Retirement

Just wanted to congratulate our Dad(Father-In-Law) Mel, on his retirement! He's gone through a lot, worked a very long time, and proven to us what a good Dad/Grandpa can be. Such a hard working man... now it's time to retire from those working days and tackle those "To-Do Lists". We love you!!!

Our new pool:)

What better way to beat the heat than to enjoy some cool water?! With the help of Zamma's excellent discounts at Sports Authority, we were able to purchase a pool with pump and a solar cover to keep the bugs out and stay clean. Over time we hope to make a little deck around the pool extending from the back of the patio. The girls love swimming and then laying in the hammock to dry off. Great way to get a tan, too!

Here's a short video of our first few days enjoying the water...

Our new pool:)

Park Playtime

The other day we had to get some work done on our car. Instead of waiting in the shop for four hours, we ventured out to the local park for some fun in the sun! At 10:00am it was already like 85 degrees outside... so hot! I've never seen our girls drink so much within a small time frame. The ten minute rule... play for ten, drink/rest for one... no passing out allowed:)

Miss Makenzie

Almost two years old... Makenzie is growing up so fast. She's been learning so much lately that it's hard to step back and realize she's still our little baby. Along with being able to use her fork and spoon correctly, I think she may be picking up being ambidextrous... she can use them great in both hands. Must be a Haynes thing! There are also those times where fingers make the best tool- especially with doughnuts!

Now that we're able to understand her better, Makenzie's definitely learning how to get what she wants. Things like "Read book peese" and "Sit down couch" are among her favorite sayings. She's very into Peekaboo lately. No matter what she's doing, we can always count on hearing her say it. When she wakes up in the morning, she'll come in the room and say "peekaboo, morning!"

With school starting in a month, we've been talking a lot about what goes on in the classroom. Things like what they are going to learn, who they are going to see, and what types of objects they're going to use daily are important. Through Scholastic and Disney, the girls got free backpacks and now like to put books in them, walk around saying they're off to school, and play student/teacher. We're in for some good times:) :) :)

Miss Kaylie

Our little Kaylie has been learning about coloring these past two weeks. Since we've had lots of free time to play, I had a chance to help her practice coloring in the lines. I honestly didn't think she was going to pick it up so fast:) Now, every morning after breakfast, we have coloring time. I can't see my refrigerator anymore!

Here is Kaylie's favorite picture so far. She made it especially for Zamma and Auntie Tricia while they were visiting. She's enjoying using different colors on the same page, too.

Monday was hair experimenting day~ I split Kaylie's hair up into 8 sections, twisting up and putting in little buns and securing with tiny clips. So much hair in so many little spots!

After about 6 hours, Kaylie's hair came out with beautiful ringlets all over:) I love her hair!!!

Kisses

Auntie Tricia and the girls had a fun "kiss" moment. We had a few things to take care of at the house, so Auntie came over to help play with the girls. They took a great nap, so as a reward, they got to enjoy Auntie's favorite snack: Hershey's Dark Chocolate Kisses.

Smiles, laughs, and messy chocolate faces... what a fun afternoon:) Thank you Auntie Tricia!

Updates

Yeah~ everything is finalized on our car. After being stolen and found 2 miles from home nearly 2 months later, damaged inside and out, the car was totalled out and taken away. Thank goodness for insurance and GAP. William's boss had a really nice 1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible with only 62,000 miles available for purchasing. With the help of William's dad, it's now ours! Slowly we'll get to where we need to be for things to get straightened out financially. Here's Kaylie taking her first ride with Daddy...
As I followed them home, I ran out of gas in the car we're watching, right on a main road. Talk about embarrassing! We transferred Makenzie over and made the drive for gas. Makenzie was not too thrilled about having the top down=)

We took Kaylie in for her 4 year check-up. She now weighs 36 pounds and is 39" tall! The doctor was impressed with how well she held a conversation and that she already knew our address. Kaylie was excited to get her shots until it was actually time...While holding her down, the first shot had a look of confusion, second shot a look of pure hatred towards me LOL, and the third was pure terror. She calmed down after about a minute of hugs.

Earlier in the day, Kaylie and I took a trip to the store. On the way out we had our first gum problem. Normally she does great chewing the gum and throwing it away when finished. But, trying to spit gum out into oncoming wind made for gum in the hair. I almost cried having to cut it out. Thankfully it was only about a square inches worth.
We are now able to pull all of Makenzie's hair into little pony tails=) Before, we could only do one on top or two half up/half down ponies.

Growing girls...

Girls playing outside on their bikes:)

Since Kaylie has turned 4, I think she's trying to become more independent with her words... or should I say somewhat sassy?! There's a lot to discover daily and trying to understand/vocalize her feelings has turned into mini headaches for Mommy and Daddy. I guess it's a growing step- how far can I push Mommy and Daddy to get what I think is best? Why do I get yelled at for something that seems so little? Oh- the questions that our little girl can come up with. I have to admit, through all of the challenges this week, it has made me realize this... she's very smart. Smart to know how to push the right buttons, to do what's needed to get something, even if it means taking a little detour to get there. I love helping her learn and try new ways. It may be difficult at times... LOL... but I can see she's learning.

We went to St. Paul's Methodist Church & Preschool today to make sure we have the correct days set for upcoming events. Kaylie got so excited to see the other little kids playing. She was even happier to hear that we're planning on enrolling Makenzie in the Little Lambs program. If all works out as we hope, little Makenzie will be only a few doors away from big sister Kaylie during the week. Kaylie's VPK is from 8:30am-11:30am all week long. Makenzie's Little Lambs will be the same time frame, making it very easy to know what the girls are up to and safe together.

We were able to get our hands on the school supply list... boy I didn't think I'd be school shopping just yet:) For little kids, it's a lot to buy. But, we're anxious to let the girls help out and have fun labeling everything. Clothes shopping is in the near future also... kids have the cutest clothes:)

Special Trip

Thanks to William's great work effort, he was rewarded a night's stay at the Disney's All Star Sport Hotel Friday night! This past month has been very busy for him... running a drive-thru contest throughout the region's SNS restaurants. We got the news about his reward early Friday morning and made quick plans for our overnight stay ahead. The girls were very anxious to see the Mickey hotel and especially to spend time swimming. Zamma and Auntie met us over there for a very nice dinner together and helped out with the girls while we figured some "plans" out. Unfortunately, they were not able to stay with us over night, but we did have a nice time with them=) We had great food, fun times running around the food court and hotel room, and swimming in the heated pool. Our stay ended at check-out time around 1pm, just in time to hit the road for the girls' naps=) We can't wait to save up money and visit the parks!

Girls enjoying ring-pops on the way over... about a 1 & 1/2 hour trip.

Kaylie taking a picture of Mommy

View of walkway from room to the pool and food court.

Girls running around waiting for the bus.

Mommy and Makenzie enjoying the bus to Epcot where we rode the Monorail around for some fun!

Daddy and Kaylie sitting together- we had a little rain delay before we could leave the bus.

Zamma and Daddy enjoying dinner and goofing around.

Auntie and Kaylie posing for Mommy.

After swimming late at night, we girls got very tired. Bedtime Friday was around 10:30pm!

Yummy Mickey waffle for breakfast=)

After eating breakfast, the girls watched Disney cartoons right by our table.

We're ready, all safe for swimming!

The water was so perfect... not too cool and not too warm.

Our refillable cups came in handy- thirsty little girl=)

Makenzie learned how to count to three (with her fingers at the same time) before jumping in the pool=)

Kaylie loves swimming... once she jumps in- off she goes!

Best Buddies

Here are a few photos of the Kaylie & Makenzie together... I love having girls!

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Our new favorite snack-Popsicles

I hear something Funny faces Secrets... Big sister... little sister Protector Teeter-totter time What are we eating?! Beach babes Coloring pictures for the fridge

*Angel*

Our prayers and thoughts are with Donna and Grandpa Mel. Their little dog Angel passed away last week... He was getting very old and had some health issues. Every time we would visit over in Fort Myers, we would all enjoy playing with him and relaxing on the recliner while he kept us company=) For such a little dog, he had such a big heart- always careful around the girls and such a joy to see. We'll miss you Angel... =(

Broken Toe =(

Well, Sunday turned into a crummy day. After working and dealing with a very annoying boss, I came home ready to enjoy the girls and William having a day off. Needless to say, it didn't happen... I have extremely bad luck with doorways and bed posts. Sunday made it official: I finally broke my toe. Immediately I felt a pop and felt nauseous. Hoping it would get better, I kept ice on it all night and rested. This morning, I went to the Urgent Care Centre to find out I broke my right pinkie toe in three places. The doctor gave me a "boot" to wear and crutches to use until my follow-up visit next Tuesday. Besides not being able to drive or even run around with the girls, I can't work. A baker with no ability to run around is crazy! Hopefully all goes well at the visit, otherwise they have to go in and re-break my toe, set it, and cast it. UGH! At least I'll have lots of sit-down time with the girls... reading, coloring, cuddling=)

Birthday Party

Saturday July 7th was such a fun day!

While I went to work for a few hours, Daddy, Kaylie, Makenzie & Grandma Carol all played together with toys and our new hammock I got for my birthday. Before Zamma had to work, she was able to come over and spend some time with us. Thanks to Zamma and Auntie, all Kaylie wanted to wear was her new Cinderella dress=)

Before the party, Daddy and Grandma Carol took Kaylie to the beach for some fun in the sun and sand. The three of them got nice tans! Makenzie and Auntie stayed back with me to help decorate and wrap the gifts.

My friends from high school, Heather (with husband David, daughter Morgan and sons Alex & David) and Brooke (with baby Dylan still cooking away in her tummy:)), were able to make Kaylie's party. We enjoyed talking and watching the kids play together.

After hanging out at the house, we went to the Brevard County Manatees baseball game. The girls played so well together! After a few innings, we decided to head out- thankfully we timed it right because a huge storm came with lightening and lots of rain! Even though the game and post-game fireworks were cancelled, we had a great time.

Our little Kaylie is now 4!!! Where has the time gone? Here's to many more years of happiness with our little girl...

July 7, 2007 Party
*Click the photo to see a slideshow*

Happy 4th Birthday Kaylie!

We've created a slide show of photos from the previous year- a year of 3 year old fun. Click the picture to view the slide show.
Kaylie's having a fun little Tinker Bell party on Saturday, followed by the Brevard County baseball team's annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration and game at night.
We can't believe how quickly our little baby Kaylie has grown up into such a beautiful little girl:)


Happy 4th Birthday Kaylie

Oooo, Aaah, Wahoo!

Fourth of July was girl time this year. (We missed you Daddy!) Kaylie, Makenzie, Zamma, Auntie Tricia and I spent the day making/eating yummy food and enjoying the fireworks.

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Kaylie & Zamma making eggs.

Makenzie & Auntie playing.

Good food: burgers, shell salad, eggs & watermelon!

We went up to the 6th floor of Zamma's old condo on the beach. This shot is overlooking the mainland, across the two rivers. We were able to see fireworks up and down the coastline. (The ocean was right behind us!)

What a tiring day! Zamma, thank you for teaching us Oooo, Aaah, Wahoo!

Goodnight kisses:)