Beach Babe

Last week we vacationed in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Bella and I had a fabulous time. It took Bella a little while to get used to the pool, but once she did she was in love. She splashed and splashed to her heart's content.

Gulf Shores was very breezy while we were there and this aggravated Bella a little. I think there were so many new sounds and smells that she was a bit overwhelmed. She cried when out in the breeze, but we were able to distract her from time to time to snap a few cool photos. She also didn't take too well to sand, either. I can't blame her; it is a very odd feeling on the toes.

But more than anything Bella loved spending time with her family - Nana, Papaw, Granny Hardy, Aunt Dacia, Uncle Terry, and cousins Carson and Callie. For Bella, being around Carson and Callie was wonderful. It has been a long time since she has been around kids for such an extended length of time. I guess since she was 4 1/2 months old when in daycare.

Now, we adults talk about how much weight we gain while on vacation. Well, Bella gained a litte as well. She had two grandmothers around to feed her constantly. It was as if they were fattening up a turkey for Thanksgiving! But hey, the girl is a skinny minnie and could use some fattening up.

So now that we are back the question is......When's the next trip to the beach?

Enjoy the photos!

Jen and the Blond Ambition Bella

Little Georgia Peach

Bella and I have been busy. We went to see Grandpa and Grandma Hardy down in Atlanta. Bella got to play with Toby the dog, sit like a big girl in Auntie Nora's chair from when she was little, and go shopping. All kinds of people came to see Bella and she was in rare form. She smiled and giggled at all the right times while displaying her talent for rolling and playing with toys. While in Atlanta, Bella almost mastered a few new tricks. She's started clapping her hands with her fists when asked to clap her hands. I worked with her to open her hands when clapping which she did once. So there's a little more work to do with that trick. In addition, she is on the verge of becoming a world famous harmonica player. Grandma Hardy gave her one while we were in Georgia and she showed some great promise. At the end of our stay we visited with Grandmother and Grandfather Johnson and most of the Johnson clan. To top everything off, Bella and I ventured up to Rock City. After an arduous climb by car (what you think we'd walk?) we reached the top to find.......Starbucks! Well, Rock City was there too, but it had been invaded by the creamy, frothy blend of coffee and cream. What is this world coming to? Anyways, that was our journey down south. Next stop: Gulf Shores.

C ya,

Jen and Bella