Friends

Last month (yes, I'm still catching up), we met our good friends Marshall & Julie and their nieces in Poulsbo for Viking Fest - a celebration of Norway's Constitution Day on May 17th. This was Hazel's first parade since she was 5 months old, and she thoroughly enjoyed it... especially the part where the participants throw candy! I was worried she wouldn't be grabby enough to beat the more experienced kids to the candy, but Lola (pictured below) was very generous with her stash and shared with the other children. Lola is just a few months older than Hazel and was very sweet and wanted to hold Hazel's hand while we walked around. Hazel wasn't sure what to make of that, but she still enjoyed Lola's company.

I think big sister Tasia could've used a friend her age too. It was oh so hot that day; it was nice to be by the water.

Then we unexpectedly ran into some other good friends after the parade. Grace (just turned 5) is Hazel's "bestest friend." Of course, anyone playing with Hazel at the time is her best friend, but she and Grace really do enjoy playing together. Grace shared her dance clothes with Hazel and they put on quite a performance, with Hazel mimicking Grace's moves.

The lifts were a little difficult.

Grace's brother Brian thinks Hazel is ever so cute and likes to pick her up and swing her around when they say hello. He's always acting goofy, but what 8 year old boy isn't...

Hazel's taking her first dance class starting next week. She's very excited about that.

Brian & Grace have a super neat horse to ride on. When you rock back and forth, the legs gallop.

Every now and then Hazel would have to stop while Grace fed or watered the horse.