helped me out a little bit... =)

What a good girl!

Hayli is so smart -- she even figured out that those earphones go in your ear, and you can then listen to the onboard movie!!!

I am so thrilled that this part of the vacation is over. I really look forward to what this month will bring. Thank goodness for good babies!!! Hayli is a rock star!

Last Day At Open Gym for the Spring...

Hayli sure does love going to open gym. There are so many neat things there!!!

Hayli always has time for reorganizing...

Hayli's Day

Today was Hayli's day. First order of business? Swimming!!!

Then we showered and had baths, and Hayli took this opportunity to play with the telephone!

We used our free coupon to go to "Hoot's" (http://www.hootspartyzone.com/). It was located in an isolated place, but we went anyway figuring we had nothing to lose. I am glad we did because we had a lot of fun!

Hayli decided she wanted to pretend to be our newest puppy! What a silly little girl!

"B" is for Banana

Hayli loves her fruits and veggies. I guess we are lucky that she does! Here is Hayli eating her banana at the Marriott breakfast table. YUM!!!

Last Gymnastics Class for the Term

Hayli had to say "goodbye" to Coach Bridgett today. It was Hayli's last gymnastics class for the term. How sad! But we made the most of it! Hayli played on her favorite toys. One of these toys is the colorful barrel.

And then there is the caterpillar.

Hayli has a mind of her own... I wanted her to play on these half circles, but she had another thing in mind.

My Little Climber

Hayli really loves to climb. My little climber loves to climb the cat house... She has been doing this for a while... shame on mama for slacking on this!

Sam Graft Park

Hayli loves meeting up with her park buddies. It is so much fun! Hayli goes down the slide by herself, but good thing mama stays close by! YIKES... that was close!

Then there is the big girl swing...

What can you say? Liam knows the way to Hayli's heart... presents - flowers in this case!!! LOL

You go girl!

Hayli really loves her gymnastics class! She always does a lot of observing before doing too much.

Then, she plays a lot with her classmates. Today, Josephine was the only other little kid there. Hayli had a lot of fun playing with Josephine.

It would not be gymnastics without at least one BOOM! =0)

Slide!

Hayli loves seeing her little friends. She enjoyed the Sagecrest Park - the slide especially.

Trampoline Fun

Hayli still loves the trampoline... LOVES IT

Where's your...

Hayli and I have been working on body parts for several months. Just this week, she has started pointing to her own body parts instead of insisting on poking my eye out - or giving me a bloody nose!!!