OBX

This Cape Hatteras Light House. The tallest one in the U.S. Its too bad we got there when it was pretty much dark. And we were terrified of the mosquitoes. So we stayed in the car and took a picture. We rock.

You think he is cute...

But we thought otherwise. This is his reaction the first time we took him to the beach. So lame. He cried because he didn't like the way the sand felt.

Brooke on the other hand could care less. She just sucked on her toes.

And slept. On the beach.

Q: Whats wrong with this picture?

A: Jamie's sunglasses = too big

Bryan's sunglasses = too small!

We took a trip to an aquarium in Virginia Beach on our way to North Carolina.

The Gieco Gecko. I thought he would be cooler.

Brooke at the Otter exhibit. Real or fake? I will never tell.

Sharks + boys = trouble.

Virginia Beach definitely made our Top 20 list of places we could live. Its was so pretty. The beach here is great! And there is a pine forest. Awesome.

6 Months Already?

Where did the time go???

Thanks for the great pictures McCall!

You know you are safe when...

You receive a citation on your front door from the Police saying you have violated code. One might ask..."What in the world have the Hays' done to get the attention of the Munhall Police department???"
The answer is obvious. If you had the time to look over the fence into the back yard.

But seriously?! The Police have that much time on their hands in my little bourough??? Really?"Oh come on officer! Our grass isn't out of control! Not at all!"

Okay. Maybe it was. Just a little. This is the yard half mowed. Eek.

Choices

I have been thinking lately. (I know, weird.) I was thinking about how all the little things in life add up. Even though they seem so insignificant, they end up shaping the person that you are, and the kind of life you end up with. I know I have heard this my entire life. "Make Good Choices!"- my parents always said. But it is so true. It just sort of hit me that what I am doing today will affect many many tomorrows to come. For example, (sorry, gotta use the dental knowledge!) flossing daily. Such a small thing. And it takes what? 45 seconds? And for 45 seconds a day, I can keep my teeth for the next 60+ years. And putting on sunscreen. Takes 30 seconds. Prevents cancer. Result- longer life. What about the choice to go to college? And Where you go? That makes a huge difference on the kind of friends you make. And the activities you participate in. Which determines your career. For the rest of you life. And you get to make this decision when you are 18 years old. And want to just play and hang out with friends. Holy cow. Second thought: I am glad that my dad didn't let me skip Sunday School. I tried to ditch. Really. But he would find me and drag me back. Time and time again. I am so glad he had the perseverance. I am glad my parents dragged us kids out of bed every morning before school to read scriptures. Small things. 15 minutes a day. I think it paid off. I have a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. I know he lives.
I hope I can remember to do the small things that make such a big difference down the road. I am forever grateful to my parents for guiding me and helping me reach my goals. Now I feel like the hard part as just begun. I have to do a zillion small things and hope that I do the right small things so my children are affected for good. For the rest of their life. Wow. Does anyone else feel like this is a huge challenge? And that our parents are truly amazing people.

Chipmonk

Peter's latest: Saving food for later. In his cheeks. Nasty.

(But actually impressive that he can hold as much food as he does in that little mouth!)

August...

We just got back from a month long trip to Arizona. At 11:00 pm last night. So of course the first thing I did when I woke up this morning (after changing diapers) was blog. Duh. That's obviously the most important thing I could do right?
Bryan studied for 2 weeks for his boards. Peter, Brooke and I got to play.

I have to say I absolutely LOVE Flagstaff. Yup. I said it. I have decided there is no better place to be.

With a duck pond like this? What else could one ask for in life? :)

So, to sum it up, our vacation consisted of:

Bryan Studying. Bryan taking his written boards. Bryan Stressing about his boards. After he took them. Bryan waiting to see if he passed. (which, by the way, he did!)

Bryan eating Blue Bell ice cream.

Jamie eating as much real mexican food as possible. Maximum green chile! mmm mmm

The duck pond.

Beautiful trails to run on in Flagstaff. (and a not so beautiful one in Winslow)

Injuring my leg. No more training for my 1/2 marathon. Sad day.

Mountain Biking with my mom.

My awesome dad watching the kids so I could run and bike.

Bryan eating more blue bell ice cream.

Sleeping in the same room with the kids for 4 weeks. (I don't recommend it)

Spending time with Nana and Grandpa.

Watching Finding Nemo one too many times.

BBQing with Steve and Kim

Playing cards until all hours of the night.

Getting in fights from playing Catan. (watch out where you place that road buddy...)

Boating with Abby and Pooba.

Getting to have the world record set for the most # of waiters at a table for Grandpa's birthday dinner! (well, maybe not but it felt like it!)

Starlight Pines.

Listening to all these crazy Arizonans try to tell me it was humid. Ya. Right.

El Rancho. mmm mmm mmm

Nannie and Grandpy coming up from Tucson.

Got to vote in the Arizona Primary Election. (good timing huh?)

Shopping. I love Dillards. And the Buckle. And Cori having too many jobs so I can get discounts when I go shopping.

And now I am dealing with some major jet lag. Imagine that.