The Hall Family

Monday, May 24, 2010

Lauren's First Boat Ride!

Robbie and I have been waiting for the day to take Lauren out on the boat. We bought her a life jacket and Robbie explained to Lauren that she has to wear it to go on the boat. About a week prior, we started putting it on Lauren so she would get the hang of it. We all know they are not comfortable! Every time we put it on her she would walk to the window, point to the boat and say "boat!" We would say, "Yes...boat." Robbie would even take her outside and put her in it so she could get used to it. She would run around and giggle. We were hoping this would be a good sign for her big day!

We took her out Saturday and it was gorgeous! My mom, Grandy and Aunt Bebby came along. Lauren did not care for the ride to the beach. She would cry on and off. Once her feet hit the sandbar she was gone! She enjoyed playing, running and entertaining! All in all, I think her first trip was a success! Yahoo!! Of course, I took many pictures to capture the moments. I hope you enjoy! We sure did!

Let the ride begin!

Lauren: "Momma, boat!" in a crying voice!
Momma: "Yes, Lauren, you are on the boat!"

Ah...land! See Ya!!!!

Momma...where are my feet?

Lauren entertaining herself!

Grandy enjoying the entertainment and sunshine!

Lauren and Aunt Bebby playing in the sand!

Lauren making a SPLASH!

Mmm...sand by the handfuls! Nice and crunchy!

Lauren getting her feet wet!

Lauren enjoying her lunch...diced turkey, peas and mandarin oranges! Yummy! Oh...and a few bites of a hotdog! Thank you Aunt Dottie and Uncle Phil!

Just chillin'!

Lauren hanging out with her cousin Katie and Ian!

Lauren trying to eat some crackers before the ride home! The life jacket was an obstacle! ;)

Lauren Loves the Sprinkler

Warm weather is here and what better way to celebrate than to play in the sprinkler! Lauren loves it! She laughs and giggles the whole time! She will run up to it and put her hands in it. When she is running away she giggles as the water lands on her. She is so funny to watch!

Reds!

Robbie took me, my friend Lauren and her husband Andrew on his boat a couple of weeks ago. We had hoped for a sunnier day but we still caught some good keepers! After our day on the boat, we went back to our house where we had a little fish fry...the fishies were delicious!! Take a look at our KEEPERS!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Riseley Pier

Our beloved Riseley Pier is slowly but surely being torn down. It has not been in business for many years now but it has continued to lend us its shade on hot summer days, the visual representation of its structure to remember the many memories and the ability to say "I'm walking to the pier and back!." Many generations have fond memories of this pier. A few of these memories include staying in its cabanas, listening to music, fishing for fish, grabbing a hotdog and a snack before you walk back to the Staff Beach and remembering to follow the rule of "No swimming or surfing within 500 feet!" My parents even named their Jack Russell Riseley! Our family calls Riseley Pier..."Our Pier!" Others may disagree but WE can say we will always have a piece of Riseley Pier with us FOREVER!!

In Honor of "OUR" Riseley Pier!! We will miss you dearly!!

You didn't think we were going to let them tear it down and not get a piece of it did you? Nope...Nana worked her magic and we got the oceanside sign of "RISELEY PIER!!" Remember...we said it was "Our Pier!"

HAPPY EASTER!!

We started our Easter morning off by heading to church! Lauren played with her friends in Nursery and didn't cry!! YAHOO! The choir sang a beautiful cantata! Before heading home we managed to snap a few photos of Lauren in her Easter dress! Thank you Grandy for my church shoes and Aunt Gay and Uncle Dan for my dress and socks!

Lauren and her Granddad!

Lauren and Robbie's parents!

When we got home Lauren and Robbie settled down for a short nap while I finished icing my sunflower cake to bring to the Morton's. Every year after church, we go over to the Morton's house to spend the afternoon with Robbie's family. We enjoy a meal, conversations with family and friends and an Easter Egg Hunt! It was such a beautiful, warm Spring day!

My "Sunflower" cake!

Lauren checking her egg out to see what was inside...silver coins!!!

Lauren and her Grandma swinging!

Lauren with Granddad and Grandma!

Easter at the Beach

It has been a tradition that we always go to Onslow Beach before Easter. We headed down to Riseley Pier to see how demolition was going. Yes!! They are tearing our precious pier down little by little! As soon as Lauren's feet hit the sand she took off running in her new Crocs from Aunt Bebby. She walked up to complete strangers and would wave at them and say "Hi." I think she even had a few conversations with them too! They thought she was hillarious! She met another friend named Katie! They talked and gave each other a hug! Lauren enjoyed watching the many dogs, going on an Easter Egg Hunt under the pier, playing in the sand and picking up shells and licking the sand off. Believe me I tried to stop her but every shell went right to her mouth! She also got to taste one of Grandy's $10 sandwiches for the first time. Afterwards, we went on a walk with Aunt Bebby before it was time to head home. It was a fun filled afternoon at our precious pier! Thanks for taking the pictures Aunt Bebby!

Lauren and her Grandy!