Our trip to PA

We had several reasons for going to PA this time. The trip started out being 2 weeks so that Ryan could work on a construction project for his uncle. The project got pushed back a week so therefore we decided to stay 3 weeks because we would have been back in NC for 5 days and then heading back to PA for a wedding and my sister's bridal shower. Ryan's grandmother passed away a week before we were supposed to leave so we left a few days earlier to be up there for the viewing and funeral. We left home June 24th and got back early July 21st.

Our time started out on a sad note at the passing of his grandmother. She lived a full and happy life of 90 years. Ryan grew up just a corn field away from her, so he was close to his grandma. Many changes will be happening, the farm where Ryan grew up will be sold. It was good to see family on his side that we hadn't seen in years, some that I had never met!

Hayden got his first try at cereal, he really liked it! He just didn't know how to get his tongue to cooperate with getting the food to the backof his mouth, now he's a pro at it. Since we've been back in NC he's been to the doctor and he is a growing boy. He is in the 75th percentile for weight and height.

My family had our summer vacation while we were in PA. We went to the cabin for the 4th of July. It was so relaxing! We went hiking, went to see some awesome fireworks over a river and rode 4-wheeler. We also had some good campfire food and our own exciting fireworks. You never know what might happen when you have 3 young guys and fireworks! Thanks for all the laughs and good memories Martin family!

Ryan's brother bought a house while we were there so Ryan was able to help hang drywall and I helped packed for moving day. They had a cookout for the family at their old place one last time. It was so fun to watch Hayden and all his cousins interact. He is well loved by each one of them.

We also went boating with our friends Eric and Regina Martin and their little guy Malakai. Our boys did great! They both took several little naps, the rocking of the boat helped put them to sleep. The water was choppy that day so I didn't get a chance to ski, but Ryan did. We also went tubing and Ryan tried to wake board as well. We got off the water just a minute or two before a huge thunderstorm. What excitement and memories!

Our last weekend there we went to Renae Weaver and Wes Nolt's wedding. It was a beautiful wedding despite the very warm July weather. It was great to catch up with some people we haven't seen in a few years.

Enjoy the many pictures below. I'm not sure why the words are off to the side below the pics and I don't really care, I've been working on this blog for way too long.

Hayden waiting patiently while we load up the jeep

What's this thing and why is it around my neck?

Hanging out with Grandma Weaver

and he's up!

The Weaver grandkids

Grandpa Martin and Hayden

Dad and Mom Martin

Hayden's first 4-wheeler rider-the first of many to come!

He looked so stinking cute..all you could see were his little arms and legs!

We were the gift receivers

The beautiful bride and groom

Hey everyone! I am going to try and get an update and new pics up sometime this weekend. Since we were gone a month we have a lot of catching up to do here at home! We had a great time in PA, we were blessed in so many ways. My heart feels full when I think back over the month, we cherished each moment we were able to spend with family and friends. Hayden has adjusted well to being back home and not having attention all the time. I was nervous that this week would be rough but it has gone much better then I imagined. On that note...have you ever thought about how when you think about things that you dread it always seems worse in your mind then when it actually happens? Something my mother in-law and I were discussing the other day. All for now!

Father's Day

On Sunday we planned to go to the beach for the day. Ryan and I were both looking forward to it all week. But when we woke up Sunday it was cloudy and there was a chance of showers all day. We were so bummed! We decided to head to a town close to the beach and take a walk if it wasn't raining. We had a great time walking around and grabbed a bite to eat at a very cool restaurant. When we were finished we decided to drive to the beach to see what it was like, I am so glad we did. It was so beautiful, we were walking along the water and decided to change into our suits and take a dip. The water was green and so warm even though it was 6:30 in the evening. Hayden loved the waves and was on his best behavior all day just for daddy! Pics from the day and a few others from the week.

Any tips on getting a good family pic by yourself?

Swimming

One Sunday afternoon we decided to take Hayden swimming in the river, the water was sooo warm due to the recent heat wave. We thought it would be a good time to see if he likes swimming. We found out he loves getting in the water. He was is in for about 45 min. and the only reason we got him out was because our arms were getting tired of holding him. It must have made him tired as well because within 10 min of getting him out he was sound asleep and he just had a 2 hour nap before he went in!

Three months

It's hard to believe that Hayden has been apart of our life for three months already. Time is flying by and he is growing. He is such a good baby. Hayden loves when Ryan comes home and gives him his full attention. This week we took him to a park and snapped some pictures of him. It was his first time in a baby swing and we were both quite surprised at how well he sat up and how much he liked it. These are pics from that evening and the last couple of weeks.

No mom, I won't sleep with my head to the side. I want to sleep face down!

Homemade ice cream

One night a couple weeks ago we had The Buckwalter's over for homemade ice cream. It had been a really hot day and the ice cream was sooo good and refreshing. The kids had fun helping Ryan put everything together and checking to see if it was ready to eat. We forgot to get a picture if us enjoying it, but here are a few pics from the evening.

Zion loves playing with Hayden, she will be a good mother some day!

Anniversary

On May 22 Ryan and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary! What a journey it's been since we said "I do". In the past we have always gone away for our anniversary but with a 2 month old we decided that going out for the evening was better. Our good friends Matt & Naomi watched Hayden for the evening and we went on a motorcycle ride to Jacksonville. We ate at Logan's Steakhouse. As we pulled in the parking lot Ryan was going to drop me off at the door and go park. But there was no need to go find a parking spot since there was a sign posted on the front of the building that said " motorcycle parking only all others will be towed". It was pretty cool to have a spot right up front just for bikes!