Monday, April 30, 2012

Parents Magazine


McKaila's photo is currently in the running to become one of Parents Magazine weekly Reader's Choice finalists!

Please, help us out and make McKaila's photo the weekly winner!!!! You can vote once a day!!

Follow this link below to vote for McKaila's photo!!

http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/photo/1277699?esrc=nwphotofaves_pmcover12

THANK YOU !!!

**The finalist gets a shot at the cover of Parents Magazine!!**







Saturday, April 28, 2012

Qtips

As Courtney was getting ready for work, I was trying to get stuff done, but what I didn't know, is that I didn't shut the closet door all the way. Ofcoarse, McKaila, who likes to open and shut things, saw that and got her hands on something. This is what I saw when I walked around the corner.




She likes making a mess, but thankfully this mess was an easy clean up

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Outdoor Play Area

McKaila got a couple big packages today! Grandma and Grandpa Kuipers got McKaila a picnic table and a slide/sandbox. McKaila was so excited to start playing on everything, that when Courtney took everything out of the box to put it together, she started climbing on it. It was very cute, but hard at the same time because Courtney couldn't put things together very quickly with her climbing on everything.
Once everything was together, McKaila was having a blast. Thank you so much Grandma and Grandpa Kuipers for the wonderful gifts!!!

Before attaching the sandbox to the slide
First time down the slide. She wasn't too sure the first time going down, so she needed Daddy's hand. After that, it was up and down that slide, like nothing, all by herself.


18 Months Old



Our little girl is getting so big!! Yesterday, was the big day of her turning a year and a half and having her 18 month check up. She does so good at her check ups, which is good for us because then it's a very quick process!
We thought she was going to get shots, so we were prepared for the crying, but we have to go back in a week or so and get 2 different shots. We could of had her get one shot, but it's better to just get them all done at one time. Less pain for the little one!!

18 Month Check Up
Weight: 23.3 lbs
Height: 32.5 inches
Head Size: 46.5 (she got a big noggin from her daddy)

Now, besides having to go back in a week for shots, McKaila doesn't need another check up until she is 2 years old!!!





Saturday, April 21, 2012

Down at the Creek

Beautiful 80 degree day

McKaila has a new favorite thing to do, throw rocks in the creek. As soon as we go into the backyard, she goes straight to the creek. She knows that she has to hold my hand because the land slops a bit, so she stands there and waits for me, with her arm out. Then, she crouches down and is ready to go.

Best Buddies


She picks up any rock in sight. Little or big, it don't matter to her. But, she sure does enough it. We were outside for over an hour before lunch time and the whole time she was as content as can be, throwing rocks into the water. She didn't like it one bit when I told her it was time to wash up and go in for lunch.



Pointing at the dogs


McKaila and Simon
Look what I found Mommy


This is a photo of McKaila taken yesterday, that is just too cute not to share with you all!


Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Cookout

Last night was the last night that Courtney's dad and step mom were in town, so we decided to have a little cook out. It was nice to be able to just relax at home and enjoy some burgers and corn on the cob. And a big plus, Auntie Amber was able to come!!!



Before dinner, Grandpa and Grandma Nancy enjoyed some time with McKaila, running around the backyard and playing on the porch. McKaila really enjoyed having them here, along with Courtney and I!!


McKaila taking Grandma Nancy on a walk through the backyard
McKaila having a conversation with Grandpa



McKaila and Auntie Amber

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Shuttle Discovery

Today, we got the opportunity to watch the final flight of the Discovery and I'm so glad we did. What a great moment in history to see in front of our eyes.
We decided to head to Boiling AFB to see the fly over, since it was going to be passing over top the Potomac River. We got there just in time. As soon as we got to the side walk, we could see the 747 approaching.


What an incredibly view to see. It's something I know, I will never forget.

I was busy taking pictures, so I finally handed the camera to Courtney, so I could take it all in. Beyond breath taking!! I know McKaila is too young to remember such a thing, but I'm glad we got pictures to show her. Everytime it flew by, she was pointing at it and very excited to see it flying in front of us, so that was great to see!!


Watching Discovery go by!!

A few fun facts of the Discovery

*longest-serving orbiter in NASA's shuttle fleet
*completed 39 missions
*spent 365 days in space
*orbited the Earth 5,830 times
*traveled 148,221,675 miles



Not the greatest picture, but oh well, still pretty cool
McKaila and Grandpa staying warm. It was very windy!!!



Thankfully, they did a fly by about 3 different times. They flew directly in front of us a couple times, but other then that, the 747 circled in front of us. What a site to see, that is for sure!!!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Annapolis

One of Courtney and I's favorite places to go is Annapolis, Maryland. It's right on the water and we love to sit on the pier and watch all the boats go by and get some GREAT sea food. So, we were incredibly excited about the fact that Grandma Nancy suggested heading to Annapolis for some sea food.
We hung out at home for a bit, playing outside for a while, then we headed over to Annapolis. We went straight for the food. We ended up eating at a sea food buffet, Buddy's Crab and Ribs. Very good, and I believe all of us over stuffed ourselves.

Great food and with even better company!!!
McKaila loved sitting by the window and watching all the cars/buses go by
All she wanted to do was hold Daddy's hand... so sweet
Grandma Nancy and McKaila
Watching the ducks in the water
Watching the boats go by along with the ducks

Getting Dirty

For Easter, Grandma and Grandpa Kuipers gave McKaila some shovels and pail, so now, McKaila has been having lots of fun digging everything up. Well, I wouldn't say digging, she is getting dirt in her shovel, plays with it, then flings it around. In other words, McKaila is having a grand old time getting all dirty in the dirt. They also gave her a little watering can. So, I decided to fill it up and show her how it works. I hand it to her and what does she do, she pours the water all over herself. So, much for that outfit. Oh well, McKaila has been having lots of fun running around, playing in the dirt and so on, so I can't complain too much :-)