Lately...

Just a random smattering of what we've been up to in the McNeil house lately.

Avery's been taking swim lessons for about 2 months now and is really improving. Considering that as recent as July she absolutely refused to put her face in the water, she's come really far! Aww, my little mermaid.
(And if you're in the San Diego area, I highly recommend Murray Callan Swim School in PB)

This funny girl continues to amuse me with her witty comments and exploding imagination. Yes, she really did insist on walking through the entire grocery store with her babies in her cart and pretend cellphone to one ear. Her multi-tasking made me laugh, as well as many of our fellow shoppers.

Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of joining our good friend Tyrone in celebrating his marriage to the lovely Wallis. It was our first time watching the ponies at the Del Mar Racetrack. Avery had a blast picking and cheering for her horse each race.



Aspen turned 7 on Sept. 16th! Her adoptive family texted me this note: "She woke up to a 3ft bone and a new bed! Now off for a long walk and home for a nap before her party tonight. What a life!"

Grandma Laurie sent a little care package of goodies for Miss A (and baby boy) recently. Painting this suncatcher was her favorite!

Speaking of baby boy... he is growing like a weed! Pregnancy is the only time in my life that my otherwise stick straight hair gets a little curl to it. It's so nice being able to hop out of the shower, scrunch with mousse and run! 25 weeks down, 15 or so to go.

Avery's Antics 2.3

"How do you get married?"
Well, once you are older and you find a boy who is your best friend and who loves Jesus as much as you do, and you want to spend your life with him, then he will ask you to marry him.
"When I'm old enough Daddy will pick a boy for me. That's his job."


"You can't say sh*t. That's a bad word."


"Why can't chicks drive?" 
What do you mean?
"Daddy said chicks can't drive."


"Queens have birthday parties and Kings go to work."

Bean Love Story

For Matt's 30th birthday, his main gift was a bean bag chair. Not exactly a showstopper present, but hey, it's what the guy wanted!!! And finding one that would both appease my fashion sense (read: no cheap vinyl!) AND comfortably fit a 6'3" manly man wasn't cheap. I would be embarrassed to tell you exactly what I spent on that bag of styrofoam pellets.

But, over the last year it has been well loved and used - video gaming, snuggling & book reading. Since it lives in the playroom, it's become a serious favorite of Miss A.

Well, a week ago it developed a small hole - that grew into a massive rip. Intent on just repairing it, I discovered that the zipper was broken as well. So much for high quality. Thus, in true Hayley-style, I decided to just make a new one.  Out came the seam-rippers to dismantle the old one to use as a pattern. 

When I used to work at Hart Interior Design, we always had a huge inventory of orphan/excess fabrics from projects. As employees, we were free to take as much as we wanted for our own personal use. It's a perk I seriously miss. (photo circa 2007)

But, I've had one bolt from there sitting in my closet for 4 years. I've always loved the fabric and just never found the right application, until today. The yardage was exactly perfect for my new bean chair, with only inches to spare.

A little one-on-one time with my Singer and 6 hours later, Avery is enjoying her new "bean chair." I am enjoying the fact that it's not only more comfortable than the original (fabric is so much softer), but that my only cost was a $3 zipper and one afternoon. 

A-mazing

Ahoy!

Mommy was a little nervous to take Avery sailing for the very first time, especially since the only vessel the shop had available was a 16.5' Catalina. Although it's a fixed keel boat and not prone to capsizing, it's pretty tiny with no cabin and can heel with the best of them. 

But she did AWESOME! A majority of the time she was yelling, "This is fun!!!"

My child's idea of a "candid" photo.

We were on the water a little over an hour and had an absolute blast. Avery stayed seated most of the time and didn't seem phased by the tipping at all. I think Opa would be proud!

Campin' Out

This past weekend was our first family tent camping trip! Both Matt and I grew up camping with our families and have lots of great memories of being out under the stars. With Avery nearly 3 years old, we finally felt she was big enough to camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

There was lots of hanging out around the campsite. 

A mommy/daddy portrait courtesy of Miss A:

No camp trip would be complete without lots of s'more action!

Avery loved rockin' Daddy's headlamp.

We camped in the "mountains" outside of Julian, just about 1.5 hours east of San Diego. There were some great hiking trails that were right off the campsite, but Avery could only hang for a short while. We did manage about a mile long hike by keeping her on the lookout for wildlife and saw wild turkeys, bunnies, lizards, hummingbirds, and lots of butterflies.

Avery got her fair share of dirt play.... and loved every minute of it!

 A little prego humor...

Avery's Antics 2.2

Running up to me with her play phone, "Mommy, I need you help me text somebody!"

After tooting on me on the couch - "Watch out for land mines." (a term she picked up at a friend's BBQ - they have a dog!)

"Avery you've been standing at the screen door for awhile... What are you doing?" I'm counting the people going by.  *pause*  That's one.  *pause*  That's two..."

Referencing the time (especially close to bedtime): "What thirty is it?" or "What clock is it?"

"What does a policeman say?" "He says you have to wear your seatbelt and drive safely. Those are the rules." "Oh, that's some good instructions."

Avery was in the shower with me and I was itching my belly button. "Don't poke the baby!!!"

Lake Days

Thanks to the Frederick's for providing some seriously amazing grub & relaxation time!

Red, White and Boom 2011

Columbus celebrated America's freedom on Friday with Red, White & Boom! 

Beautiful weather and quality fair food... BBQ ribs, I love you.

Live music along the river.

Avery rockin' the glow bracelets, necklace, halo and wand.

Waiting with Oma for the fireworks. It was the first year she stayed up late enough to see them and was very excited at first. Then terrified/screaming when they started. But after watching them safely from inside for awhile (and wearing Opa's noise-cancelling headphones), she did eventually "like" them. 

Roma . Arrivederci

The last couple days in Rome were spent eating great food,

shopping and leisurely strolling the neighborhoods.

I love how the art of craftsmanship still flourishes in the little hole-in-the-wall studios here. This violin maker let me watch him awhile and indulged me in some conversation. After working in a shop as an apprentice, he attended school to perfect his craft, each instrument made entirely by hand. Imagine my embarrassment when I asked how many violins he makes a week, and he looked at me shocked and says, "Ten - a year." Whoa.

I have been supremely blessed to travel here and see so many of Italy's wonders. Unspeakable thanks to Jim, Laura, and Collin for hosting us and babysitting Cheyenne. Two weeks is a LONG time to have people in your home, eating your food, sleeping in your beds and imposing on your schedule. They have been so gracious at every turn.

Thanks also to Stefani for inviting me to join her on this journey, for her friendship and ability to keep her sense of humor when it counted most. 

Arrivederci Roma!