Ari and Harley

Hola Amigos! It’s me, Harley. (By the way, that is “hello friends” for Spanish)  You may wonder where I stayed during track-out break.  Well, let me start by saying that I stayed over Ariadna’s house, where I learned a bit of Spanish and had a great time.  First of all, I arrived at Ari’s house on Thursday evening after a long ride from Fuquay-Varina to our state’s capital, the city of Raleigh, where Ari’s family lives. Even though, the ride was long, I really enjoyed it because Vidnia, Ari’s mom, played all kind of fun music in the car, which we sang along with Ari. That lady sure knows a lot about good music! She played great songs from bands like The Beatles and other phenomenal singers. She even played some rhythmic Spanish songs…a one, two, three, four!  Eehemmm! Shall we get back to the story? Alright once in Ari’s house, she introduced me to her dad, Mr. Raul and her little sister, Ileana…sweet little kid!

Later that evening, after dinner and talking, while everyone was getting ready to go to bed, Ari told me that her tummy ached a little bit; I got a little concerned because she did not look so good. Then, when everyone had fallen to sleep, I woke up to the sound of Ari’s crying. Her face look pale and she was having a hard time going back to sleep.  Poor Ari!  Ms. Vidnia came rushing to her bedroom to make sure everything was fine. After noticing that Ari had an upset tummy, she decided to get some medicine to help Ari feel better. She then gave my friend some extra tender, loving, care assuring her that everything was going to be OK. She tucked us back into bed and gave us a kiss good night.  Early in the morning when Ari and I woke up, a joyful lady was humming in the kitchen making some delicious breakfast. She introduced herself to me as Ariadna’s grandmother, also known as “Mommy Edith”. She said she was there to take care of Ari for the day since she was not feeling her best. I thought to myself: “There is nothing like granny” Don’t you agree?  We spent the rest of the day resting and watched some television with Momma Edith.
By night time I was so glad to see that Ari was doing much better.

During our first week together Ari and I did lots of different activities such as coloring, painting, reading and also went kite flying on the windy afternoons. I even learned some Spanish with Ari’s family. The one phrase I will not forget is: “la comida esta lista” which means “food is ready”. Yummy…and what delicious foods they made!

During weekdays I would stay home waiting patiently for Ariadna’s return from her track-out school program. Ari got a bit upset once she learned that she was not allowed to bring anything from home to this new place. She thought I would get lonely and bored. However, before leaving she had a meeting with all her bedroom friends and asked them to make me feel just like home, which they certainly did, especially Mr. Stuffy, a big white color bear with a red bow around his neck; that is one of Ari’s favorite. I could see why, that bear is one cool dude! Also, there was Chocolate, the bear; Verania, the doll; Hello Kitty in a smaller version and Barbie, whom I became great pals with. I miss them all! We spent three great weeks together.

By the way, on our second weekend together, Ari’s family took me to a great “fiesta” (that is ‘party’ for Spanish) where I became the special guest. Everyone there wanted to meet me and wondered where I came from. Everyone there was bilingual in English and Spanish. I practiced some Spanish with the birthday girl and her acquaintances. Boy, do these folks know how to have fun! Whew! I can still feel the rhythm of the Salsa, Cumbia and Merengue music…ta-ra-ra-ra-ta-ta!  While I was enjoying the music, I noticed food on the table…mmmmmm! It looked delicious, so I decided I would keep an eye on it when Ari’s mom sat me right on the table. I ate a couple sandwiches. Yummy!  At this party I also met Marlene the Bunny. We chat about Easter, Good Friday and other special days coming up. After we had some chocolate cake, Ari’s mom took a picture of me with some of the guests. I truly enjoyed myself!

When Eater made its day Ari, Ileana and I had already gone Easter egg hunting around the neighbor’s cul-de-sac.  We only ate one or two chocolates after Ms. Vidnia said that it was not a good idea to eat them all because we could get cavities if we ate all of the Easter eggs. After lunch that day, we decided to play in the backyard. I was brave enough to go on the slide! Everyone yelled: “Go, Harley”.
We had lots of fun!

During our third week, Ari and I listened to book stories her mom read before going to bed, we also spent some time getting ready to get back to Ballentine by organizing spring clothes and storing winter coats and long sleeves shirts.
I had so much fun staying over at Ari’s home. It gave me ample time to practice and mastered my Spanish.  Ari’s family said that we should not wait to get together until another track-out break, and you know what? I totally agree with them!  When Monday arrived, we sang lots of songs on our way back to school remembering how everything began.

Jack and Harley

Harley had a busy weekend.  On Friday, he played with all the kids in the neighborhood including Jack C.,  Scott and Tommy M.,  and Steven G .  We played on the trampoline and then went on a nature ride on a golf cart.  Then, we went to  a cookout with hotdogs and ended with movie night at my house.  The movie was Space Buddies.   Harley loved it . He snuggled up with me on the couch.  Saturday it was raining at 9 a.m. and Jack C. came over and we all slid down the stairs.  We had 11 friends over for a Saladmaster lunch and watched a nice man cook us healthy food and teach us about nutrition and cookware.  Harley loved the vegetable lemon cake.  Mom loved it because it was free and fun. That afternoon we all went to Monkey Joes in Cary.  I saw Cindy there.  We both played in the jumpy house and we played with the Monkey Joe guy.   He slapped us all high five, even Harley.   Sunday was church, more playing with the neighborhood boys then home for dinner, grocery shopping for healthy snacks and fruit for school, then a bath, books and bed.  I tried to brush Harley’s teeth but his fur kept getting in the way.   I loved having Harley for the weekend.

Nicholas and Harley

I had a great weekend with Harley! Harley and I wasted no time.  After school on Friday, Harley, my friend Tori, and I played outside and rode bikes and jumped on the trampoline.  For dinner, Harley enjoyed a nice sample of our best honey.  After dinner and some Wii games it was off to bed.  Sunday we made a trip to Washington, NC to meet family and help celebrate my cousin Cheyenne’s one year birthday party.  The party was held at a park that was next to the Pamlico River.  We played on the playground on the swings and slides.  Harley enjoyed being near the water and liked seeing the boats that were there.  He passed on the birthday cupcakes since he still had a belly full of honey.  Harley had fun on the long ride back, dancing to songs and playing with me.  We enjoyed having Harley spend the weekend with us!  Hopefully some day he can come back!

Dylan and Harley

This weekend Harley came to spend the weekend with Dylan.  They had lots of fun together.  Friday evening, then went to Blockbuster together and rented a new video game.  They played it together all night on Friday, at least until bedtime.  Dylan and Harley both slept late Saturday morning.  Saturday afternoon, Dylan took Harley for a ride on his dirt bike.  They had a blast.  Dylan tried to teach Harley to drive the dirt bike, but Harley is a better rider than he is a driver.  That evening, Dylan introduced Harley to all his stuffed animals.  They all became good friends.  The picture we took of Harley reminds Dylan and Harley of a “Where’s Harley?” game.  Then, on Sunday, we had family come over and we ate a huge meal.  Dylan had Harley join us at the dinner table.  Everyone enjoyed meeting Harley, he got a ton of compliments on how adorable and cute he is.  Then, Sunday evening Dylan got a new pair of sunglasses, so we got Harley a pair of sunglasses, too.

Kelly and Harley

I was so excited that Harley was able to come home with me this weekend.  I knew that I was going to be doing many fun things this weekend and was happy that Harley could share them with me.  The first thing I did was introduce Harley to my dog Emily. They really liked each other.

On Friday night, we went to a Hurricanes ice hockey game! We had really good seats right on the ice and Harley and I could see the game up close! I was even given the official game puck they played with in the first period. That was exciting. We loved dancing and cheering for the Hurricanes and they won the game 4-1!

On Saturday Harley and I went to visit my big sister Traci at UNC-Wilmington. We visited her apartment where she lives when she’s away at college and we went to the beach. The beach was my favorite part and we played in the sand and walked out on the pier. The wind was a little chilly but the sun felt good on my face!

Harley went to church with me on Sunday and met my friends there in my Sunday school class.

I had so much fun with Harley this weekend and can’t wait til he comes home to visit me again.

Annika and Harley

I had a great time with Harley.   He was having fun sitting on the Christmas tree!  Harley went on the train around my Christmas tree, and my brother Jan built houses to go around the train.  He also sat in my doll house and looked around.  He ate carrots and tomatoes and LOVED them!  I will miss Harley a lot.

Sydney and Harley

Harley started his weekend with Sydney with a ride home on the bus.  She was excited to have him for a busy weekend with us!  First off we started getting ready for Sydney’s birthday celebration.  Harley had lots of fun, but not too much cake.  Saturday was a very busy day starting with a good breakfast, going to Sydney’s brother’s basketball game, then going with Sydney to her basketball game where she is a cheerleader.  After a good nights rest, Harley went to church with us on Sunday then enjoyed a little time outside.  A busy weekend was had by all!

Gustavo and Harley

Harley and I had a great weekend.  We ate chicken together.  Chicken is my favorite food!  Yummy!  Then, we played basketball.  Harley is really good at basketball; he is the best player.  Afterwards, we did some coloring.  I colored purple.  My sister Marlenn loved him, too.  We had a great time!

Alleigh and Harley

Whew! What a great weekend we had with Harley. It’s hard to tell who had more fun…Harley or Alleigh. On Friday we went to a couple of stores to finish up our Christmas shopping. Harley enjoyed looking in all of the stores and trying to pick just the perfect gift for some of our family and friends. We all shopped until we dropped! Harley actually dropped first and so he stayed in the car part of the time to take a nap. Don’t worry, Alleigh picked out a nice sweater for Harley so he would stay warm. When we got home, mom was too tired to cook our usual Friday night pancake dinner, so we picked up subs from Jimmy Johns. They were delicious! After a little time to play, it was off to bed. Friday night is always girls’ night at our house. Alleigh and mom usually do fun things together and boys are not allowed, but we included Harley this time!   Saturday morning Harley went with Alleigh to Tae Kwon Do class. This was a real treat. Alleigh has been working really hard in class and will earn her next belt in a couple of weeks. When they returned home, Alleigh and Harley helped make homemade applesauce. Their jobs were to wash and core the apples. They also put in the right amount of water, sugar and cinnamon. It was hard to wait for the apples to cook all day! After lunch, Harley joined Alleigh as her Daisy Girl Scout troop participated in a Christmas sing along. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Frosty the Snowman were some of the songs we sang. After singing for about an hour, all of the girl scouts met at a church to warm up with hot chocolate, apple cider, and cookies while they played games and met new girls. Harley and Alleigh made about 7 new friends. Their favorite was Abby. Guess who else they met? Santa Claus! That was exciting! Santa reminded them to both be good so he could visit them soon. Later on for dinner, we finally had our pancakes, turkey bacon, eggs, and applesauce! Everything was yummy and everyone ate until they were stuffed. On Sunday, Harley went with us to church. He even went to Sunday school with Alleigh. Her church friends enjoyed getting to meet him. After church, Harley, Alleigh, and Isaiah (Alleigh’s little brother) decorated their Christmas tree. It has gingerbread men and snow men on it. Alleigh put on the ornaments that were up high, Isaiah put on some in the middle, and Harley put some on down low. The day ended with dinner and lots of playing and drawing at grandpa’s house. After such a busy weekend, Harley will need to get plenty of rest so he will be ready for his next adventure. He was a wonderful guest, and our family hopes he can visit again!

Kassey and Harley

I had a great Thanksgiving with Harley.  We ate turkey and bacon.  For dessert, we had chocolate chip cookies.  Yummy!  After Thanksgiving dinner, I played house with Harley.  He met another bear named Beary.  They were such good friends.  Then, we ate hamburgers at my house.  Harley and I went to sleep.  He loved sleeping in my bed.  The next day, we went to the store and went shopping.  I bought a Pikachu toy.  Harley liked playing with it.  He thought it was his toy, but I told him that it was mine.  But, I let him play with it a lot.  Then, we colored pictures of bears.  I colored Harley white, because he was white.  Then, Harley went with me and my mom to the store to buy food.  I loved spending time with Harley.  He made my Thanksgiving special!

Hannah and Harley

HEY!  This is me (Hannah) and Harley on our first day together. The first thing I did was to give Harley a bath. If you look you can see him in the washer machine.

Later that night my brother, Parker, had a sleep over with 2 of his friends, Reid and William. As you can tell, we has lots of fun that night.

The next day we watched the NC STATE game. Here you can see that we gave Harley a NC STATE football. GO STATE!

Sunday, we just played around the house and helped mommy clean the house.  While Harley was here he made lots of new friends. Harley and I had lots of fun. He said that he would love to come back and stay with me again. And we promise to take more pictures. Thanks Harley for coming and staying with me. I had a great time.

Aidan and Harley

I had a blast with Aidan this weekend! It was packed with family, friends, fun, and even a couple of surprises. I guess that I should start at the beginning (usually the best place).

I got to ride home with Aidan on the school bus. He was so excited to be bringing me to meet his family! It was a rainy day, so we decided to draw some pictures. Aidan loves to draw. His dad thought that my work was very “Picasso,” is that good? Anyway, we played a few games of “Guess Who” with his big brother, Austin, and then ate dinner. After dinner it was family movie night. We all watched “Spiderwick.” His baby brother, Carson, and I hid our eyes during the scary parts! Carson just LOVED hugging and kissing me.

On Saturday we woke up to French toast and scrambled eggs. Yummy! Then Aidan buckled me up in Carson’s car seat, and we were off. We went to “Adventure Landing” for his friend Vincent’s birthday party. The party was a lot of fun and guess who was there?? Evan Froning! It was so good to see an old friend. We all played miniature golf and Aidan got a hole in one. Way to go, buddy! After that we rode on the go-karts. His mom drove way too fast; I’m surprised that lady has a license!

Once the party was over we went back to Aidan’s to rest up for our big night…his first sleepover! It was at Vincent’s house where our next surprise awaited us. My twin sister was there! We spent the whole night reminiscing and stayed up way too late. I sure have missed her!

On Sunday, Aidan and I went home and passed out on the couch almost immediately. It was a good thing too, because later that afternoon Scott and Tommy came over to play with us. We found lots of creepy crawlies, rode bikes, and played games. My favorite game was hide and seek, since I won every time!

Once Tommy and Scott went home we just relaxed and watched some television. That night we sure were tired! His parents tucked us in and read us a story. I had so much fun! His family says I can come back anytime! I am looking forward to visiting with another friend next weekend. See you soon!

Tommy and Harley

I had a great time with Tommy and his family this weekend. We took it easy on Friday since Tommy was home sick from school. I did get to watch a couple of movies from Blockbuster. I really liked Scooby Doo’s Halloween Adventures. We went to bed early so that Tommy would feel better on Saturday.

On Saturday, we got to have a lot more fun. We got to go to a family fun day at Holly Grove Elementary. I got to go on a few rides with Tommy. The bounce house and big slide were my favorites. I got to cheer Tommy on when he played a football game and a soccer game. He won prizes at both. After the fair we went back to Tommy’s house and played in the backyard. We got to eat a few pieces of Halloween candy. That night I helped Tommy and Scott make monkey muffins. I enjoyed smashing the bananas. They tasted great when they were done.

On Sunday, I had a lot of fun again. Tommy and Scott brought me to church and then we got to go out to brunch with their family. Since Tommy still had a cough, we went back to his house and watched The Three Musketeers. I really liked that movie. I had a really nice visit.

Parker and Harley

I had a great weekend with Parker and his family. It started with a trip to Fuquay High Schools Home Coming football game. The weather was bad so I stayed in the car and enjoyed the warmth while Parker got wet! Fuquay won so Parker said it was worth it. I enjoyed the warmth and Parker filled me in what I missed. Go Bengals!

Saturday I got to cheer Parker on as he played Soccer. He scored 4 goals….Way to go Parker! After soccer we went back to the house and chilled out for awhile while we waited for Parker’s Sister and friend to baby sit us. We had a great time playing Wii, making cookies and watching Halloween Town…. We stayed up a little too late and had a hard time getting up the next morning.

On Sunday we had to play another soccer game… This time Parker scored two goals…. Go Parker!

We then went to Agape Camp and Conference Center where Parker’s brother is working on an Eagle Scout project. We enjoyed a nice hike through the woods.

Parker and I walked through a large spider web. But that’s ok since I’m originally from the woods; I’m used to it…..
Well, it’s close to bed time now, what a great weekend. Parker said I’m welcome any time…. Talk with you soon after my next big adventure!

Harley Tracks Out!

Harley is tracked out for three weeks and is so excited about all of the places that he can visit.  He misses all of his kindergarten friends, but is enjoying some “down time.”  He’ll be back to learning in no time!  Harley hopes that all of his friends are having a good track out, too!  Check out Harley visiting the world!  (Actually, these are pictures of what he would like to be doing, but he’s really spending time with Tattle and Suzie at Ballentine waiting for his friends to return.  You’re so silly, Harley!!)

Lauren and Harley

Lauren REALLY enjoyed having me over this past weekend. I learned that on the Friday that I came to stay for the weekend, Lauren asked her Mom when was I coming to visit her. She had no idea that it would be on that day. So how was my weekend with Lauren, let’s find out:

Friday night, we went to Blockbusters to get some movies so that I could spend family time with Lauren and her family. Unfortunately as you can see, Lauren and I did not see much of the movie. We were very tired from the exciting day we had in Miss Schmidt’s class. Whew!!

On Saturday, I watched as Lauren cheered at a football game for one of Fuquay’s flag team. Did you guys know Lauren is a cheerleader? And a GREAT ONE IS SHE!!! While watching her cheer, I got really lonely because she was not spending that time with me, but Lauren made of for it by taking me down the slide at the playground after the game. After the game, we had to hurry right to dance practice where Lauren taught me ballet and tap. I also met a lot of her friends. We had a great time.

On Sunday, I went to church with Lauren and her family. After church, I spent the rest of afternoon with Lauren’s Dad, Mom, and Brother Brandon eating dinner and shopping at the mall while Lauren was at a friend’s house playing. I did not mind hanging out with Lauren’s family, especially her big brother.  He took good care of me.

My stay with Lauren and her family concluded with getting a bath, reading a book, and getting into bed so that we can start another week of school. I look forward to spending time with Lauren again.

Luke and Harley

Harley had a great time at Luke’s house this past weekend, and we certainly enjoyed having him!  After all, who doesn’t love a guest that doesn’t talk back, never complains, isn’t always hungry and goes to bed without an argument?  He is welcome anytime !!!!!

Harley started off with a sleepover Friday night.  Harley’s old friend from last year, Evan Froning, came over and they both, along with Luke, and Luke’s big brother Zach all fell asleep next to each other.

Saturday was a busy day as Harley tagged along with the Trevisan’s for a typical Fall Saturday.  We started with a bright and early soccer game.  Harley cheered on Luke’s team, the Best Buy Lizards, to a victory as he watched from the sidelines.  After that, it was off to big brother Zach’s football game where Harley helped cheer on another Trevisan team to victory.  Upon returning home, Harley sat down, cooled off from the heat, and joined Zach & Luke in a fierce game of Battlefront II on the Xbox.  Afterwards, they changed games and continued with Cars.  This game was probably a little more Harley’s speed as he had a hard time hitting the tiny buttons on the controller with his little paws.

On Sunday, Harley played outside with Luke and his friends from the neighborhood.   Later on, he came in, relaxed and took a nap.  Somewhere along the way, Luke’s little sister Kendall tried to steal Harley away and keep him for her own.  Harley somehow found his way back to his keeper before Kendall could lose him in her sea of stuffed animals.  Harley slept with Luke every night and Luke sure does miss him!  We can’t wait until he joins our family again.

Andrew and Harley

I had a great time with Andrew. We had so much fun this weekend.

Here is how it started…
When I got to Andrew’s house on Friday, Andrew surprised his family with ME! I flew out of my special bag and Andrew shouted “LOOK who I got!!!”  Andrew and I got to play computer games and we also played together on the Wii. That was fun. On Friday night, we took a walk. Andrew put me in some pajama’s, tucked me in a backpack carrier and off we went through his neighborhood. Halfway through our walk, it started to rain. I had to be put in Andrew’s baby sisters stroller to keep me from getting too wet. We got home and it was time for bed. On weekends, Andrew and his siblings get “tent night”. If Andrew, Nick, Alexa and Amber (that’s his brother and sisters) are nice to each other and good for their mommy and daddy, they get to sleep wherever they want to for the weekend. We slept on the floor all bundled up in his mommy and daddy’s room. We had good dreams and I was nice and warm in my jammies. On Saturday, Andrew and I made a club. We read books and colored. Andrew dressed me in some jeans. We couldn’t wait until Sunday because…

On Sunday we visited with Aidan! Andrew stayed to play with Aidan while I went back to his home to take a much needed nap.

It was a fun filled weekend and I am so tired! I am off to bed, but I will see all of you tomorrow.
Love, Harley 

Harley and Tiana

Harley came to spend the weekend with the Lowry’s Labor day weekend.  He had lots of fun in a house with four children and lots of friends coming by to play. 

On Friday, our friends Hanna, Hanna  C. and Emily came over to play makeup.  They sure looked pretty when they were done.  Saturday was filled with lots of practices.   Soccer and baseball pet sitting were lots of fun.  We also went fishing at Bass Lake.  Tiana’s brother, Oberon, and sister, Kaitlyn, were the only ones to catch a fish.  Sunday, we were lazy and relaxed around the  house.  On Monday we went fishing at Harris park and went to play Frisbee golf.  It is a game like regular golf but you use a Frisbee and aim for baskets instead of holes in the ground.  I really enjoyed my time at Tiana’s and hope I get to return again this year.  XOXO Harley

Blake and Harley

Harley and Blake had a great time this weekend.  Blake introduced Harley to the entire family on Friday afternoon.  They had a snack together before going up to Blake’s room to play gymnastics and then to play the drums.  Blake and Harley got crazy a little bit as they danced to the music.  Harley was going to go to the pool with the family, but he did not want to get wet…so he stayed home.  Blake and Harley finished this weekend together by reading Blake’s library book and getting tucked into bed by dad.

Cassidy and Harley

Cassidy had so much fun with Harley.

Harley started his weekend off with some special art projects. One of Cassidy’s favorite hobbies is to draw and color. So Harley and Cassidy went to work and made some pretty neat pictures together. Then for dinner Harley and Cassidy ate some yummy pizza and then joined in for some dancing and music with Cassidy’s brothers and sister. Harley got to play the guitar, and a little on the keyboard too!

Saturday mornings at Cassidy’s is pancakes and eggs. So Harley dug right in and made himself at home. Then Harley came along with Cassidy while she played outside with her friends. They had so much fun! Harley even got to ride in the baby doll seat on the back of Cassidy’s bike. We then were off to the art store and Harley and Cassidy went shopping. Harley came home with a new straw hat!

Then Sunday came around and we took Harley up to the park to meet some friends. He had so much fun on the swings and going down the slide. After that we visited some family and Cassidy was so happy to let Harley meet her GiGi. Then off to the pool to see some friends!

What a wonderful weekend to share with a new friend.

 

Lleyton and Harley

on the lake

After a weekend with Lleyton, Harley will need to go into hibernation! They were so busy. One of the best things about the weekend was that Harley made a lot of new friends and got to see and experience things he had never done before.

Lleyton and Harley went to bed early Friday night because they had to be up bright and early for soccer practice. Lleyton’s team is the Sting Rays…not an animal Harley is used to seeing.

That night Harley came face to face with a BULL! Wooly Bull that is. Harley headed to the Durham Bulls game with Lleyton and his two best buddies. After the game, they stayed for fireworks.

Sunday, Harley got to kick back at the lake. He was hungry so the first thing he did was catch a fish to eat. After that he spent the day tubing.

Check out that fish!

It was a weekend full of adventure and we hope Harley will come back and join us again soon.

soccer time!

At the game

Harley Visits Miss Schmidt’s House

Sammi and Grace meet Harley

Harley came to Miss Schmidt’s house this weekend and met Miss Schmidt’s two cats, Sammi and Grace first thing.  At first, they were scared of Harley, but then they became friends.  They played hide-and-seek, run-and-chase, and tackle-each-other until they all got tired and went to sleep.  On Saturday, Miss Schmidt and Harley went to a friend’s house to play guitar and eat dinner.  Harley loved singing while Miss Schmidt played the guitar.  He also liked the macaroni and cheese for dinner.  Harley spent lots of time with the cats on Sunday while Miss Schmidt went to church and did some work.  He was pretty tired from all of the singing the night before anyway, so enjoyed resting.  He did, however, try to build a fort with Sammi and Grace, but they were too scared to go inside.  Harley enjoyed visiting Miss Schmidt’s house and can’t wait to go to the homes of all of his new friends!