Memorial Weekend in Georgia

This past weekend Harry, Alaina, and I spent some time in Georgia with Karen's parents. We had a great time and Alaina got to see her cousins Weston and Mikey (technically Mikey isn't Alaina's cousin, but we decided it was close enough). We got in some sun, swim, skiing (or attempted skiing) and some boat time. 

While we were enjoying ourselves, I tried to remember to be thankful for those who serve/have served and especially for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could enjoy our freedoms.

Mikey and Weston on the boat before our departure. 

Alaina snacking on the boat. 

The kids loved checking out the motor and the wake.

Harry and Alaina.

We were pretty tired after our boating adventure. :-)

A Playful Afternoon

This afternoon I got to spend some time with Alaina and Zack (one of Alaina's best friends). They had a great time and I really enjoyed playing with them and watching them play together. 

Alaina and Zack building sand castles.

At the Car Wash

Today was rainy but still warm so Alaina still took the time to wash her Cozy Coupe. She recently began coloring her car to give it some additional color. Today was the day she decided to wash it off.

Alaina also got to try on her new bathing suite... in just 4 weeks we can use it everyday!!!!

Mother's Day Weekend

I am finally posting some pictures from last weekend. We've been very busy lately and I just haven't gotten the chance.

We spent Mother's Day with Harry's family. (Don't worry, I got to talk to my mom, too... hi mom!)

We had a really nice day and enjoyed being together.

Our Garden

Several weeks ago we planted a vegetable garden behind our house. It has been growing very well thanks to Alaina's watering and some spring rain. Here is how our garden has grown. 

April 26

From the left: basil, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, and a variety of peppers

April 6

Alaina has really enjoyed the spinach. She goes over to the garden, picks some spinach, washes it in the sink or at the hose, and eats the raw spinach. Pretty good for a little girl that wouldn't even eat a bite of her birthday cake at her last birthday party (or the first for that matter). I guess she likes healthy food. 

Tomorrow we are going to harvest some of our spinach for a fresh salad. I can't wait. 

Alaina's Favorites

Here are just a few of Alaina's current favorites. 

Alaina loves flowers (and suckers if you look carefully). I got these from a student last week for Teacher Appreciation Week. Alaina quickly took claim of them. 

Alaina still loves park time. Yesterday I took her to the park after school and taught her how to do "underdogs" on the swing. Harry had never heard of an underdog (when the person pushing the swing goes underneath the person on the swing) so we demonstrated it for him when he met us there after work.

A Visit to Fayetteville

On Saturday Harry, Alaina, and I took a trip to Fayetteville, NC to visit my sister and her family. The kids had a great time together (unfortunately we forgot our camera so I'll try to get my pictures from Martha soon).

The trip began like this... "Look at me, Mommy!"

Martha helped Alaina try one of Alex and Luke's favorite foods. 

Alaina like the idea of olives as fashion more than the taste. 

The trip ended with  a cousin shot. It is difficult to get a 7, 6, 3, and 2 year old to smile at the camera at the same time (especially when it is a camera phone) so this is the best shot I could get.

 Finally, my brother-in-law, Edward, was recently deployed to Afghanistan again, so please keep him and the other soldiers deployed and their families in your prayers.

A Birthday Party

This past weekend Harry's former employer, Classic Graphics, turned 30 years old. We were invited to the celebration and we had a great time! 

Alaina enjoyed the live band and the dancing. She wasn't at all self-conscience about dancing alone on the dance floor. 

She also enjoyed the free ice cream truck... she picked a Hello Kitty popsicle.

Finally, we all were amazed by the fire eaters. Here you can see one of the performers twirling fire. They later demonstrated that the could eat fire. Alaina is still talking about it today, making sure that we know it was not O.K. to eat fire.    :-)

Vegetable Garden

Today Harry, Alaina, and I built and planted a raised bed vegetable garden. We used landscape timber as our walls and filled it with some of our favorite veggies (peppers, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, lettuce, and spinach). It turned out great. Now we just have to water it and wait for our produce!

Hanging at the Park

Alaina and I headed to the park today to play with Jessica, Liam, and Isla. We had a great time and enjoyed some beautiful weather. I love spring break!

More Easter Pictures

Harry and I forgot our camera at his parent's house after our Easter visit so I'm just now posting the rest of our Easter pictures. 

Alaina and grandma going through the Easter baskets.

Family Picture (the best one I could find)

Alaina loves to pick flowers. 

Alaina also loves giving her flowers away.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter, everyone! We had a wonderful day filled with finding eggs, eating candy and other yummy foods, and spending time together.

Alaina hunted for eggs first thing this morning. Then, it was off to church. Alaina even sat through the service with us today (instead of going to the nursery like she normally does). She did a great job and it was so nice to have her with us for Easter.

 We headed home for a yummy ham dinner and then it was off to south Charlotte to spend some time with Harry's mom, dad, and his sister, Laura.

  

Alaina had a great day and so did we. Happy Easter! 

Harry's Marathon

Last weekend Harry, Alaina, and I went to the D.C. area so Harry could run his first ever full marathon. My brother Clay and his wife, Karen, and son, Weston, live in the D.C. area and they were nice enough to host us for the weekend. 

Alaina and Weston had a great time playing together...

 and riding the metro together.

Harry at the first place we saw him (about 7.5 miles into the race).

A family reunion at mile 14. 

Harry at mile 26... he did it!!!

Harry, still smiling, after completing a 26.2 mile run. We are so proud of his hard work. A marathon is a huge accomplishment. All before his 33rd birthday (which was yesterday). Yay Harry!