1,925 miles later....

...we are home from a wonderful vacation! On Friday, August 17 we packed the backseat with toys, CDS, teething rings and Henry and headed East to North Carolina. We arrived on Saturday afternoon to a bright green beach house and our favorite New Jersey family. We spent the week splashing in the pool, searching for sea shells, walking the beach, eating delicious food and playing Mexican Train. Henry loved playing with Olivia and Sophie, laughing as they entertained him with finger puppets and Sophie's silly dances. We spent most of our time in the pool. When Henry napped, we could easily take the monitor with us. When he woke, we were only steps away from him. He really enjoyed playing in his red crab, while watching the girls jump and splash in the water. He got to experience an outdoor shower for the first time, as well as a round of mini golf. After a perfect week at the beach, Friday we drove West to Gatlinburg, Tenneessee to meet Grandpa and Grandma Beckman, Aunt Kim, Uncle Eric and his mother Lisa. We stayed in the mountains in a beautiful log cabin. We hit the town Saturday night for a lovely dinner and some sightseeing. On Sunday morning we loaded the car for the last time and drove our final 9 hours home. It was such a treat to all be together for 10 days straight - Henry and I were spoiled, getting to be with Tim all day every day. Now we are home, looking forward to Grandpa Hacker, MooMoo, Uncle John and Emily's visit this weekend.



Olivia, Sophie and Henry



We love Aunt Laura







Auntie Kim

Grandpa Beckman

Grandma and Grandpa Beckman, Aunt Kim and Uncle Eric

A wonderful trip

A Day on the Farm

We had a great morning on the farm with Porter, Nora and Shylo. We all went to the Traders Point Hunt Charity Horse Show and it was amazing. We were so impressed. The grounds were beautiful and the horses stunning. We enjoyed watching the horses jump and the country fair food was delicious. We also got to see the Budweiser Clydesdales! Tomorrow we are off to the beach. We are heading East to the Outer Banks with Jeff, Laura, Olivia and Sophie. We are so excited to see them! On the way back next weekend we will stop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee with Aunt Kim and Uncle Eric, Grandma and Grandpa Beckman. Stay tuned...

A Big Week!

What a week we've had! Last Wednesday Grandma Beckman and her sister, Great Aunt Sue spent the day and night with us. We had such fun! Aunt Sue brought Henry some great presents, including a little toy snail that he loves. Thanks Sue! In the last week, Henry has started reaching for us, which is so fun. It takes quite a bit of coaxing, but when he does finally reach out for us it is great. MooMoo and Grandpa Hacker helped that trick along. On Monday he got his first tooth and he is taking it like a champ. He chews on it constantly, which causes his cheeks to fall even more so that they sit neatly on his shoulders. Last night he held his bottle by himself for the first time. I'm not sure if Daddy is ready for that. Tim's favorite time of the day is in the rocking chair with Henry and his evening bottle. It's the only bottle Henry takes during the day, and Tim looks so forward to giving it to him. I love to peek in on them - it is really sweet. As I write this, Henry is rolling around the room like crazy, Grandma Carol chasing after him, cleaning spit up left in his trail. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week.






Grandma Beckman and Great Aunt Sue

Dancing in the Streets

Grandpa Hacker and MooMoo left on Sunday morning after a birthday breakfast for Grandpa. We had a wonderful week with them - we miss them much today. Thursday night we took them to our favorite Greek place for Gyros - yum. Henry played all through dinner. He is quite dramatic. He fake coughs when we aren't paying him enough attention. When I look away from him, he coughs to get my attention, then laughs and laughs when I turn to look at him. He did this all through dinner. On Friday night we enjoyed a slow evening at home eating tacos and ice cream. Thanks Grandma Shamel for the delicious tomatoes! On Saturday night we danced the night away at the Zionsville Street Dance. Not really, but we watched other people dance while we enjoyed the eats and the live music. A great end to a great week!

A great check-up!

Henry had his four month check-up yesterday and passed with flying colors. He weighs 15 lbs. 14 oz. and is 27 1/2 inches long, which puts him in the 75th percentile for weight, and the 97th for height. We have a very long baby! He laughed, smiled and talked to the pediatrician throughout the exam and didn't cry or complain a bit as he received his 4 immunization shots in his little legs. We were very proud of him, so Moomoo bought him some new green shades for the beach. He appears to love them. We continue to push the yellow button daily.