Dance little lady

When we bought our new house, we really liked the small office off of the kitchen. We really saw it as place that would give Brent some privacy to work. Lately it has become Hadley's night club. Every night after dinner, Hadley & Daddy cut a rug in Daddy's office. It is so sweet how she wants her Daddy to dance with her and spin her around. Then occasionally, she wants to break out into her solo performance. So here is a typical night in the office. We are trying to capture and enjoy these moments now. I dread the day that she is too cool to dance with her Daddy and Mommy.

Oh the joys of a 2 year old

I'll begin by saying, sometimes it is tough being 2. What I really mean is that it can be tough on me when she is 2. When I hear people say, "Oh, I just love this age", I just smile and think to myself, I hope that is the way I remember this stage, too. When I have those feelings of being overwhelmed by her independent streak or her bossy britches, I'm trying to focus on the positive. So here are a few recent examples of how sweet being 2 can be.

The other day I was driving to the grocery store. I asked my co-pilot, Hadley, what we should make Daddy for dinner. She quickly replied, "Coffee". Yes, I said, Daddy likes coffee. What else would Daddy like. She thought a minute and said, "melon water" (watermelon). Then I suggested, "would Daddy want something like, steak, chicken, . . ." After saying no to all of my suggestions, Hadley thought just a bit and then added "crackers". Then she was very pleased about her menu of coffee, watermelon, and crackers.

Hadley really has a sweet spirit. She enjoys talking and singing about Jesus, praying, and the Bible. This thrills my heart. She has recently started asking to be sung to before she goes to bed or nap. The other night, I was rocking her before bedtime and she asked me to sing Twinkle little star. After I finished, she sat up, looked at me and said, "Jesus love me". I took this as another song request. So I started to sing, but she stopped me. She didn't want me to sing, she was just telling me that Jesus loved her. This just made me so proud of my little girl. So then I proceeded to tell how yes, Jesus does love Hadley and how He lives in our hearts and He is with us all the time. Then she asks," like a sticker, Mommy?" Two can just be so sweet.

Did I mention that we have lizards!

I knew this guy was out there. I have heard him scamper away when I open the back door. Now I finally have proof that he is with us. Can you see how big he is! Hadley & I were outside playing when I saw him on the house. The picture may not be too clear because I was probably shaking. He looked like he was going to pounce at any time.

Tinkle, Little Star

Our little Hadley singing her favorite song, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

Paw Paw's Pool

After the trip to Walnut Ridge, we headed to Searcy for the weekend and to meet Brent. The Halbergs came over, too. Paw Paw Williams set up the pool on his porch and the kids had a blast!

My piano girl

Hadley loves to play the piano. I'm hoping this will continue for many years to come. I have few regrets, but one is that I quit piano so soon. I would love to play well. Maybe one day, Hadley can teach me. Hadley and her Nana playing. Another one of Hadley's favorites is stickers. In this picture, she was putting stickers on Pop Pop's arm, then ripping them off. His arms are a little less hairy after a sticker treatment from Hadley.

New Puppy

After Hot Springs, Hadley & I headed to Walnut Ridge to stay a few days with family. Brent had to go back to Fayetteville to do some work with Sam's Club. While we were in WR, Jackson & Taylor got a new puppy, Sally Blu. She is an adorable little fur ball. Hadley is a little scared of dogs, but she did pet Sally a couple of times. Taylor is a proud little mommy.

Tedders in Hot Springs

We spent last weekend in Hot Springs with the Tedder clan. Rhonda found us a great condo right on the lake. We had a wonderful time. Hadley enjoyed putting on a show for her cousins. One of her latest crowd pleasers is from her favorite show, Tigger and Pooh. She was showing Nana how to go "think, think, think, hmmm...". Her poor little cheek was red from all of the "thinking", but she had a good time.

We took Taylor and Hadley to play at Little Bitty City. They had a great time. With the 100+ heat, the indoor AC play area was a real treat. Here is a picture of the girls working out. LBC had a neat dress up area. I have tried to get Hadley to play dress up with no success. With a little help from Aunt Rhonda, Hadley put on wings, a tutu, and little crown. She didn't even realized how sweet she looked. She continued to cook in the kitchen and slide down the slide as if she didn't have any wings. Oh, my sweet girl!

Here are the kiddos looking at the boats one morning. We had a great view from the back deck of Lake Hamilton.