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

Sweet Baby

Today was rather uneventful. We were very busy... lots to do at the townhall to get Hayli's Belgian passport! But otherwise, just uneventful. We did go to the Belgian doctor for a regular check up. Hayli has made a new friend - Mr. Bear. Mr. Bear is almost as tall as Hayli. I think she may be wondering why he doesn't want to play with her.

Hayli is also learning the art of feeding Vincent, our ChowChow doggy!