This one is for Grandpa...

Hayli loves to sing her rainbow song for Grandpa.  This one is for you Grandpa...

North Pole Experience

FRIDAY

Opa, Oma, Daddy, Mommy, Hayli, & Hana went to the North Pole Experience for the first time today.  We had so much fun!

When we got to the workshop, the girls made donation bears with the elves.  I was so excited (and relieved) that Hayli and Hana gave up their own creations so willingly!  What good girls they are.  So cute!

Then it was time for Elf University (EU).  Hayli even rose her hand and got called on to answer a question! 

It was off to see Santa next!

On the way back to the lodge, Hayli volunteered to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for the entire bus!  She really is a true performer!

After the workshop, the girls sat with Mrs. Claus to read some stories before dinner.  What a fun time we all had.  It is going to be a definite family tradition.

SATURDAY

We had breakfast with Santa on Saturday.  It was so much fun, we hated to leave!

Hayli found Mrs. Claus' singing doggie... so funny!

On the way home, I was trying to teach Hana to say "Ho Ho Ho" and "Merry Christmas".  I think we still need to work on it a bit!

Soccer Bowling

Coach Eric had one last training for the girls.  Coach Eric had them practice indoors.  It was a nice change for the girls.  Hayli enjoyed the soccer bowling...

Summer Swim Highlights Part 2

Here are some more highlights... can't wait until next summer!

Hayli the Drum Major

Today Hayli, Hana, and I went to the New Mexico State University Pride music demonstration.  Hana was not a fan of the loud music (Hayli really wasn't either).  But they both enjoyed marching with our friend Amber.  After marching with the band, Hayli decided she wanted to be the drum major.  Can you believe she went up that high and actually conducted the band?  

 

Summer Swim Highlights Part 1

This summer we had a lot of fun swimming with Coach Yoona.  Here are some highlights from both girls.  Mommy is so proud of both of them.

Galloping Unicorns

Hayli continues to amaze me while she is in the water.  She is at home in the water.  Hayli swimming with fins...

Hayli backfloating on her own!

Hayli is learning how to push the water to get to the bottom of the pool!

Coach Yoona lets the kiddos swim through a hula hoop.  Each child gets to pick what animal they are to go through the hoop.  Hayli's choice?  A galloping unicorn... gotta love Hayli's imagination!

Hana is learning to grab sticks at the bottom of the pool. 

Hana also gets to swim through the hoop... I think she thinks she is a mermaid by the way she moves through the hoop.

Hayli My Litte Mermaid!

Hayli is learning a lot with Coach Yoona.  She looks forward to racing, diving through the hoop, and diving!

GOAL!!!

Despite her large wound, Hayli wanted to play soccer.  My big girl scored a GOAL! Can you believe it?  GO HAYLI!!!

OWIE!!!

Last night was awful... and a very long night for mommy! I was so worried that Hayli had internal bleeding! 

We were waiting for bath time. Hayli was ready for the bath, but I had to get Hana's diaper off. Hayli was on the step stool... she was "balancing". I told Hayli to stop or she was going to get hurt. I was more worried about Hayli falling into the water-filled bathtub. All of a sudden... BOOM! Hayli's foot slipped and the step stool went flying. The stool ended up on its top (with the four feet pointing toward the ceiling). Hayli landed right on top of it. At first I thought Hayli only got some severe plastic burn from rubbing the edge. Then seconds later the blood came and I realized Hayli had two plastic cuts on top of the plastic burn. It was a rough night!!!

<<  LATER NOTE: We went to the doctor 20+ days after the accident, and Hayli has a nice scar for the rest of her life.  =0( >>

Hayli's First Soccer Game!

Today was Hayli's first soccer game.  Her team name is Angel Fire.  It is an all-girl team -- GIRL POWER!  There are eight girls on the team.  Hayli seems to be the "fall" girl, but she does like kicking the ball with precision.  There is a lot of room for improvement.

Rossi*Shaefer*Claycomb Family Vacation

9 Aug - Day One - Rossi Family Arrives

Today the Rossi family arrived after their two day drive to Las Cruces.  Unfortunately, I had to work at the preschool almost as soon as they arrived, but it gave them an opportunity to relax and settle in!

10 Aug - Day Two - Gymnastics & Swimming (& an open house for my new business)

Another relaxing day for the Rossi clan.  I hope they don't get used to it... I have a week of fun planned for them starting tomorrow!  We switched Hayli and Hana's gymnastics class to the morning...

Everyone enjoyed a dip in Oma's pool today. 

I had a 31 party that had a great turn-out!  Teri and Oma helped me set up and Oma let me use her house for the party.  Thank you Teri and Oma!

11 Aug - Day Three - Horseback Riding & BobO's (and a late night @ Western Playland)

This morning, we went to Pony Patch Ranch for some horseback riding fun for the kiddos!  The kids had a great time.  Even though it was only 10am, it was too hot for Hayli...  It didn't help that her horse, Levi, was the slowest one of the lot either!  LOL!  Hayli enjoyed the first round of trotting but the second round for mommy didn't go over too well.  I think she was just too hot!

After horseback riding, we attempted to go to Western Playland.  Unfortunately, the park did not open until 7pm!  WHAT!  So, calm Oma had us go to BobO's.  They had bumper boats, a race track, mini golf and an indoor arcade!  The funniest part of the venture for mommy?  When Teri, Riley Jo, Oma, and Hayli came off of the bumper boats soaking wet!  Who would think???  LOL!

We went back home for Hayli's dance class and dinner.  Coach Austin had a blast with the girls!

After dinner, we headed back to Western Playland.  Everyone had a great time and we were there until the park closed.  Poor Hana missed most of it.  Poor thing slept through it!

12 Aug - Day Four - Farm and Ranch Museum & Art with Isadora!

This morning we went to the Farm & Ranch Museum.  The kids enjoyed watching Buttercup be milked. 

The extra time we had at the museum led us to discover a children's play grocery store!

We got a private tour too (first time for us to do that!).  It was a lot of fun.

In the afternoon, Hayli & Riley Jo went to Isadora's studio to do art.  They were thrilled to present us their pieces of art!

13 Aug - Day Five - Fire Station #6, Lowe's Build and Grow, El Paso Zoo, & Tristan's 4th Birthday Party

We started the day with a tour of the #6 Fire Station here in Las Cruces.  The kiddos (Hana, Hayli, Riley Jo, Kyle, & Tyler) seemed to have a great time there!

After we saw the fire department, off we went to the Lowe's Build and Grow Project.  I hope that the Rossi family had a good time!  I know Hayli did!

The El Paso Zoo awaited us after the construction zone!  Mommy and Oma missed out on most of this experience as Mommy was really not feeling well and Oma was super Oma and stayed with Mommy as she began to feel better!

After the Zoo, Hayli and Mommy were off to Tristan's 4th birthday party!  It was a dinosaur theme and it really was a lot of fun!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRISTAN!

14 Aug - Day Six - Family Photos at White Sands National Park, & Train Museum

Grace met us at the White Sands Natonal Park at 8am.  We took photos for two hours but we had a great time, and even sled down the dunes a couple of times before heading to the Train Museum.

The Train Museum was interesting.  We took a ride around the park in the train...

When we got home... the kiddos played ring around the rosie and mother may I.  So cute!

15 Aug - Day Seven - Adventure Zone

Today was Hayli & Hana's first day of school, but we thought we would end the day with a trip to Adventure Zone.  It was a lot of fun!  The boys enjoyed the go karts a lot.  Hayli's favorite part?  The jumper with the trampoline -- crazy girl!

16 Aug - Day Eight -  Bounce for Fun!

After school, we loaded up and went to Bounce for Fun at the mall.  WOW... Hana had a blast!  A big thank you to Tyler, who took Hana under his wing and she really enjoyed her time with him!

17 Aug - Day Nine - Rossi clan go home =0(

First Day of School

Today was Hayli & Hana's first day of school at Bright Beginnings...  Hayli ran into her new classroom with much excitement.  Hayli is now a monkey, and her teachers are Ms Crystal and Ms Mel.  I hope that Hayli continues this enthusiasm. 

Hana was less excited about the new routine.  Hana is a Zebra and her teacher is Ms Patty.  I am sure Hana will get used to it!

Hayli's 1st Soccer Practice

Today was Hayli's first soccer practice.  Daddy and I thought it would be a good experience for Hayli to participate in a group sport.  She is very enthusiastic.... "Thumbs up Mommy!  I got the ball into the goal!" 

Road Trip - Day 12

Today was our final full day in St. Louis. We started the day swimming.  Hana tried to blow bubbles with Grandpa while Hayli enjoyed diving for a water rocket!

We then went to the transportation museum. 

We really enjoyed the museum, but there was an extra surprise today! The museum was going to reveal a new postage stamp.  It was awesome that Hayli was able to help the Post Master reveal the stamp!  Go Hayli!!!

To finish the day, we went to Tony's house for dinner.  Hayli and Hana really enjoyed feeding the ducks...

The entire time that we were visiting with Grandpa, Hana would ask Hayli to get her some "nummy nummy"s.  Hayli knew how to work Grandpa's M&M machine, so she would get some for Hana.  It was so cute!!!