Summertime Fun

In between rain showers this summer, we've been trying to spend some time outdoors.  Memorial Day Weekend we headed up to Maynard and spent time camping at Goulsburg Park with Mom and Dad.  The weather was so beautiful that we spent little time inside the new camper other than to sleep. We enjoyed lots of great food throughout the weekend, prepared by Chef Gary on his homemade cooking tri-pod.  Memorial Day Monday marked the day Mount Pleasant's swimming pool opened so Bailey enjoyed meeting up with her friends while I was able to get some more of my novel read.  Last week we headed over to the school playground so Bailey could show me her new moves on the monkey bars.  We're looking forward to more fun that's in store throughout the summer.

Bailey with Grandpa and Grandma Seegers by the camper

Ready for the first swim of the season

The Little Monkey

An Evening at Magic Kingdom--Year 2

Last night was a great night for a walk.  Throw in some Disney characters along the way and it's that much more enjoyable.  For the 2nd year, Bailey and I went to A Night At Magic Kingdom, a program organized by Healthy Henry County Communities and Mount Pleasant Parks and Rec held on the walking trails of East Lake Park.  This year a program was provided for each child to get character signatures and add a picture to remember the evening with Disney.  Someday we hope to get to the real Disney World or Disneyland, but in the meantime we enjoy seeing the characters in our own backyard.

This girl is the perfect Cruella.  She plays up her character well.

Van Allen Field Day

Last Wednesday was Van Allen Elementary's Annual Field Day.  Bailey's 2nd grade class competed against the other 2 classes in 3 relay races.  It was a nice afternoon to sit back and enjoy watching the kids have fun.  I'm sure the teachers this time of year are wishing every afternoon could be Field Day as the kids tend to get squirrley once the weather gets warmer.  The countdown is on at our house for the last day of school...June 9th.  Of course a couple weeks into summer vacation, I know Bailey will be asking how long until school starts.  I think we have enough activities planned throughout the summer to keep her busy. 

Kate Addison Seegers Joins The Family

On Monday, May 17th at 2:18 pm, Kate Addison Seegers arrived.  She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long.  Bailey and I were able to travel up to Cedar Rapids late that afternoon to meet and hold Kate.  Other visitors included the older Seegers siblings, Lauren, Alli and Austin, Grandpa and Grandma Seegers and Hope, Geoff and Graham.  I'm excited to be an aunt again and Bailey is looking forward to having another cousin to play with.

Team Bailey

This year marked the 5th year I raised money for March of Dimes annual fundraiser, March for Babies.  Back in July 2005, I attended a leadership conference with a group of students.  I had attended this conference before and knew there was always a goal-setting exercise that involved the students and adults.  The previous 2 years I had set goals at the conference, but unfortunately did not reach them.  That year I decided to set a goal that would help others rather than helping myself.  I decided to "pay it forward" and help families who are affected by a premature baby just as I was 5 years earlier.  After researching March of Dimes, I discovered there was an annual walk, WalkAmerica.  I organized a family team, Team Bailey, and ended up surpassing the monetary goal I had set at the leadership conference back in July.  Since 2006, Team Bailey has raised $2,908.  This year Bailey set a walking goal, walking 4 of the 6 miles at the Iowa City walk.  There are no words to describe what this experience has done for me and to see my baby who needed physical therapy for her first 2 years of life now walk 4 miles. 

WalkAmerica 2006 in Waterloo: Bailey with Cedar Valley Coordinator Darcy

March for Babies 2008 in Cedar Rapids: Hope, Heidi, Bailey and Dixie

March for Babies 2009 in Iowa City: Bailey and Heidi

March for Babies 2009 in Iowa City: Heidi and Amy

March for Babies 2010 in Iowa City: Dixie and Heidi

March for Babies 2010 in Iowa City: Bailey with Perky after her 4 mile walk

A Very Special Day

April 4, 2010 marked the day Graham Hilton Wood became a child of God through the waters of baptism. His Grandma Cathy performed the baptism, which made it so special for the family. You could definitely feel the love in the church as the Seegers and Roth families witnessed this wonderful occassion. Our family spent the weekend in Des Moines and were able to celebrate the Easter holiday all together which was also a special moment.

Hope's side of the family

Geoff's side of the family

Grandpa Seegers and his girls at the pool

Alli, Bailey, Lauren and Austin in their Sunday best

Bailey's 9th Birthday

March 28th marked Bailey's 9th birthday. It's amazing to see how this 1 pound, 13 ounce and 14" miracle baby has grown. I'm in the process of creating my 5th scrapbook to cherish the memories. Bailey celebrated her actual birthday on March 28th with 4 of her close friends from school and daycare. The family celebration took place a couple weeks later on April 10th and included celebrating her cousin Lauren's 6th birthday at Fun City. It was a great time celebrating with both groups.

Bailey and her friends