Happy Birthday Hannah Elisabeth!

Measuring time in the life of child puts so many things in perspective. As unbelievable as it seems, Hannah turned 2 today! In just two years, Hannah has already lived in two different houses in two different states and visited (or at least driven through) a total of nine states. In these first two years, she learned to crawl (or scoot) and walk, gained a mouthful of teeth, grew a head full of beautiful curls, and managed to keep up with Hunter every step of the way. She is absolutely precious and she constantly amazes us!

Hannah celebrated her day in grand fashion. Everyone in the church nursery sang to her - at least those who could talk. If only I had a picture of the grin on her face while they were singing! She has thoroughly enjoyed telling people that she is two; then, she shows them how old she is by holding up all five fingers - two fingers is tough! She's had such fun celebrating her birthday today; I'm afraid that tomorrow will be quite the let down!

three weeks old

six months old

one year (no curls)

18 months (bring on the curls)

almost two years old - the candles were a little intimidating for her - (we celebrated a little early up at my mom's)

she loved the presents

first thing this morning

she didn't want me to take a picture

She loved the candle this time!

Happy Birthday Hannah! We love you!!

While I Was Working....

Pete was finding the kids a dog. Needless to say, we are still going through an adjustment process (more me than anyone else), but we will get there eventually. The kids named their new four-legged friend Petey! They absolutely love him to pieces as long as he isn't trying to eat their toes! Thank Goodness he's cute!

Story Time

Hannah has always loved books; only recently has she gathered an audience for her story time. On occasion, Hunter and I are allowed to stay for the story too.

Baby Ducks

We absolutely love taking walks to feed the ducks. Over the last few months, baby ducks have been popping up everywhere. Hunter couldn't wait to show Grandma his baby ducks. Hannah loves the ducks too, but she would rather eat the bread herself than share with the ducks. On occasion the ducks do get a piece or two of crust from Hannah.

Swamp Tour

No trip to Louisiana would be complete without a visit to the swamp! Friday, we convinced Grandma and Grandpa to take a boat tour of the swamp. The weather was perfect - not too warm with a little breeze. Hunter and Hannah were enamored by the boat, the alligators in the water, and the alligator head the guide showed them.

Playing with the alligator head

Petting a baby alligator

My turn!

Making friends on the boat

Grandma and Grandpa

a cool tree
check out the moss

an abandoned boat
one of several alligators we saw along the way

a cemetery

I just loved this house and its scenery!

A New Toy

Since Hannah's birthday is just a few weeks away, Grandma and Grandpa gave Hannah her present a little early - a sand and water table (a delight for both kids). Hunter helped Dad put it together while Hannah conducted a thorough inspection of the table.

Hannah tried to entertain herself while she waited to play in the water.

Finally, the table was ready for the water, sand, and toys!