Visit from Grandma and Grandpa Hays

Dan's parents came to visit this week. They were so excited to meet their new granddaughter. They had fun holding her and playing with Isaac and Levi. Dan's dad always likes to be doing something, so we had lots of projects for him while he was here. The boys had fun helping him with some of the yard work. They had lots of time on the swings too, as grandpa was good at pushing them. Our time of visitors has now come to an end and Dan and I are on our own now. We sure enjoyed all the extra help we had these past few weeks. We're glad that Naomi is still around for a couple more months. With Great America slowing down for the end of the season, we will probably be seeing more of her!

Grandma Donna and Grandpa Stan

Elise holding Grandpa's hands

Isaac with his ear protectors

Levi with his ear protectors

Grandpa brought raspberries from his garden...yum!!

The boys ate a ton of raspberries this week!!

Isaac trying out Mommy's new sunglasses!

Levi trying out Mommy's new sunglasses!

Cleaning out the toy box!

Checking out the garden...we have lots of squash and tomatoes coming up!!

Grandpa and Elise

Grandma and Elise

Getting ready to head out

Aunt Cindy and Uncle Darrell come to visit

Dan's sister Cindy and her husband Darrell came to visit on Sunday. They dropped off their youngest son, Nathan at colllege out in Virginia. They were very excited that Elise had already arrived so they could meet her on the way home. We had a great time with them visiting. On Sunday night, we went to the kick-off for the high school ministry at church. They enjoyed seeing the boys interact with the students and see Dan "in action". On Tuesday, they took the boys to Great America, along with their daughter Naomi, who has been staying with us. They wanted to see where Naomi works (Johnny Rockets) so it was a good chance for them to go. It was nice for Dan and I to have an evening with just us and Elise. The boys had a blast going on the rides. They also enjoyed a yummy meal at Johnny Rockets.
Cindy and Darrell headed back home on Wednesday. Stan and Donna, Dan's parents, arrived before they left so we all had lunch together. The boys have been enjoying all their visitors. I'm sure glad Naomi will be here for another couple months so the boys don't go into total withdrawal!!

Aunt Cindy and Elise

Levi and Isaac on the bee ride at Great America

Enjoying another ride.

Aunt Cindy and Isaac

Levi having a blast

Isaac waited patiently so he could be the conductor on the train!

Fun in the boats

Isaac and Naomi on the Wiggles plane

Aunt Cindy and Levi on the Wiggles plane

Riding in the cars

Isaac on the tea pot

Grandma Donna and Grandpa Stan

Grandpa Stan and Unclr Darrell

Elise's first bath

We gave Elise her first bath 6 days after she was born. We never did get around to doing a sponge bath before her umbilical cord fell off. It was actually easier just putting her in the bath tub. She was very content being in the water and seemed to enjoy it. She didn't cry until we took her out!

Elise meets Uncle John and family

My brother John and his wife Carrie came to visit yesterday with their son Jay. We ordered pizza at Lou Malnati's...yum! Isaac and Levi had fun hanging out with Jay and showing off their new baby sister Elise. My parents were here so they were able to see everyone too. My parents left today. They have been a huge help these first days being home with Elise. I am definitely going to miss them being here!!

Jay and Isaac

Aunt Carrie and Elise

Jay, Aunt Carrie, Elise, and Isaac

The boys...Isaac, Jay, and Levi

Having fun in the basement

Playing well together

Hugs and kisses

Uncle John and Elise

Aunt Carrie and Jenny

Lamb's Farm

Naomi had the day off today so she and my mom took the boys to Lamb's Farm in Libertyville. It was nice for the boys to get out of the house for a bit and I had a chance to take a nap! The boys had a great time seeing the animals and riding on the carousel. Thanks Grandma and Naomi for a wonderful day!!