Rollin Around

Yesterday, we met friends Elliot and Blake at the skating rink. They were all so excited!! It was the first time that Lily Grace and Elliot had been.
Lily Grace had the best time. She didn't even mind falling a few (several) times. She did so with a giggle and got right back up to try again. Blake's big sister Addison was kind enough to take Lily Grace around a few times. She adores "big girl" Addsion and that made the day even more exciting and fun.
The kids enjoyed themselves so much that we have already planned a return visit next week.
Lily Grace is now requesting pink roller skates from Santa. Ha!

A Day on the River

We spent a beautiful day in Heber Springs, Arkansas today. As many of you know, Matt and I love to fly-fish. We haven't been since Lily Grace came home from China. (as many of you also know, after 3 years and 5 months as parents, we still have a little problem with leaving her too so... ha!) Matt has been looking forward to the day when Lily Grace was old enough to go out and give fly-fishing a try. Matt has given her a couple of 10 and 2 (casting) lessons in the back yard. Today however, he took the day off for his birthday and we drove up to the river for the real thing.
We started out at Collins Creek. The waterfalls are beautiful there. This area is designated as a catch and release area for children only (an adult may assist) and it's a great first introduction to the movement of the water, wading on river rocks and the temperature. (These are trout waters and the water stays at a constant temperature of 50 degrees. VERY COLD- I should know, I have fallen in before, waders and all and might I mention in the winter, but less I digress) The trails are really well defined and again beautiful! Lily Grace loved it and got quite comfortable with it.
After about an hour of exploring Collins Creek, we took her over to the Little Red River. Matt and I love fishing the Little Red.(The world record brown trout was caught here.) It is so tranquil and if you go all day without netting a trout, the scenery alone has made it worth the drive and provided you with a peaceful day. Once there, Lily Grace pulled out her boots (rain boots actually) in order to be just like daddy. (After today's trip, I have a feeling she may be getting her own pair of real wading boots and waders like daddy has, of course.) Without fear, she waded right in and gave it a try. When tired of casting, or when her feet got cold, she would wade over to the side and explore all the river rocks and dragonflies, or nibble on some snack.
While on the river, we also got the pleasure of watching a mother doe cross the river with her fawn following soon behind.
I didn't pull on my waders today. (ok, well I did wet a line once or twice though- I couldn't resist) I just served as the resident photographer and enjoyed watching every moment of a little girl and her daddy together. You were great with her Matt!
Needless to say, it was an awesome and memorable day, and I think Lily Grace is hooked. (excuse the pun) Congrats daddy! Looks like you may have a new sidekick. Hopefully, you won't be carrying her out when she's 20. HA!
Lily Grace had a wonderful time and 20 minutes into the ride back home, she was fast asleep. The water has that affect on you and I have a feeling she will sleep quite well tonight too.
Happy fishing to ya!

A Weekend of Fun!

floating on her own

How cute!!!

I definitely don't recall my swimming lessons being this much fun.

with Ms. Teresa after receiving her blue ribbon and treat

with Mr. Pierce and fiance Miss Kim

ice cream to celebrate two weeks of swimming fun

Celebrating with friends... Happy 4th!

We've had quite the busy and fun weekend around here. First, Lily Grace finished swimming lessons on Friday. Daddy took off to go and watch her last class and she was all too thrilled to show him all she had learned. She even received a blue ribbon and treat bag for doing a good job! Daddy treated her to lunch and ice cream afterwards.

Again, thanks so much to Teresa, Kim and Pierce. What a great experience!! Who knew swimming lessons could be so much fun? Not to mention, you took the little girl who on the first day informed everyone that she didn't like water in her face and held her fingers in her ears while you helped her float, to swimming with her face under the water and floating on her own. Thank you so much for making wonderful memories for our whole family. We will see you next summer!

The 4th brought with it our annual fireworks celebration (fondly now named The Sto-Ho) with our friends Lance, Gretchen, Jesse and Claire. We had a wonderful dinner and lots of fun lighting up the neighborhood. See you next year friends and we'll bring the fire laying hens. HA!