'Nastics

Everyday we have a conversation like this:

Z: 'Nastics today?
Me: No, not until Wednesday. You have to wait two (or three or five) more days.
Z: Oh.  Okay.  I like 'nastics.
Me:  I know, Hazel.  I know.
Z: I wear my le-tard to 'nastics.
Me: Yes, you do.
Z: I like my le-tard.  I like 'nastics.  'Nastics today?

Everyday.

And, if we are out driving around and happen to pass the old stone building an excited little voice from the backseat shouts out:  "Momma!  Momma! That's my 'nastics!!"

Not positive, but I think this girl likes her 'nastics.

Three Years

Sweet Hazel's Three Year Pictures

 ...energetic...caring...dancer...funny...

...big sister...little helper...

37 pounds (92%)

38.25 inches (78 %)

3.23.12

Halsey Holiday: UT - The Wedding

The last big event of our Halsey Holiday was Ryan & Libbi's wedding.

First, there was the wedding feast, the night before...where Hazel enjoyed every inch of Aunt S's backyard, and some quality time with her besty-cousin Lila.

(I love that she convinced Seth to crawl into the "chimney" (from the top, mind you) and then became completely distracted by a blade of grass).

Next, we enjoyed the wedding ceremony at the Manti Temple, followed by a beautiful reception.  We were having so much fun, we ended up with just a few quick pics on our phones.

And then, a week later, we celebrated the lovely couple with all the Maryland family.

(I guess Libbi has a thing for NASCAR!...or Ryan...)

They are adorable and I can't wait for Christmas, to spend more time with them!

Halsey Holiday: UT - Camp Boppa Tang

While I was off running around with the sisters, Hazel and the cousins were invited to 

Camp Boppa Tang, 

hosted by Grandma (Boppa Tang) and Grandpa.

If you know anything about my mom, you know she loves to party and Camp was no exception.  

She went all out for this "bubble"-y weekend.  

(For example, the bubble-wrap-red-carpet leading up to the house...)

 The cousins made bubbles in every shape and size, out of every "wand" imaginable, they played in the pool, went for a picnic,  played with more bubbles,  made cookies with Grandma, watched movies, and did I mention bubbles?

 They even went for a star-lit walk with their bubble helmets!

I think it's safe to say Camp Boppa Tang was a success!

Thank you so much, Mom and Dad - Hazel had a blast with her cousins!

 Hazel sure loves her cousins!

 (PS - I'm glad you like your robes!)

oh.crap

"Uh, Ger - I'm going to need your help"

I should have known better, I should have pretended I couldn't hear him. 

He never, never asks for help. 

That's what worried me.  So, instead of playing deaf, I hurried upstairs.

The smell.

It gave it away.

I hadn't opened her door more than an inch when I started to see it. 

Poop pebbles.

Gazillions of them. 

Had a Poop Pebble Bomb gone off?  How did I miss that?

My eyes slowly moved from the carpet to the crib. 


Ugh. 

Everywhere.  The crib.  The wall.  Blankie.  Timothy, the bear.  Lady, the pillowpet.  The doggie.  Every single stuffed animal had poop pebbles (itty bitty ones) matted in their fur.

Really?

Seth a.k.a Tender Stomach was a champ, we grabbed the garbage, put makeshift gloves one and started the cleanup process. 

So nasty.

The crime scene:

 (the poor rabbit tried to escape, but was overcome by the stench - he gave up the fight half-way to the door)

 (the prime suspect - she attempted to play innocent, with a rather convincing case - the only "evidence" on her was in her diaper.  and yes, that is nasty-ness on the wall above her crib)

 (survivors of the Poop Pebble Bomb and the washing machine - hanging out to dry)

she ran away...

...to the circus!

Seth's Aunt S and Cousin E called Hazel and invited her to a girls' night at the circus.  

If you ask Hazel about the circus, she will squeal, giggle, talk and talk.  

You will probably catch bits and pieces, including something about an elephant...

 ...horseys (accompanied by a whinney)

(she's looking over at E)

 ...she'll get really excited and say "cama!" - camel, maybe?

 ....don't forget Dora and backpack! 

(she's never seen Dora, I think she was sold on the backpack, she l.o.v.e.s backpacks, bags, purses...)

 ...and "saba" - oh, of course...light saber!

 By the intense look on her face, I think she was pretty excited by the circus!

 Can you blame her?  They had awesome seats!!

We were a little worried about sending her, it didn't start until 7:30, thirty minutes after Hazel's bedtime.  We didn't want her to be a cranky-pants the whole night.  

However, when they got home (around 10ish), Hazel bounced out of the suburban wielding her light saber, giant smile and talking a mile a minute.

Yup, I think she had a blast.

Thank you Aunt S & E - Hazel had a wonderful time.   

Park It!

The weather has been perfect lately.  

I think Hazel has been getting a bit bored hanging out with me all day, everyday.  

So, to fix that, we met up with some of her friends (okay, my friends, too) at the park.

We played on the slide, chased bubbles, ate lunch, laughed on the swings, and checked out the boardwalk.

It was just what we needed!

 Um, kids...the bay is behind you!

 Yes, she did ride this way.

(...and yes, we do actually have a double stroller)

 What a difference a year makes!

BIGsister.littlebrother

As we had hoped, Hazel is a perfect big sister. 

She loves her new, little brother.

I kind of like him too.

staying busy

I'm just hanging out waiting for baby to come.  

It's best if I keep busy.  

I made this fun little get-up for Hazel last night, to go with her Birthday Kitchen, I think the Easter Bunny is going to drop it off tonight (yes, we're celebrating early).  

I made it without a pattern (two thumbs up to me).  

I also whipped up an awesome nursing cover, a baby blanket for our newest niece and I've just about finished the binding on baby's quilt.  (The pictures stunk, I'll post them later). 

I fear that if left with any down-time, I may find myself on the stairs, holding Hazel, crying like a crazy mom, at the realization that Hazel's life is about to seriously change, and it won't be just "us" anymore. 

I mean...I might do that, not saying I did...an hour ago.

hazel.big sister

 

 She may be getting ready to be a big sister, but she will always be my baby girl.

2 Years

24 months and you're growing so fast.  

Please don't stop holding our hands, cuddling while we read, "swimming" in the tub, talking and singing to us and your toys, running and skipping everywhere you go, giving us hugs and kisses, and being the greatest blessing in our life.