Hays fam return to their Nebraska roots

Here are a few more photos from my trip with Noah to visit my parents at their new home in Nebraska. We had a great time visiting with them and my brother Brad in July while Matt was in St.Louis with NYC (the teens). They have a beautiful, spacious parsonage there, so my parents can invest their newly sold house money (finally!) and save it for retirement.

Nebraska Cattle Auction

Dear Daddy,

Grandma and Grandpa took Mom and me to the wildest place yesterday--there were moo cows and flying bugs everywhere. It was really noisy but I enjoyed watching everyone. All the guys had these funny looking hats on, and I found out we have something in common--they like to chew on everything, just like I do. Oh, and this one guy mumbled into a microphone, no one could understand a word he said. I know how he feels! This place is so different from

home. Here's a photo so you don't feel like you're missing out on all the fun.

Dear Daddy,

If you are reading this, Mommy finally got the computer working. If there are pictures of me playing in front of Grandma's mirror, then Mom says a miracle of God has happened. Did she tell you that Grandma and Grandpa's house is out in the middle of no where? I haven't been a lot of places in my short life, but Dad, WHERE ARE WE? It smells like REALLY dirty diapers out here. Grandpa says its the cows. Are they okay? What did they eat? I like Grandma's house. It's real big, lots of places for me to play when I get bigger. This is my favorite place to play in their house. Grandma has these huge mirrors with really bright lights. I play here every day. Yesterday Mom let me slobber all over the mirror while she laughed and laughed. I think it's cause I'm so cute that I get away with this. I miss you. Momma doesn't put me to bed like you do. Please come back soon.

Love,

Noah

First Swim

We got to take Noah for his first swim while at the grandparents house this past week. After the initial surprise and shock, he seemed to love the water, which thankfully was extremely warm! He scared himself a little bit when he splashed water in his face, but it was adorable. He loved swimming on his stomach, and even made little swimming motions with his hands and feet. He did NOT, however, like swimming on his back, and everytime we leaned him back, he would fight and pull himself up with his stomach muscles--he's a pretty strong little man! I think he's gonna love swimming and be a pro in no time. As you can see, he's a pretty thick little boy in his stylish swim trunks. He goes to the Dr. for his 4 mo. checkup tomorrow, and I bet he's nearing 17 lbs. Enjoy the photos! They were too cute to not post.

Same Kid?

March 25th and June 18th-less than 3 months apart--if I didn't know better, I wouldn't know this was the same baby! The only thing that looks the same is Matt's hairline!