Hannah - 3 1/2

This summer has been a lot of fun with this three and a half year old!  We have enjoyed lots of activities including VBS, library time, swimming lessons, gymnastics and many days at the community pool with friends.  Here is a little glimpse at Hannah right now:

Since her birthday, she has completed half a school year at "speech school."  I can tell a HUGE improvement in her speech from just even 6 months ago.  Her confidence and vocabulary are blossoming (sometimes I have to laugh at what comes out of her mouth now -- "Okay Mommy, I make a deal with you!)  and her articulation is getting stronger all the time.  I am thankful her IEP doesn't expire until her birthday and hope she gets at least another year to fine tune her speech.  We are so proud of our little student!

Hannah is growing more independent every day and we are definitely in the "terrible threes" (that's how I feel a lot of days!)  She has some really good moments when she is listening and obeying really well, and then others where it is a struggle for her to follow directions.  This is especially true when it involves her baby brother who is "getting" her.  I know it's all part of growing up, and we are working on it.

On another note, Hannah is learning so much social skills with the variety of activities she has been doing.  I love watching her interact with others and learn how to be friends with those around her.  This also means her brother.  Like many siblings, there are good days and not as good days.  As most brothers are, Cameron's favorite thing is whatever Hannah has at the moment.  This causes some strife and frustration for our sweet girl.  Then there are other moments when you can see the love she has for her brother ("Cameron, I love you sooo much!")  she is becoming a very caring and compassionate little girl with all of the people she interacts with.  I am excited to continue watching this throughout her activities and the start of preschool in the fall.

I also love watching her play right now, whether it's alone or with her friends.  She is beginning to get an imagination and loves to play "babies", with her kitchen, having tea parties and so much more.  Sometimes, she will go to her room and play by herself for thirty or more minutes.  I'm thankful that she has a good balance of both right now.  She also has been getting into watching movies more.  I have a handful of Disney movies on the DVR and she enjoys watching them off and on. 

Hannah is making baby steps to get ready for preschool this fall.  She has been able to identify the letter "H" for quite some time and now practices writing both an H and A for her name.  I hope to work on the N before the summer is over as well.  With her speech coming right along, she is also starting to sing more songs.  She loves singing her ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle and the You,You, You song from VBS.

We have really enjoyed watching Hannah grow and change over the last six months.  She is a happy girl who brings a smile to our faces and loves her brother.  I am so thankful to have a job that allows me to spend quality time with her over the summer.  Here's to the next six months!

Our Family Vacation - Kiawah Island, SC

My wonderful parents treated us to a beach vacation on Kiawah Island, SC the last week of June.  It was such a great time and the perfect balance of relaxation, fun and family time.  Kiawah Island is about 20 miles from Charleston and is a great place for families.  It was great to see so many families riding bikes around the hanging out on the beach.  We had a great little beach house that was a two minute walk from the beach.  Hannah and Cameron LOVED the beach! 

 Hannah tolerated the ocean, but loved the sand and building "sand castles."

 Cameron really enjoyed both!  He is our little fish and had no qualms about walking right out into the ocean.  The sand and sun did a number on him and he also enjoyed a little snooze under the umbrella!

 One night, we went to a Charleston Riverdogs Minor League baseball game.  The atmosphere at these type of games are always so fun.  Hannah is a little obsessed with mascots and loved seeing Charlie as much as possible!

 First family photo of the vacation.

 We spent two different mornings in the downtown Charleston area.  My family and I have been there a few times and I always enjoy spending time exploring and learning about the area.  The first morning we did a carriage ride, but it was rainy and we were wet so we didn't get any pictures.  The second morning we walked down to the Battery to enjoy the history of the area.  I love all the big, beautiful, old houses in Charleston! 

 We also spent a few hours each morning walking/shopping at the Charleston City Market.  It's fun to see all the different vendors and their goodies.  I even got a new sweet grass basket for my kitchen!

 Tim and the kids and I also spent a morning at a great local water park.  It was perfect for little ones and both Hannah and Cameron had a lot of fun!

Tim and my dad also golfed two different days.  I was so excited for Tim because one day they played at the Ocean Course which is where the PGA Championship will be held in August.  It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I'm so glad he experienced. 

On our last night, we ate right on a little creek outside of the city.  It was a little warm for an outside meal, but it was fun to watch the boats (with fresh shrimp) come in while we ate.

We had such an awesome week away and were able to spend some really good quality time as our "little" family and with my mom and dad.  We are blessed to have great parents!  Thanks for an amazing vacation!