Anyone Need A Postcard?

As most of you already know, Shane and I made a trip to Maui, Hawaii.  It was absolutely beautiful!!!  We left on a Thursday morning and traveled all day.  We spent 4 full days there enjoying the beautiful scenery.  Hannah Claire stayed with her grandparents (Shane's parents and then my parents) and loved it.  Although I'm quite sure she missed us.  We missed her terribly.  I only cried almost everyday (at least teared up a little).  Here are some of the pictures from our trip.

The lobby of our hotel:

The view from our room:

We had a rental car for all of our island exploring.  We had to get a convertible to get maximum enjoyment.  I was like a kid.  Shane would ask if we should put the top down and I would of course say yes. 

One night we did a sunset dinner cruise.  This time of year the whales come in for mating so there are lots of whale watching cruises.  Shane really wanted to do one of these.  I'm a big chicken and just think there is something wrong with getting a tiny boat up close to these gargantuan animals.  Some of the tours were in a raft type boat.  NO WAY!!!  We agreed to a sunset dinner cruise where we would "likely" see whales.  Thankfully we did and it was amazing.  We saw a momma whale, her 1-2 day old baby and their male escort.  It was super cool.  The 1-2 day old baby was the size of a small truck.  We tried to take pictures but it was too dark.  On a side note, I found out on the cruise that one of my very best friends in the world got engaged.  Congrats Melissa and Tony!!!  Here are some of the pictures that did turn out during the cruise.

This is a banyan tree, common to the island:

On Sunday of our trip we did the Road to Hana.  It is about 52 miles that wind along the coast of the island to this little town.  There is really nothing in the town but the drive is amazing.  There are 617 curves and 56 one-lane bridges.  It takes forever but it is so worth it.  There are lots of stops along the way to see some of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen in my life.  You go from bamboo forests to rain forests to beaches.  We got to see lots of really cool stuff along the way.  

This is a stop along the way:

Shane hanging loose on a cliff:

Brandi getting wind blown on the black sand beach:

This was the highlight of the trip.  It was a waterfall from as high as you could see.  It fell into a pool that then ran down into 7 different pools.  It was breathtaking.  

The 52 mile drive took all day and we really loved it.  It is amazing to see how amazing God's creation is.  We had lots of fun and saw many interesting things.  We left Monday night, 3:30 Alabama time and traveled all night.  We had really smooth traveling, even through Denver.  I did get to see the Continental flight that ran off the runway and caught on fire.  Yep, the runway we landed on.  A big shout-out to everyone I talked to who didn't mention this to us.  I didn't know about it until we got home and I'm glad I didn't.  Hannah Claire, Nana and Janice picked us up at the airport.  We were both so ready to get our hands on HC, of course she was snoozing.  There was lots of kissing going on once she woke up.  It was nice to get away but even better to come home.  

New Joy

The night before we left for Hawaii there were lots of things to do.  One was give Hannah Claire a bath.  The bath is not something she has ever loved but has tolerated.  Usually we can do our bath and go about our business in just a few minutes.  Well, not this night.  Hannah Claire figured out how to splash.  She has splashed a few times before but never really found much joy in it.  How quickly things changed.  As you can see from the following pictures she took splashing to a new level.  The wall behind her was soaked as was the tissue paper hanging behind her.  I was soaked, the floor was soaked, anything close by was soaked.   The water would splash her in the face and she would pause, laugh and then get right back to business.  She had a blast (and so did we)!

7 Months

We celebrated 7 months of life on the 9th of December. (I'm way behind!) We did our standard photo shoot for the day. As you can see Hannah Claire is very excited about 7 months.

I force kisses on her all the time. I just can't get enough!!!

She can't either (and I LOVE it)!!!

Hannah Claire is very commanding in her love.

She is also a big cut-up.

She has a knack for making anyone laugh, especially her daddy.

Now for her monthly shot...

and her mean look...

This was my way of knowing she was done with pictures. She is like her mommy, she doesn't beat around the bush.

Fire Drill

Hannah Claire loves her school.  She has a great teacher and 3 other precious girls in her class.  Before we left for Christmas there was a fire drill.  The teacher puts all 4 kids in a portable crib and then rolls them outside.  HC and her BFF were on one end.  It was a little breezy that day so Mrs Crimson put a towel over their head.  They were a little uncertain about what was going on.  I love that these girls are giving the camera the same look.  It's as if they are saying, "you people are nuts!"  The other two girls were snoozing on the other end of the crib, even through the blaring loud alarm.  Hilarious!

Merry Christmas

Shane and I are in Maui preparing to head home for Christmas. We have had an amazing trip but we are so ready to get home and see our precious angel. She has been having lots of fun getting loved on and spoiled by her grandparents. We are praying for a smooth and safe trip home!!! We don't always have the best of luck coming home from trips. I know once we arrive home things will be crazy and I won't get a chance to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. We pray that everyone has a very special time with their friends and family as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Check back after Christmas for 7 month pictures (yes, I'm way behind), pictures of one of the most beautiful places on earth (Hawaii) and of course Hannah Claire's first Christmas.

Our Little Technology Buff

We captured Hannah Claire doing one of her favorite things...playing on Daddy's computer.

Even smart girls have computer problems...

"That should take care of it"...

Now back to work...

This is a daily routine.  Once Daddy gives HC her bottle in the morning she gets to play with his computer.  Throughout the day if she sees the laptop she will oohh and aahh.  Her Mawmaw and Papa gave her her very own laptop that plays music and teaches babies stuff.  She really enjoys playing with it but the main goal of it is to slam the top down.  She doesn't care if Mommy's hand is the way either.  So heads up if you are ever around Hannah Claire and her laptop.  

Hannah Claire Meets Santa

Hannah Claire had her first opportunity to meet Santa last night.  It went, well not so great.  She was fine until I actually handed her over to the big guy.  That is when we got this look.

Santa's helpers immediately started snapping pictures.  This was a distraction for HC since she is so use to having a flash in her face.

This was the face we got until the pictures were over.  Once they ended she turned back around and saw she was still in Santa's lap.  She started crying again and dove into Santa's chest.  Yes, we laughed.  It was hilarious.  She was fine once I picked her up.  Compared to some of the meltdowns we saw, HC did great.  One poor child was about 3 and was clinging to his dad for dear life.  Needless to say, he wasn't in the picture with his little sister.  We really had fun seeing all of the little ones.  The little girl behind us in line came very prepared.  She had written a letter to Santa.  Not to be selfish, she had also written one for her little sister who couldn't write.  It was so sweet.  Their mom gave me some great advice.  "Always come prepared to be in the picture."  I would have never thought of this but it makes tons of sense since many (well maybe all) kids go through that stage.  

Merry Christmas from Hannah Claire and Santa!

What a Busy Weekend

We are just now recovering from a very busy weekend.  We kicked things off with Shane going to Dallas for a meeting until Friday.  He flew back in on Friday night and drove straight home.  We let him change clothes and then headed to a Christmas party for my work.  We got to see everyone (well, almost) that works with me and some folks that use to.  Cile and Emma Kate got to come by.  Of course Hannah Claire was very excited to see Emma Kate.  There is lots of love between these two.  They are so sweet.

I got Saturday underway by making a HUGE pot of chili.  The chili was for Sunday but I really didn't have any other time to make it.  Shane's parents came down and we headed to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game.  Sadly we lost, but we are extremely proud of our team.  We never expected to be in Atl this year, but we were so happy to be there.  Thanks mom for not wanting to go.  We really did have a great time.  Roll Tide!

After the game we headed back home.  Traffic actually went amazingly well and we were home and in bed by 10pm.  Sunday we got up and got ready for church.  It was not just any day though.  Sunday was Hannah Claire's dedication.  Our church dedicates babies to God, since after all, they are His children.  It is also a commitment from the parents, families, and church family to raise the child in a Christian home and around Christian beliefs.  We were so honored to have so many friends and family there.  It really was a special day and to all of you could join us.  We love you and thank you for being there for Hannah Claire.   

Melissa and HC (Tony and Brent were not in any pictures):

Us on stage.  We are far right.  (we also shared the day with several great friends from our church who were dedicating their babies)

Family shot:

Pappy, Nana & HC:

Granny Sue, Pawpaw John & HC (HC's great-grandparents)

Shane, Mawmaw, Papa & HC

After church we came home and had a big family lunch of chili and cornbread.  It was so yummy.  After everyone left we crashed.  God commanded us to rest on the sabbath, so we did.  It was a very busy weekend but it was so much fun!

Fashionista

Hannah Claire loves clothes.  She gets excited when I show her what she will be wearing for the day.  She will grin and kick her legs.  Sometimes we go into the closet and I give her options.  She usually touches one or will stare at one more than the other, so that is what she wears that day.  She is also very talented at getting dressed.  When I put her top on she will push her little arms through the sleeves.  The kid is good!  She even has a robe for after her baths.  Well, actually she has two robes.  I'm telling you the kid has more clothes than me.  Isn't she cute?

Since the weather has turned cold, we had to find something for that noggin.  I finally found something cute and warm.  She didn't dig it too much at first but has warmed up to it nicely.  Here she is showing off her hat.  I'm telling you, she could be on the cover of a magazine.  

Roll Tide

36-0

Need I say more?!!!